young couple discussing with a female agent

 

Many businesses today have realized the benefits of using electronic document management services. Whether it’s the efficient distribution of information to appropriate parties, the security of electronic backup, or any other advantages that come with an electronic document management system, forward-minded businesses are going electronic. 

Storing large quantities of paper copy is cumbersome and inefficient. If you’re considering streamlining your document system, contact River City Data for a free estimate today. We will create a custom solution that meets your specific needs and prepares you for the new age of data management. 

Why Are Companies Interested in Electronic Document Management Services?

If it isn’t written down, it didn’t happen. Many companies live by that mantra. 

Written documentation is an unimpeachably clear form of communication. It eliminates potential confusion and provides a clear record for everyone involved to access. 

Documents are vital to most businesses. Keeping those documents safe, secure, and accessible is critical to good business management. 

It may feel secure to lock a paper copy in a filing cabinet, but records are demonstrably safer when kept in a secure electronic format

Digital files are easily backed up in cloud storage. If you have a cloud-based backup, you’ll never have to worry about a flood or fire wiping out all of your data. 

young female professional holding files and folders and organizing documents

Document management software helps you access files with a few keystrokes. And, unlike paper files, information can be tagged and cross-referenced. Companies using a management software system can search for data by any tagged field rather than seeking out a file by name.

Some companies choose to purchase a document management software program with the intent that employees will utilize the tools in it on their own. But employers who attempt this soon realize that managing documents in a data-heavy company is a full-time job. 

If you aren’t excited about the idea of adding to your staff, an electronic document management service is an excellent option. 

Companies providing professional management services are well-versed with the handling of sensitive information. They are experts at records management and providing security to your digital assets. 

Each page is individually prepared. Each scan is completed on professional-grade equipment, then reviewed for any defects and tagged to be made searchable in whatever way the business has designated.

1. Insurance Agencies

If ever there was a type of business that understood planning for contingencies, it would have to be an insurance company. 

Insurance companies process vast quantities of paper every day: applications, claims, cancellations, and policy statements. 

Insurance operations run more smoothly with electronic document management services. Paper documents can be scanned as they are received and routed as needed with no time wasted in transit.

Agents can find the details of a client’s policy in the time it takes to type their name with searchable digital files. 

When insurance companies have their clients complete forms electronically, dedicated software ensures all fields are completed with the appropriate type of data, reducing omission errors. 

2. Law Firms

Legal specialists are obsessive about their data. Documents must be secure. The typeset needs to be clear. 

Law firms know that each page of the paper copy will be carefully prepared and scanned when they choose professional electronic document management services. Staples and paperclips will be removed. Scans will be monitored for blurring or other failures. 

The benefits of using a professional scanning service are clear: businesses get professional service from dedicated experts and the most current technology available.

librarian working with paper documents and records

3. Libraries

Libraries: the land of cross-referencing. At one point in history, researching in a library meant locating the card catalog, then searching by title, author, or subject. 

Those days are gone. 

A stereotypical library does not evoke images of the cutting edge of data technology. But libraries are continually moving with the times, adding new data and new formats.

Libraries are all about the preservation, advancement, and sharing of information. That might come in the form of a best-selling story, or it might happen with the discovery of a key piece of information in an old local newspaper.  

At one time in history, a library user needed to ask the librarian for help if they were looking for something obscure. With electronic document storage, anyone accessing the library can search for an infinite variety of topics. 

Scanned digital documents are searchable by keyword. Periodicals are no longer fragile, yellowing pages with faded print.

4. Real Estate Companies

Realtors need to cross-reference and compare information from a variety of sources on a daily basis. Current listings, pending sales by zip code or street-level boundaries, and many other fractured pieces of data come together to help realtors guide clients to the perfect property.

The right software system is critical to comparing data from different programs. 

male pharmacist looking at medical document management services on a tablet

5. Pharmacies

Pharmacies retain sensitive documents and health information. Cross-referencing prescription drug information can be a matter of life or death. 

Pharmacists are experts at cross-checking various medications. They receive data for every medication they dispense. 

Managing that data and having ready access to searchable documents makes the pharmacist’s number one job – keeping patients safe – much easier to accomplish. 

Your Business Will Benefit from an Electronic Document Management System, Too. 

