Paper Cut Is the world finally ready for a paperless office? Not yet, but we're close.

Imagine a business world completely devoid of paper. No stacksof the stuff cluttering desks. No filing cabinets brimming withinvoices dating back several years--or more. No yellow stickiesclinging to computer screens. This was the promise of the paperlessoffice, which would rely solely on electronic means to generate,organize and retrieve business materials previously bound to paper.Most of us have given up this dream, realizing it's notrealistic to wean our employees--let alone ourselves--off paper.And, let's face it, some processes just work better with a goodold pad and pen.

There is a continuing movement, however, toward implementingmore paperless activities around the office. By creating what'sknown as an electronic document management system, companiesconvert many paper materials, such as business documents and faxes,into electronic versions. In its new electronic document ordatabase format, the information is easily accessible to employeesacross a network.

An obvious benefit of implementing such a system is a heftyreduction in paper costs. Although the evolution of computers wassupposed to reduce our reliance on paper, in most businesses,it's actually increased paper usage. According to informationtechnology research firm IDC/Link, printing and copying expensestypically account for 6 percent to 12 percent of a company'sannual revenue.