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How Smart Storage & Asset Management Can Help Medical Practices Feeling the Financial Pinch

How Smart Storage & Asset Management Can Help Medical Practices Feeling the Financial Pinch

How Smart Storage & Asset Management Can Help Medical Practices Feeling the Financial Pinch

In an era of rising expenses, declining reimbursements, results-based compensation instead of fee-for-services, and uncertainty when it comes to future revenue, even medical practices are now feeling the financial pinch usually reserved for other sectors.  Cost and space efficiency has never been more important to medical practices— there is no longer a large pool of resources available to cover operational costs.

The good news is there are many ways smart records storage, intelligent archiving and asset management can create previously untapped efficiencies that enhance revenue generation and cost-savings.

Better Space Utilization Saves Money AND Increases Revenue

Medical office space is among the most expensive in the market today, so every inch of your space should be dedicated to revenue-generating activities.  Storing records and other assets like equipment or furniture off-site opens up space for other uses like nurse practitioners or physician assistants, additional exam rooms, lab space, and for other ancillary services like massage therapy, audiology, speech therapy and more.

Additional services can be incorporated into the existing practice for additional revenue, or space can be subleased to others who provide these complementary services, resulting in rental income and convenience for patients.

Intelligent Archiving Yields Pay-As-You-Go Savings

Storing archival records off-site and scanning them only as they are needed frees up space, reduces conversion costs and greatly increases efficiency, we call this Intelligent Archiving.  You get the information you need delivered instantly, so your records are always available, and you pay only to convert the 5%-10% of records you actually need, not everything.  And your staff can spend their valuable time serving your patients, not scanning your records.

Lower Costs and Increased Efficiency Will Benefit Your Medical Practice’s Bottom Line

Decreasing your practice’s real estate footprint, maximizing the revenue generated with the space you do have, and increasing efficiency with intelligent archiving are just a few ways records storage and asset management can contribute to your practice’s profitability.  For more ideas on how our services can reduce your medical practice costs and increase your efficiency, please call me!  Your patients need you to stay profitable in a sustainable way, and I’ll be glad to help.

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“K.I.S.S.” Method for Easier Moving —“Keeping It Simple is Smart”

“K.I.S.S.” Method for Easier Moving —“Keeping It Simple is Smart”

“K.I.S.S.” Method for Easier Moving—“Keeping It Simple is Smart”

Moving is hard, there’s just no two ways about it.  There are so many details to coordinate and so many things to do, and everything is temporarily upside-down while you’re in transition.  Most moves actually involve three separate but equally important tasks:

    • Moving – physically moving your property from your old location to the new one
    • Destruction – shredding old records to save money and work in the move, and space in your new location
    • Records Management - maintaining compliance-related security throughout the process

Coupling shredding or destruction and offsite storage is smart records management, and doing it in concert with your move is efficient– the records management synergy will bring cost-savings on all three phases.

Shred, Store, Move Should Be Your Mantra, One Vendor Should Be Your Modus Operandi

You could conceivably have three separate vendors handling each of those tasks, but why?  Moving is hard enough— why on earth would you want to add MORE to your already-loaded plate by trying to work with multiple vendors to get everything done?  Coordinating them is a job unto itself, and you have more important things to do!

Working with one vendor that specializes in all aspects of moving and records management, who can meet all of your needs and coordinate everything for you, will make your move:

    • Simpler
    • More efficient
    • Less risky, from a compliance perspective, and best of all,
    • Less expensive

It’s Just Smarter to Use One Moving and Records Management Vendor:

    • To have ONE point of contact, ONE source and ONE point of accountability for everything you need—it doesn’t get any simpler than that!
    • To have an experienced professional coordinating the many aspects of your move, so all of the potential problems that might not even occur to you will be solved proactively for you, so your move will go much more smoothly
    • To reduce the potential for a privacy breach liability by limiting who comes in contact with your confidential information to vendors that specialize in records management– a really good hybrid records manager/office mover will bring a great deal to the table with regards to the proper handling of sensitive data

Sometimes Less IS More

If ever there was a time when less is more—less frustration, less hassle and fewer headaches—it’s when you’re moving.  So when you’re deciding which vendor to choose, always try to “Keep It Simple” and choose one vendor that knows what they’re doing.  That will make your risk manager, lawyers, managers, and stockholders happy, not to mention your protected patients or clients.  And your CEO and CFO will love the savings!