Any company that has a need to be highly organized will receive value from electronic document management. Strategic business owners will recognize the added value of retaining a professional service to handle this task. 

Every day you delay moving into the electronic world adds up to more information to be scanned when you do take the plunge. Step boldly into the digital world. 

Contact River City Data today. We will provide an electronic data management service geared to your specific needs to help your business keep looking forward. And, if you do need to look back, your data will be there for you.

 

receptionist and doctor speaking with patients and discussing medical records

 

Electronic medical records are drastically improving how healthcare organizations store, access, and share medical information. Hospitals and clinics want to utilize the best EMR systems have to offer to improve patient care. Paper medical charts and information needs to be uploaded through medical records scanning, so all data is accessible through the EMR. 

You want to trust a reputable company with customer loyalty, brand recognition, business longevity, and prosperity for your scanning projects. It is smart to outsource medical documents to industry experts like River City Data, who can ensure security during the scanning process. 

Contact River City Data for a free estimate on secure medical document scanning. River City Data offers trusted medical records scanning for healthcare organizations to save you time and effort. 

Why Do I Need to Digitize Medical Records?

Electronic medical records give health care professionals instant access to patient information. Instant access is especially helpful in emergencies when the staff does not have time to look through paper charts. Doctors and nurses can immediately view allergies and medications of patients using a tablet or mobile computer.

Digitizing medical records also allows practitioners to keep the focus where it matters the most: on the patients. Paper charts tend to be more time consuming on the professional staff and for administrative support. Digitizing medical records allows for better use of time and resources for all healthcare organizations. 

Most health care organizations have moved to an electronic program for health records. The concern now is what to do with old patient records that are still paper-based. Many medical organizations do not have time, staff, or programming for medical records scanning. 

electronic medical records scanning services on a tablet

What are the Benefits of Scanning Medical Records? 

Many healthcare organizations are aware of the benefits of scanning paper medical records. Record scanning can reduce costs, keep patient medical data secure, reduce clinical risk, and improve patient care. 

Digitizing medical records eliminates the need to search for paper files manually. Professionals spend time treating patients instead of searching for files. 

Medical records are also protected from loss and damage when digitized. The papers are backed into a cloud system where they are immune to devastations such as flood, fire, and other natural disasters

When done correctly, medical records scanning is a fair process with a good return on the investment. There are two options for healthcare organizations to consider scanning needs and document management: in-house or outsourcing. 

When is In-house Medical Records Scanning a Good Option?

If a medical facility needs medical records scanning, it likely has several active and historic patient charts to upload. Scanning all these records is a massive task for the staff, but possible. 

If your organization chooses in-house scanning, you will need to invest in a scanner that serves the purpose. Many standard office-based scanners cannot handle the high volume of medical documents that will need to be uploaded. Also, consider administrative staff assisting in digitizing medical records will need access to computers and technology in-house. 

If you have the right equipment, you will also need the staff to scan and index patient information. The team will need to be trained on using the equipment and must meet the deadlines required by professional staff, so the organization continues to run smoothly. In busy environments, this can be a hassle and difficult to achieve.

Your facility will also need the space to accommodate the staff and equipment for the project. It can be for a few days or maybe a few months, depending on the number of paper charts. Accommodation can be an obstacle for smaller organizations that are already short on space for staff.

Additionally, staff will need to understand manual indexing, which is how records are searched and retrieved. Indexing requirements can be complicated, and this slows the scanning process. Ultimately may overwhelm the staff.

Many organizations opt to outsource to a professional document and management company for their medical records scanning needs because of these factors. It can be the best option for cost, time, and effort. 

rows of colorful medical records and files

How is Outsourcing Medical Records Scanning Useful? 

Scanning patient records is a time-consuming task. There is also a risk for human error if staff are untrained or unsure how to use the document scanning programs. Due to the busy and stressful environment of many health care settings, it can be difficult and unrealistic to upload scanned medical records. 

Outsourcing eliminates the risk of human error and saves time. Document scanning companies are experts in medical record scanning. It is what they do every day, so there is less risk. 

Healthcare organizations have become overwhelmed with the sheer volume of medical records that need to be digitized, which has increased significantly over the last decade. Volume can make the medical records scanning process difficult and overwhelming. Outsourcing to a company relieves you of this burden.

