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Many businesses are going green—and not just to save the environment. Reducing paper usage can also help your company save money and be more efficient. One way to go green is by using technology to reduce paper clutter. Here are five tools to help your business use less without missing a beat:
Google Drive
This online storage system lets you store and share documents electronically. So, instead of passing around a printed memo, you can share it via Google Drive. The digital tool for collaborative editing also lets businesses track changes made to documents—another thing that would be difficult (if not impossible) to do with physical copies— uploading or downloading files in multiple formats, including PDFs.
E-Signatures
Signatures are a vital part of most business deals—but you don’t need to use paper to get them. E-signature tools like Adobe Sign or DocuSign make it easy to get legally binding signatures without using paper. You need to save these documents, but it’s unnecessary to print each one. Save a tree or two with this paperless solution.
PDF Live
This PDF tool helps you edit, convert, and merge documents online. So, if you need to sign or fill out a form, you can do it without ever printing the document. PDF Live also makes adding records and images to your documents easy. The best part? You can do all of this without ever downloading or installing any software.
Scanner
The tech that can help you reduce paper use isn’t limited to apps and websites. If you need a physical copy of something, scan it. Once it’s an image, you can store it electronically. You don’t need a full scanner. If you don’t have the room, a mobile scanning app, such as CamScanner, can work just as well.
This step will save you the hassle of finding a place to keep all your paper documents—and it will make them much easier to access when you need them. Also, you can use the scanner with the apps and web services, such as Merge PDF on PDF Live, for even more paperless options.
Note-Taking Apps
If you’re still using a pen and paper to take notes, it’s time for an upgrade. Note-taking apps like Evernote and Google Keep make it easy to store your thoughts electronically.
You can even sync them across devices, so your notes are always available when you need them—and you don’t have to worry about losing a physical notebook. Similar to the other tools, Evernote and other note-taking apps work perfectly with PDFs. You can even add images, audio recordings, and PDFs to your notes.
Invoicely
This app helps businesses keep track of invoices and payments electronically. With digital invoicing, you can say goodbye to paper bills and receipts. You and your clients can track all payments and invoices in one place. And when it’s time to pay taxes, you’ll have everything you need in one digital file—no more sorting through piles of paper.
There are plenty of other ways to reduce paper usage in your business. But these five should help you get started. Going green has never been easier—or more important. So, start making some changes today. Your business—and the planet—will thank you.
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