If you’d like to learn more about the many ways one vendor is better than many, and the kinds of mistakes rookies often make when it comes to moving, please call me!  I’ll be glad to share whatever I know that might help you move smarter.

 

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Insider Secrets that Will Help You Save Money on Your Next Move

Insider Secrets that Will Help You Save Money on Your Next Move

Insider Secrets that Will Help You Save Money on Your Next Move

As with anything else in life, when it comes to moving, planning is everything!  What you may NOT know is that how and when you plan your move can DEFINITELY save you money if you know a few insider secrets that I’m happy to share:

Avoid Peak Season

    • Peak household moving season runs from May 20th through September 7th-10th each year, and demand is highest between May 27th – June 10th and June 21st – July 8th.  Avoiding those dates will help you save on moving costs, as   prices are usually highest at peak times.
    • You’ll also get better service if you schedule your move outside of May 20th-September 10th, because your crew, consultant, coordinator, dispatcher and service staff will be more rested, less stressed and better able to serve you.
    • If you schedule more than 60 days prior to peak season, you will definitely see lower costs because peak season will not yet have pushed prices up to peak rates.
    • Movers who handle most of their business during peak season charge higher rates because they can—there are simply more moves than there are moving crews to handle them.  Scheduling outside peak season helps you avoid the supply/demand upward pressure on price.

Avoid the Busiest Time of the Month

Because people usually want to be in their new location at the beginning of the month, it is always busiest between the 25th of any month and the 4th of the following month.  If you can schedule your move between the 8th and the 22nd of the month, you can typically save on your move– at Admiral, we may be able to discount your move by 10%-15%!

Flexibility = Better Service + Savings

The more flexibility you have on when you have to be loaded up and when your belongings need to be delivered, the more likely your mover can discount your rates.  It makes handling your move more attractive to the best drivers and crews if they can schedule your move around other obligations so they can rest between moves, and they will often show their appreciation for your flexibility by offering you a lower rate.  Plus you’ll usually get better service– most companies always do their best to serve you well, but in the end, movers are people, too, and if you’re easy to work with, they will work that much harder to do better for you!

Lighten Your Load

The easiest way to reduce the cost of moving is to simply move less stuff.  There is never a better time to donate or dispose of things you no longer need than when you’re moving.  It ALWAYS costs less to move less, so get rid of whatever you can and you’ll save money!  And if you CAN avoid storage, you definitely SHOULD – storage can be VERY expensive!

For more cost-saving tips and recommendations on how you can keep your moving costs as low as possible, please call me at (334) 262-6666– I’ll be happy to share anything I know that will help you save money! Email me at smcnelley@admiralmovers.com or see more move solutions at www.admiralmovers.com.

“Should I Stay or Should I Go?” — How to Avoid Your Next Move

“Should I Stay or Should I Go?” — How to Avoid Your Next Move

“Should I Stay or Should I Go?” — How to Avoid Your Next Move

I bet the last thing you’d expect to hear from the owner of a moving company or records storage company is ideas on how to avoid your next move.  I am all about business development, increasing sales and earning new business. But at Admiral, part of our customer-centric approach is to help you do what’s best for YOU, and making you aware of ALL of your options is part of that.  There are definitely times when you can avoid the hassle and inconvenience of a move, and we’re glad to help you do that if it’s the right choice for you. But maybe you just need to reduce clutter and improve work flows.