Outsourced scanning is an excellent option for both small and large healthcare organizations. It is fast and can be more affordable than in-house medical records scanning. It is essential to choose a company that understands the healthcare sector. An experienced company will be familiar with the regulations and compliance needs of organizations. 

female doctor reviewing medical records

What Do I Need to Look for in a Document Scanning Company? 

The company should have the knowledge, experience, and skills to undertake the scanning of medical records. Experience ensures documents will meet regulatory requirements. 

The company must have the ability to undertake large-scale scanning projects with ease. This ability will reduce the risk of error and disruption in the organization’s day-to-day operations. 

Each business has its budget and plan for allocating resources. The company chosen does depend on business cost and resources. It is important to remember that it will likely be an essential and resourceful allocation of funds for the company in the long-run.

Trust River City Data for Your Medical Records Scanning Needs

The team at River City Data has the experience and knowledge you are looking for in a scanning company. Our team is certified in HIPAA protocol. We are familiar with the rules and regulations of the healthcare industry. 

We value privacy and make it a top priority. We provide unparalleled, quality medical record document scanning and indexing.

Contact us today for a free estimate. We customize to your needs and can meet the challenges or deadlines needed by healthcare organizations. Our clients appreciate our world-class experience, along with our small-town values. RiverCity Data hopes to help your facility get digitized so you can excel in the healthcare industry. 

 

woman worker sitting at a clean tidy desk looking zen and stress free

 

Marie Kondo has sparked an urge for minimalism, and it is a trend that has infiltrated every area of our daily lives. From sparkling, organized closets to clearing shelves of clutter, many of us have embraced the adage that less is more. Why not bring this concept to life in your office, by allowing the magic of scanning services to clear your desk and usher in a whole new you?

One of the most apparent advantages of scanning services is the space they allow you to save. Digital documents are compact, sleek files that will enable vast swathes of data to be stored in a single hard drive. But what are the other advantages to order and clarity in the workplace? Read on, and you may be surprised!

And when you’re convinced of the magic of a tidy desk and how document scanning services can help you achieve that goal, reach out to River City Data for a free quote. We can help you get your clutter under control!

What Benefit Does a Clear Desk Offer?

Taking advantage of scanning services comes with several bonuses for businesses and staff. In addition, the mere act of organizing can also have some unexpected perks.

From reducing stress to boosting productivity, there are several advantages to clearing your desk (luckily, we mean literally, not metaphorically!). Some of the more unexpected bonuses can really improve the general overall working environment and offer benefits to all workers.

clean workspace and desk with a computer and plant and window and no documents or files or mess

Reduce Stress

Research has proven that a clean, ordered environment can have a positive impact on our stress levels. The visual effect of a clutter-free desk can leave you feeling calm, zen, and ready to work. In turn, this helps to generate a soothing and stress-free working environment. A clear desk really can be a clear mind!

Save Time

Reducing the clutter in your space can also be a real time saver. Scanning services help remove physical debris and make files easier to locate, meaning that you can immediately access the data you need. As an added bonus, the office will be easy to keep clean if you are not continually moving obstacles.

Improve Health

It may seem unexpected, but keeping your desk clear of clutter can have advantages for physical health, in addition to mental wellbeing. The increased ease of cleaning means that germs and bugs are less likely to build up and spread. Easier, more effective cleaning can minimize staff illness and reduce the spread of coughs, colds, and viruses.

Keeping spaces and areas clear and accessible also helps to reduce the chance of accidents in the workplace. Slips, trips, and falls can also cause serious injury, putting employees and clients at risk. Keep walkways clear from towering piles of paperwork, and make sure heavy files do not impair visibility.

man working in a neat clean office

Boost Efficiency

In a similar vein, streamlining information via scanning services also allows you to use your time more efficiently. There will be no more lost invoices or misplaced documents to hunt thorough; users can simply log on and access what they require. Not only is this record management better for staff, but it presents a more efficient and reliable service for clients and customers.

All interactions can be made faster and more effective, communications streamlined, and facts checked in no time. Employees will be able to archive old projects without issue and retrieve them if required at a moment’s notice. Productivity will also rise; everything you need to proceed is right there on hand, and this allows you to get on with the prioritized job.

