tion with suppliers or customers since records can be accessed by any operator without leaving their desk. Exact copies of orders or invoices can be called up on the screen while the caller is on the line, eliminating the need for a return phone call. This results in greater customer service and more effective use of the company's human resources. In addition, having forms filed electronically makes it possible for more than one person to have access to a form at any time, and it is more difficult for forms to be misfiled or misplaced.
Another benefit associated with EDIS is that of better data security. EDIS uses magnetic cartridges or optical discs to store data rather than paper; these devices are not subject to the same aging problems as paper, and they can be more difficult to destroy. If, later on, a duplicate is required of an electronic form, it can be created exactly, resulting in a new original rather than a deteriorated copy (as happens with successive generations of photocopies). Security is also enhanced because electronic media can be removed from computers, which reduces the opportunity for theft or loss, and increases the protection against natural disasters (by storing key information off-site, for example).
Another benefit is derived in the cost area where companies can save money in paper handling, equipment, supplies, storage and personnel. Local area networks (LANs) make it possible for documents to be shared among a large number of co-workers, greatly reducing the burden on photocopying devices. Wide area networks (WANs) extend that capability to geographically dispersed individuals, resulting in a savings of courier services. Equipment costs can also be reduced since even a small workstation (personal computer, fax board, software and scanner) can effectively eliminate the need for a photocopier and fax machine in even small offices. In larger organizations, an imaging system can reduce the need ...