The amount of space needed for storage of documents in filing cabinets is an important document imaging consideration where additional workspace for employees is needed, facility moves result in reduced space, division sales require maintenance of files, etc.
Cost of space clearly extends beyond direct per square foot charges. Heating, Air Conditioning, Cleaning and other overheads result in continuing expenses that could often be applied to more productive uses.
In one case, a records room was imaged and the space used for more than twelve employee’s modular offices. In another, hallways were cleared of boxes and cabinets that could have limited exit in case of a fire.
Since document images take literally no space except on computer disk drives, file access is actually improved with documents immediately available on user’s desktops.
Move toward the paperless office!