Professional Image

There is nothing less professional than visiting someone who is hidden behind a mountain of paperwork. Presenting a clear desk to the world helps you appear capable, in control, and organized — a much better message to send to your clients!

Appearances matter, and a busy, messy desk indicates that you do not care about your job or are too lazy to care. Neither of these makes a great impression, and the added stress of scrabbling around for files only reinforces this. Get organized, get professional, and get results.

worker cleaning a desk with a computer

What Are The Benefits Of Scanning Services?

As well as keeping your office clean, clear, and productive, the benefits of scanning services can be seen in other areas of your working environment.

Security

Digital files help to preserve the security of your data; they are far less accessible than their physical paper counterparts. Document scanning helps transfer the details from the physical to the digital realm.

Unlike traditional filing systems, using scanning services allows you to protect sensitive information with passwords and codes. You will also be able to control access, blocking certain colleagues or staff members from accessing data.

Security can also be assured in the event that your office is struck by a flood, fire, or natural disaster. In these instances, paper files would be destroyed, and the information and data you rely on gone forever. By going digital, however, you can help to ensure that the information is safely backed up on a server, allowing you to carry on no matter what.

Transfer of Information

Scanning services allow files to be transformed into a digital format, which makes the exchange of information more manageable. Documents and data can be sent instantly to anywhere in the world, without having to worry about the uncertainty of post or fax. This also makes it easier to have improved conversations with colleagues and clients; you can relay them documents they need without delay.

How Can We Help?

Here at River City Data, we have a wealth of experience in the world of document scanning. Our team of experienced professionals has worked with businesses and clients across the globe in a range of niches and industries.

Our goal is to help you streamline and simplify your business, taking advantage of the rise in technology and scanning services available. With our help, you can boost efficiency, increase productivity, and enjoy the benefits of a clear desk. Document scanning can transform the way you do business — for the better.

 

Interested in taking the next step? Why not get in touch with our friendly team today, and talk through the options available. You will be Marie Kondo in your workspace in no time and enjoying the significant benefits which follow!

 

employee carrying stacks of documents, files, binders, and paperwork

Does your company still rely on paper documents and filing for the organization of information? Have you been considering a digital solution but fear it will be complicated and disrupt the current flow? Are you concerned with security or data breaches if you move digital? 

Paper-based filing can be a security risk as documents may be misplaced or challenging to locate. Misplaced documents can be a significant obstacle for your business. Not only does it cause service interruptions, but it can be too costly. Having a reliable document management system is essential for maintaining flow within the company. 

River City Data offers a document management solution for numerous clients, including courts, hospitals, schools, and private organizations. Our document management software is an automated solution for organizations with security features to ensure privacy. 

We offer more than cloud storage with our document management systems, which are essential considerations when choosing the best option for records management and assurance of the business process. Call River City Data today for help with all of your data management needs.

document management system DMS

Consider a Document Management System that Gives You Freedom

Business documentation is no longer paper-based as paper documents and filing cabinets become obsolete. Many customers are surprised when companies continue to offer paper-based documentation options. Companies now need electronic document management so they can access what they need in real-time.

Much of the world’s information was created over the last three years. Most of the information and data is in electronic format. Because we live in a digital world, electronic-based document management systems are now necessary to thrive. 

With the right digital management system, files are accessible securely and instantly online. Files are even accessible through a mobile device. Documents are available when you need them, where you need them. 

Decide Cloud-Based Versus On-Premise

In general, there are two types of document management systems: cloud-based and on-premise. 

Cloud-based document management systems are generally considered more functional and secure compared to other systems. They are also more cost-effective than an on-premise solution. However, some organizations consider their bandwidth limited, making on-premise document management systems more financially justifiable. 

Consider that on-premise solutions require server hardware, unlike cloud systems. They are generally third party tools and desktop licensed products. One advantage is they are usually easier to navigate and understand, compared to cloud data management systems. Also, as mentioned, they can be more cost-effective. 

Know that cloud versus on-premise solutions is a widespread IT debate. What is best truly depends on the organization and the needs of the company. Each offers benefits and limitations but usually can be adapted to meet the company’s individual goals and conditions. 

folders popping out from a computer shaped as a cloud to represent cloud based document management system

Find a Document Management System That Frees Up Your Time

Time can be as important as money for your company. A document management system (DMS) eliminates the number one cause of disorganization chaos: document disarray. The right document management system gives workers time back, so they are not spending part of their day bogged down by paper-based administrative tasks. 

