Multifunction printers (MFPs) offer so much more than print, copy, fax, and scan. Current devices can serve as a hub for many document-centric tasks, ranging from smart capture to advanced document workflows. Smart capture involves the enhanced digitization of hardcopy documents, while advanced document workflows include organizing captured data and connecting it with electronic records systems.
Keypoint Intelligence/InfoTrends performed a study suggesting that the adoption of these types of solutions is on the rise. Out of 250 U.S. general office workers surveyed, 60% reported that their organization has taken steps to simplify, remove, or automate document-related business operations. This figure could be higher, considering that 18% did not know whether this was the case.
In the survey, 71 percent of respondents cited increasing efficiency as the number one reason for taking these steps. This is consistent with other Keypoint Intelligence/InfoTrends surveys showing that efficiency and productivity are top business objectives of corporate IT decision makers. Other top drivers of document process improvement were a desire to decrease paper use (61%) and costs (53 percent).
None of these concerns are new, of course, but the growing availability of MFP solutions to meet these concerns promises growing adoption of document process automation solutions. Solutions like intelligent capture and document management can solve innumerable efficiency-related pain points—saving time, money, and frustration.
These solutions may also aid in securing corporate documents and data. By placing business information into a secure digital database, there’s a reduced risk of it getting into the wrong hands. In fact, a recent Keypoint Intelligence/InfoTrends survey revealed that just 43% of general office workers believe the paper documents they handle for their jobs are “very secure.” Forty percent said these documents are “not secure” or “somewhat secure;” 14% didn’t know how secure these documents are.
Companies considering secure digital document solutions are encouraged to reach out to their document technology providers for more information. Their knowledge of your business positions them to provide advice specific to your needs and requirements.
Of course, new needs are continually arising as new business technology and services enter the market. The beauty of the latest document software solutions is they can often be purchased on a monthly basis, giving companies more flexibility as requirements and priorities shift.