Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Michigan Computer Supplies Shares Tips on Electronic Filing.


Do you have all of your documents listed individually on your computer? 
Does it take you extra time to scroll through “My Documents” to find anything?
Have you ever named a file something completely random, or put it in a weird place never to be found, until months after you needed it? 

If you answered yes, you may be looking for a better system to save time and eliminate extra stress!


The good news is that Electronic File Management is easier than traditional paper filing. 
  • The documents on your computer should be filed in a system similar to your paper files. 
See our tips on Paper File Management for a refresher.
  • Name files consistently.
For example, if you have similar files for each customer, vendor, employee, etc, it‘s smart to set up their file from the beginning… Yes, even before you have documents to file!
     
     Widgets XYZ invo |  Widgets XYZ paymts  |  Widgets XYZ docs
     Smiths Plumbing invo | Smith’s Plumbing paymts | Smith’s Plumbing docs
  • Similar to paper files, try to regularly purge documents and files that are outdated or obsolete. 
  • Try to avoid the urge to print.  You don’t need more paper!
  • Remember the importance of backing up your electronic files regularly. 
Save files to an external hard drive, a disk, jump drive, or an on-line backup service.  Please give us a call if you need some guidance with this.  We have many options to keep your important files safe and secure.
  • Keep your web browser more organized by regularly clearing out your “Bookmark” tool or “Favorites” tab.  You may have added a website to your favorites bar to make finding it easier, but it makes sense to purge it when it is no longer relevant.  
  • Make time to keep up your filing system.  You may want to set aside ten minutes a day to file, or an hour once a week. 
  • If you have a shared file system, make sure everyone understands the new system. 

Keep up the great work!   
Your efforts now will pay dividends in the future! 

At Michigan Computer Supplies we care about our customers and want to offer you excellent service.  We can assist you with finding ways to back up your electronic files, as well as, great prices on ink and toner cartridges.  Did you also know that we also provide computer repair and printer repair?  In addition, we are Authorized Zebra and Motorola Dealer for bar code labels and data collection supplies.   Contact us today! 


We also encourage you to sign up for FREE Tips and Coupons.  http://michigancomputersupplies.com/

You’ll receive coupons plus:

     “How to Make Your Ink or Toner Cartridge Last Longer”
     “How to Clean Your Keyboard With a Few Household Items”

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Tips for Effective Filing from Michigan Computer Supplies.


Are you constantly searching for papers on your desk?
Is your “miscellaneous” file bursting at the seams?
If you’re like most, you procrastinate when it comes to filing.  You may have a system in place, but you rarely take time to file the constant flow of paper crossing your desk.
So what’s it going to take for you to get those piles of paper under control?  Maybe it’s hiring a personal assistant!  Unfortunately, that’s rarely an option.
Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of tips, and a helpful link, to make your filing a bit easier and more efficient.  You may begin to actually like the F word… and by that, we mean Filing!
  • Start by identifying your main categories and sub-categories.   
For example, if you were setting up a Personal Finances file, the sub-categories might be: savings account, checking account, credit cards, home expenses, business expenses, and education/student loans. When your monthly statements come in, they should be placed in the appropriate file and not in one file labeled “statements.” 
  • Color Coding may help make retrieving and re-filing faster. 
If you don’t want to purchase different colored folders, you could instead     highlight the label in the designated color, or put a colored sticker on the tab. 
  • Make time to keep up your filing system. 
You may want to set aside ten minutes a day to file, or an hour once a week. 
  • Be sure to avoid clutter by purging old, outdated documents once or twice a year.
  • If you have a shared file system, make sure everyone understands the new system. 
  • If the first system you try doesn’t work, it’s OK!  You can revise the system to fit your work style.  Just don’t give up!  It takes time to develop good organizational habits. 
The initial task of starting a new filing system can be pretty daunting.  We found one author, Kelly Jayne McCann, from BellaOnline.com who offers some great tips.              http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art66423.asp

You can do it! 
Remember - “It’s much easier to keep up, than to catch up!” 

At Michigan Computer Supplies we care about our customers and want to offer you excellent service.  We’re sure you know that we offer great prices on ink and toner cartridges, but did you also know that we provide computer repair and printer repair?  We can also build you a computer system to meet your needs.  Contact us today! 


Check back soon for our next blog on  Electronic File Management

We also encourage you to sign up for FREE Tips and Coupons.  http://michigancomputersupplies.com/

You’ll receive coupons plus:

     “How to Make Your Ink or Toner Cartridge Last Longer”
     “How to Clean Your Keyboard With a Few Household Items”