Some of the options in an ideal DMS that free time include: 

  • Document scanning
  • Document preparation for digital conversion
  • Document indexing
  • Microfilm conversions to digital format
  • Book conversion to e-format
  • Conversions to digital imaging
  • Document archiving

A Way to Organize and Optimize Asset Management File Types Is Crucial

Financial security and privacy are real concerns in today’s digital age. Digital management systems need secure access controls to keep information about clients safe and secure. Many offer electronic signature options for critical documents so clients know what they are signing, and only they can sign.

It is important to understand; most security breaches are a result of poor internal data information management. Secure version control ensures proper management of computer programs, documents, and collection of information. 

User-based permissions can eliminate internal data breaches, responsible for half of all data breaches over the last two decades. Businesses that do not take steps to reduce the risk of internal violations will be subject to hacking in great numbers. Document management systems eliminate threatening ransomware attacks that have crumbled some companies. 

office employee working with documents at a desk organizing files and folders

Ensure it Offers a Solution for Small Businesses

Document management systems were used by many consumers long before businesses moved to digital technology. Most are targeted to mid- to large-sized organizations, but DMS can improve workflow and productivity for small businesses. 

To determine the best solution for small businesses, they need to consider their digital management system goals. Many want to be paperless or migrate to digital space. The first place to start is usually with scanning paper documents into a digital format, plugged into data management software. 

How about converting old record books to an e-book format? It can be an ideal option to free storage and to get rid of paper clutter. The format allows for easy access and readability for future resource needs. 

Once company documents are digitized, they must stay protected. Secure document hosting will ensure you have the best security possible against intruders. River City Data can offer document security and protection with numerous measures in place for you. 

Why You Should Consider River City Data

Are you looking for a reliable company for your document management system needs? River City Data has been in the industry for over three decades. They are the premier document scanning service in Minnesota, handling over 250,000 documents per week. River City data handles document indexing using Kofax capture, Digitech paper flow, and proprietary software. 

River City Data can convert microfilm to digital format for easy access. They can handle Microfilm, Microfiche, and Aperture cards. 

All of their services meet industry standards in open formats. No matter the need, they can likely produce. 

Other Service Options Include: 

  • Document Hosting
  • Document Archives
  • Disaster Recovery
  • Film Duplication
  • Static Files from Word and Excel Documents

Contact River City Data today to discuss how they can meet your small business’s needs with an all-encompassing document management system tailored just for you. 

 

businessman scanning documents for a company

 

Since we are a document scanning company, we bet you can guess which way this article might lean. When you have a scanning project, it’s natural to wonder if you can handle it yourself. Follow along with us as we outline several criteria you should consider when deciding whether to outsource your document scanning.

At River City Data, we’ve seen and managed nearly every type of scanning and conversion initiative. We scale our services from singular clients with small (but crucial!) conversions, to the most massive corporate scanning projects.

Contact us today to set up an honest, transparent quote for any size scanning job. Our clients have known, liked, and trusted us for forty years and counting. We deliver quality, secure, accessible results every time we scan for you.

 

woman employee scanning documents for company

 

Project Size Matters

Perhaps the primary determinant of whether to DIY your scanning project is the size of the task. If you have a few conventional sized paper files to digitize, scanning them yourself may work just fine.

Most office or home scanners can handle digitizing paper records in letter, legal, and even some specialty paper sizes. Further, your staff hours required to oversee the document management would be minimal in this scenario. If converting to digital documents takes one person a few hours to complete, DIY is a perfect fit.

However, if you have hundreds or thousands of paper records to scan, index, file, and store, consider outsourcing your project to a scanning company you trust. Why? Document scanning companies specialize in large-scale scanning projects. 

Your scanning company partner will ensure a speedy and accurate finish time, without sacrificing quality or details paramount to your data integrity. Professional scanning teams are efficient and laser-focused on doing one thing well: preserving your data for ease of use, security, and other business related goals.

