Information retrieval services are becoming more and more popular, offering help to a full spectrum of businesses with information storage and document retrieval. Whether you need assistance with storing paper documents or computer files, a computer information retrieval system can help you make space or free up memory on your computer.
Physician's offices often use information storage and retrieval to purge files of patients who are no longer clients when, for legal reasons, they can't get rid of the file. Other businesses use document retrieval simply to clear up office space. Online information retrieval services free up much needed computer memory and tout last minute deliveries as one of the pros for their services.
Consider the following to determine which computer information retrieval system is right for you:
1. The volume of files to be purged
2. Online information retrieval services versus a traditional document retrieval service
3. How easily you can access purged files from an information retrieval system
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Purge files you no longer need with an information retrieval service
Many Internet information retrieval systems can help you purge paper files then transfer them to computer files with ease. Keep in mind of potential ramifications of going paperless as some industries may require you to keep paper records. If you have files you haven't opened in years, it's likely you won't need them again anytime soon.
I recommend: MacRAE'S BLUE BOOK offers a searchable directory of information retrieval services nationwide. A free web demo, available through
SearchExpress, takes you through the process of purging hard documents into a paperless system.
Consider an information retrieval system that is available online
Whether or not you pay a traditional document retrieval service to store all of your old files for you or you take the time to organize your old files in one place in your office, the files still take up space. The same goes for your computer; an online information retrieval service uses their own "space" or memory, which frees up valuable space on your hard drive or server.
I recommend: JD Carton & Son, a New Jersey based records management service, can free up office and server space for your business as well as a wide-array of other information retrieval services. A sample cost comparison of a traditional office setup versus a paperless office system is available through the
American Bar Association.
Rely on info retrieval service support or user-friendly hardware to make your transition easy
Make sure you know how to get your files quickly since you will eventually need one of your purged files. For quick reference, keep the contact list for the support staff of your document retrieval service next to your list of purged files for yourself as well as your staff. If you're highly organized and decide to purchase hardware to manage your own information retrieval system, rely on easy-to-use document scanners and perform periodic off-site backups using an external computer storage device.
I recommend: The
Fujitsu ScanSnap converts paper documents easily.
Iomega sells external storage devices called zip drives which are easy to use and relatively inexpensive.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- When deciding to outsource your information retrieval needs know the difference between information retrieval services, most of which provide document storage and retrieval solutions, and information retrieval companies who provide personal information to bill collectors or direct mail advertisers.
The official source of Information Retrieval Services is
the Information Retrieval Services page at Business.com
Featured Vendors
Siemens Answers AmericaIntelligent technology protects our nation, while respecting freedoms.
www.siemens.com/answersforamerica
Information Retrieval ServicesFind information fast with the ISYS suite of enterprise search software. Search, navigate and discover the information that matters most. Free trial!
www.isys-search.com
Information Retrieval ServicesBasis Technology's Rosette Entity Extractor uses advanced linguistics to locate names, places, dates and other words and phrases in multilingual text.
www.basistech.com
Information Retrieval ServicesDocument Management Software Quotes from Multiple Vendors. Free & Easy!
Documents.BuyerZone.com
Subscribe to
Try our free weekly WhatWorks newsletter, with business how-to advice
& resources from Work.com.
Related Resources from Business.com
Comments
Is any content on this page inappropriate? To let us know, please 