Companies move for a lot of different reasons, but the reason I hear the most is, “We need more space.”  While it’s true that companies grow beyond their current space, there are also many ways to create more space at your existing location you may not have thought of. Here are a few ideas that can help:

Reorganize/Reconfigure

When was the last time you took an honest look at how you are using your space?  Most companies plan well when they’re first moving into a new space, but over time, their needs change and they don’t always think ahead when they’re reconfiguring.  They need a new workstation, so they just drop a desk in a corner.  Or a team member leaves and the space that person was using morphs into a records dumping ground, where files and supplies just “collect” and multiply.

But every so often, it’s good to step back and really think about how your space is allocated and laid out—is the room you have really being used for the activities that generate revenue for you?  Are team members near those they collaborate with most often?  Is old office equipment or archival records clogging up space that would be better used for active workspace?

Store Off-Site

Off-site storage is a great way to move things you don’t use or need every day out of your way to make room for the things you do need.  It’s convenient and cost-effective if you’re working with a company that provides responsive service—they’ll deliver what you need when you need it, typically on the same day you ask for it, and they’ll pick it up and take it back to storage when you’re done.  We do this for our customers all the time, and they love the ease of access.

Go Digital

If you’re using a lot of space for filing and records storage, have you considered converting the information to digital files?  You’ll still have the information, but it won’t take up your valuable office and floor space.  You can convert all of your records at once, or just as you need them—the choice is yours.

Purge

How much of what you currently have on-hand is “stuff” you don’t actually need?  Old records, old equipment, supplies you no longer need or use… maybe it’s time to bite the bullet and finally get rid of all of the stuff that’s cluttering up your space. Segregate, shred, purge and recycle.

Whether You Stay or Go, We’re Here to Help!

At Admiral Movers, we’re always more than happy to help you move quickly and efficiently.  But when it’s better for you to NOT move, we’re also glad to help you stay put and make the most of your existing space.  Please contact me today to learn more about ways we can help you create more usable space exactly where you are!  I’ll be glad to help you take a hard look at how you’re using the space you have and come up with a plan that ensures you’re making the most of it.

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You’re Going to Let WHOM Move Your Boxes?

You’re Going to Let WHOM Move Your Boxes?

You’re Going to Let WHOM Move Your Boxes?

Everybody’s looking to save money nowadays, and saving on movers seems like an easy call.  Anybody with two arms and two legs can move a box from point A to point B, right?  It’s a simple task that day laborers or even that guy who lives up the street and his buddy could do—why wouldn’t you just hire them for the job and save money?

Because your information is only as secure as the people who handle it, and exposing your customers (and yourself!) to identity theft can cost you your business –  plain and simple.

I was recently approached by someone who wanted to supply day laborers for my company to use for office moves.  They were already working with one of our competitors and figured we might also be a good client.

My answer was an unqualified, “No way.”

My company is entrusted with our customers’ most privileged information and that of their customers—we move medical offices, legal firms, financial companies and other customers with highly-sensitive records.  Nobody steps foot onto one of MY customers’ properties unless they have surpassed MY standards for security—and I’m a Security Hawk, so that means:

    • A FULL background investigation and drug test (and we update our background checks OFTEN to make sure nothing has changed!)
    • EXTENSIVE training in privacy protection and compliance requirements (and we do that on an ongoing basis, too)
    • STRICT supervision at every step of the moving process—nobody is left alone with access to sensitive information, so there’s not even a temptation for them to do wrong
    • An assessment of their CHARACTER, so I know they will handle my customers’ information like they do their own

I’m proud of the fact that we’ve built a CULTURE of CHARACTER and SERVICE, with processes and safeguards that screen out all but people with the highest level of integrity.  Then we teach them what they need to know to vigorously protect our customers, and we make them EARN the privilege of handling the most sensitive information each and every day.