 

overwhelmed employee with stacks of folders for scanning

 

Special Equipment Is a Hassle

As in the above example, conventional records like letters and legal-sized documents may feed easily into your office or home scanner. However, for items that don’t conform to standard sizes or color schematics, it’s wise to select specialized equipment designed to handle scanning “curveballs.”

Maps, artwork, photographs, blueprints, and schematics do not always reproduce well on conventional scanners. Yes, you can purchase software that could allow you to scan your large docs in pieces, but we don’t recommend it. 

If your company routinely scans large documents, you might consider purchasing a specialized scanner for digitizing non-conventional data and images. However, get ready for sticker shock. 

Though scanning equipment comes in every variety for all the “unicorn” scanning projects under the sun, you’ll pay considerably more for the specificity. It’s smart to consider carefully how much you’ll use any scanning equipment you purchase. 

Having a high-quality conventional scanner in businesses like law offices and medical clinics makes sense. Spending half your annual office supply budget on a photo-quality large doc scanner may not be the most practical choice.

Outsourcing your non-standard or large doc scanning projects saves you time, frustration, and expense in the long haul. It’s better to offload the investment of equipment purchase to a specialized scanning partner in these cases.

Document scanning companies have the proper equipment to handle large-scale and non-conventional projects.

Assess Your Indexing Needs

Digitizing and filing a few converted paper records is fast and straightforward. A few digitized records here and there can quickly pile up into a document management nightmare if not properly indexed. 

After all, the purpose of scanning documents is to get them out of bulky manilla folders and cabinets. Instead, you want a cluster of files you can easily categorize, archive, and access whenever you need them. 

When your digital document piles become too high, definitely enlist the help of an experienced document scanning company. Getting help indexing your digital files can prevent crucial data loss and customer privacy concerns.

Document Indexing is the process of categorizing your data by the criteria you choose that fits your business model. Common indexing structures include: 

  • Customer account numbers
  • Order numbers
  • Name
  • Birthdate
  • Region or address
  • Client industry or sector
  • Sales funnel position

 

Plus, you can customize your indexing fields to include relevant keywords or phrases that help you know where to look for the information you need. For example, a law office might index data based on case type, and a dental office may categorize files by services performed.

Having a variety of useful indexing fields can enable you to use your data for many different analytics that can help drive your success. Plus, with strategic help, you can craft or revamp your document management system in ways that flex with your evolving business and help you grow.

Competently scanning and converting your documents, when done correctly, expands your capacity for success and increases office efficiency over time.

 

many files and folders and documents and paper records waiting for a document scanning company

 

Document Security Is Crucial

Once again, scanning a few documents with non-sensitive data is a total DIY green light. However, if you must keep your data secure, how will you ensure that happens if you DIY?

Enlisting help from a document scanning company can ensure your documents remain safe under virtual lock and key. By providing you access via a secure log-in channel, the professional scanning team can provide a secure harbor for sensitive client information. 

Further, if you’re required by law to maintain client or patient privacy, it’s best to outsource your document scanning projects to a specialist. They’ll have relevant HIPAA certifications to guarantee safe handling and storage for all private information.

River City Data: The Clear Choice for a Trusted Document Scanning Company

Your data matters to us at River City Data. We understand you’ve built your business, client trust, and customer loyalty on the data you’ve collected in a variety of formats.

Scanning and converting your paper documents to relevant, accessible, and secure digital formats is what we’ve done for over forty years. Our history of excellence speaks for itself. 

Many of our clients have hired us after failed DIY scanning attempts, or when a less experienced company could not deliver desired results.

Contact us today to set up a free project quote. We’ll clearly outline our strategy, procedures, and fees so you get the data integrity you need from all your digitized documents.

office worker distressed with lots of files and folders and legal paperwork


How are you storing data? Do you have a room full of filing cabinets? If your office space is a cave of paper, it may be time to consider moving into the digital storage age with legal scanning services.

If you’re contemplating transitioning to digital document management, contact River City Data for a free estimate. We’ll prepare and scan your documents, tag your information for easy searchability, and provide secure access for your employees and clients.

Why Would I Want to Change How I Store My Documents? Paper Feels So Safe and Familiar

There is something solid about holding onto the document you need. You keep your passport in hand while you’re waiting to go through airport security. You keep a copy of your birth certificate locked up.

Paper documents have undeniable value. They are also cumbersome and fragile. 

Let’s compare traditional paper document storage to a digital option.

judge hammer or gavel resting on a stack of folders and files and legal documents

Digitized Documents Can Be Searched Easily

Can you quickly put your hands on a specific document? Perhaps you know precisely how your paper files are organized and can finger through the right file drawer to find that single sheet of paper.

You might have one or two members of your team that can accomplish this. Do you have staff whose primary duty is to locate information? 

One limitation of paper files is the singular format. Files are usually arranged by an overarching organizational method, such as alphabetizing by name.

This singular format means that to search your files, you always start from the same point.

But what if you don’t want to search for a file by name? What if you need every file from a specific date or every file for a particular location? 

Paper files can be difficult to search and cross-reference. By storing your data in a digital format, you will have access to search your data by whatever identifier you value.

Search by client name, case number, date, or any other filter. You can also add filters to search various subsets within a value.

lawyer reading contract and legal documents with client

Digitized Documents Can Be Shared Easily

If you want to share paper documents, you will likely be taking a trip to the copier machine. Once you’ve passed those copies around, you will have limited control over what happens to them next. 

If a client or an employer misplaces a document, the information contained in that paper could be compromised.

Give your staff easy access to information with digital access to scanned documents. You can allow read-only access to those who need to be informed and editing access only to appropriate employees.

Scanned information can be shared quickly without going through reams of paper. Digital documents are less likely to be lost or accidentally shared with someone who shouldn’t have access.

Your Documents Can Be Accessed Remotely

Have you ever gotten to a meeting, opened your briefcase, and discovered you were missing the item you needed most? 

If your documents are stored digitally, you will have access to them wherever you go. Don’t worry about hauling hundreds of pages around. Plus, you won’t have to worry about finding yourself unprepared for that meeting.

Your employees will spend less time trying to get their hands on documents and more time getting results for clients. And, if the staff needs to work from home or another remote location, electronic access is a must.

Is Paper Safer Because You Can Hold It In Your Hands?

If you keep your legal documents in filing cabinets, you probably lock them at night. And then lock the filing cabinet room. And then lock the building. 

The physical act of turning a lock can help a person feel secure, but it doesn’t protect you from:

  • Fire
  • Flooding
  • Mold
  • Spills
  • Unauthorized copies

 

If your filing cabinet room goes up in flames, what will you do? 

If your legal documents have been scanned and saved electronically, a flood or fire in one location won’t result in a catastrophic data loss. When you give staff and clients read-only access to confidential documents, they can’t change, copy, or destroy them. And if you need someone to discontinue having access to a document, you don’t have to try to take back a piece of paper. You just push a few buttons.

Your documents will be safer in an encrypted file than they will in a filing cabinet. You’re still locking the doors at night; they’re just digital. And actually, you don’t have to lock them at all, because they stay inaccessible to anyone without authorization.

lawyer explaining legal things to client with legal documents on table

Why You Should Use Professional Legal Scanning Services

You’re ready to step into the digital storage age. But there’s so much paper copy to switch over!

Don’t waste human resources having employees stand around feeding the scanner. They have enough to do without taking on this task (don’t they?). 

Legal scanning services provide an economical solution. You receive a dedicated team of single-taskers. They’ll work only on your conversion — and not stop to answer your phones.

The most important part of any great job is preparation. Your scanning service team will take the time to sort, repair, and remove staples from all those precious documents before scanning.

Your data will be scanned with state-of-the-art machines that are meant to handle large quantities of paper. Your office all-in-one was not made for this task.

Legal scanning service providers are experts at managing sensitive data. They stay up to the minute on compliance laws and are familiar with the legal industry.

Your information will be tagged by whatever search terms you choose. Imagine the time saved when your employees can type a few terms to retrieve exactly what they need.

If you choose document hosting and cloud storage, your data will be securely encrypted, yet ready at your fingertips. If you prefer to manage your own data, your documents can be loaded to a private drive that will be entirely in your control.

It’s time to advance your company through digital data management. Contact River City Data today for a free estimate of customized legal scanning services (and other services too!).

Files floating into computer Illustration

It doesn’t matter if your company is large or small; they tend to collect paper. Whether this is for legal purposes, accountability, or one of many other reasons, companies need their documentation. 

Accessibility to those documents and assurances that they are accurate are what usually come to mind whenever the topic of getting organized is brought up at the weekly staff meetings. Having less clutter, being more space-efficient, but still being able to access records quickly, are all desired outcomes of getting organized. Digitizing those documents is an excellent way to achieve those objectives.

So, you could budget capital dollars for expensive scanners and equipment. And, you could invest significant person-hours into writing scanning processes, training staff, and then actually scanning all those documents. 

Or you could outsource this project for an efficient and successful transfer of data. Using an outside source for your document scanning services is a resourceful and cost-effective step for a company drowning in paper. 

River City Data will work with you to create that most cost-effective and beneficial data transfer project. They are just one phone call away at 877-723-3181. 

Piles of files

Here are just 3 of the reasons your company needs to hire a service to scan those documents.

  1. Clear copies and less paper

Say you had your documents scanned, and the digital copy is unreadable? When the original document was used, did it get filed back in the right place? Did it get smudged, spilled on, torn, or damaged in any other way. You can imagine the time that will be spent, the time you have to pay for, trying to find or replace that paper copy. 

Avoid this blunder by using a reputable company that will follow your company’s policies to the letter. The whole point of outsourcing is to make the day-to-day inner workings run smoother, while still maintaining, if not improving, your bottom line, of course. 

The scanned document needs to be as clear and legible as the original for you to trust your new digital data. At River City Data, we ensure the digitized copy of your document will look just like the original.

River City Data scans documents of all types and converts them into a format chosen between you and an advisor. With clear electronic copies available, in some cases, you may be able to destroy those paper copies when complete. That was one of the objectives as well, wasn’t it — save space?

Who can say no to the possibility of recycling thousands to millions of sheets of paper? Well, you can, until you and your River City Data advisor have agreed that is the correct step to take based on legal requirements, tax guidelines, or industry best practices.

Navigate the bureaucracy, man paddling through paper

2. Save time

Time is money – as the saying goes. Start choosing how you spend your time and money by outsourcing your document scanning service needs. 

How much time will a document scanning service save you? It depends on how many documents need to be scanned and organized. The more data there is to input, the more time the service can save you in the long run. A couple of hundred documents may not seem daunting, but how about thousands or tens of thousands? 

In addition to converting your documents to digital copies, we will also collaborate with you to find the most efficient method available for you to retrieve those same documents. We will determine the best way to store and transfer your documents.

Once the optimal storage format is defined, we also determine the best way to index these records to match your business processes and allow for the quickest data retrieval possible–the quickest way to get data in and quickest way to get data out.

Time is money, and the times they are a-changing. Making these changes to your document storage is converting time wasted into time well spent. To keep your business processes ahead of the competition, you will need to accommodate digital data increasingly, and this is the first step. 

3. Save on training

The time and effort needed for training can be simple to not so simple, depending on the skill being taught. It may be easier to train someone how to file in a cabinet, but paper filing is more time consuming and often done wrong. 

Large scale scanning equipment needs specific training and experience, coupled with the instruction to operate the computer and its software. Training someone on scanning and indexing documents may take some more effort, but it will save you time in the long run.

There is another option. Turn those documents over to those that are already trained in converting paper documents to digital. Then take those training dollars and allocate them to another critical area within your company.

3d laptop and folders on white background

To Be Clear

Clean copies, less paper, less time, and saving on training are some of the reasons to outsource your document scanning services. In time you will come to realize if you haven’t already, the importance of digitizing your documents to increase efficiency within your company. 

Leave it to the trained experts, and your digital copies will always be clean and right where you left them. Handling those documents will require less time for storing and retrieving. 

Document Scanning with River City Data

Document scanning is a time-eating task that requires not only the appropriate staffing levels but expertise and the right equipment. River City Data staff has the training, knowledge, and scanners capable of handling a wide variety of document formats. 

In addition, we have in-house dedicated trucks and a large facility to accommodate all your documentation. We remain in control of your documents from pickup through scanning and beyond–putting all your concerns regarding transportation and security at ease. 

At River City Data, you may find our services to be just the ticket to take that next step in moving your company forward into the digital era. Call River City Data for your new scanning service.