I trust my staff with MY information every single day—if I couldn’t do that, how could I ever trust them with YOURS?

Breach of confidentiality isn’t just a compliance problem that could bankrupt your company with fines and penalties—it’s also a reputation problem, because you will never live down having exposed your customers to identity theft or worse.

DON’T make the mistake of saving a buck on movers but risking your business’ survival.  I’ve seen it happen.  Call me, and I’ll tell you about it.

Some risks just AREN’T worth taking. 

Related Site

Secure Relocation Case Study

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Records Retention Compliance When to Hold ‘Em, Know When to Fold ‘Em

Records Retention Compliance When to Hold ‘Em, Know When to Fold ‘Em

“You Gotta Know When to Hold ‘Em, Know When to Fold ‘Em…” – Kenny Rogers, “The Gambler (Song),” and Records Retention, in a Nutshell

When it comes to your vital records, knowing when to get rid of them is almost as important as knowing when to create them— it helps you keep costs low, inventory manageable and compliance breach risk limited (as limited as it can be, anyway). Records Retention is largely a function of compliance.

Know When to Hold ‘Em

Some records you have to keep—the law requires it, or you need the information until further notice or forever.  For most of our customers, the small part of their historical data they actually need to keep is stored within software programs like their accounting and billing system, or their CRM (Customer Relationship Management) program—what they keep and how long they keep it outside of their other business systems is almost entirely driven by compliance requirements.

So the easiest answer to “When do I need to hold ‘em?” is “When the law says so (or if you really, REALLY need them).”  If you’re not sure what the law requires you to keep and for how long, I recommend you seek professional advice from someone who does—your attorney or the agency that enforces your industry’s compliance requirements are two good places to start.  If your records manager has in-depth knowledge, they may also be able to share what other firms in your industry do, but since you are ultimately responsible, it’s always best to get advice and recommendations straight from the source.

Know When to Fold ‘Em

How do you know when to “fold ‘em” (destroy your records)?

The easiest answer here is, not surprisingly, “When the law says so (or you really don’t need them anymore).”

When it’s finally time to send your records packing, you have a decision to make.  Do you want to:

    • Save the data by scanning the records and preserving the information digitally before they’re destroyed?
    • Save the data in aggregate (summary) form, and lose the granular details when the records are destroyed?
    • Destroy the records and lose the data forever?

The best choice varies by industry and by company, so there is no “one answer fits all”– just remember that you are just as responsible for the confidentiality of digital data as you are for data contained in hard copies of records, so plan accordingly. Compliance with records retention will be specific to your industry, circumstance, management guidance, and internal or external counsel.

Also keep in mind you need your data to be as secure during the process of destruction and afterward as it was when it was still being actively stored, so make sure whoever you work with ensures data destruction that is total, certain and DOCUMENTED so your compliance requirements will be satisfied.  Having no records retention policy or schedule is in my view much worse than having one that contains flaws, or is miss-executed. Not following the law (employment law for example)  can cause liability or legal action.

Know When to Get Help

If you’re in over your head when it comes to your records, or just need some suggestions about what to “hold” and when to “fold,” including insider tips about how others in your industry or related industries handle records retention, please visit our website  and/or call me!  I can’t share confidential information, but I’m happy to share ideas, resources and tips that might help you, including information about our services if they would be appropriate for your situation.

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How to Make Your Work-Related Moving Expenses Less Taxing (Literally!)

How to Make Your Work-Related Moving Expenses Less Taxing (Literally!)

Moving can be an expensive proposition, and a work-related relocation is no exception.  But the IRS does offer a little bit of help in the form of a tax deduction for work-related moves, under certain conditions moving expenses can be deducted:

Distance

You must pass the 50-Mile Test (the distance between your new primary job and your home must be at least 50 miles more than your old commute was). A great tax deduction and often under-reported.

Time

You must be employed full-time in the area of your new job location for at least 39 weeks during the 12 months after you move.  (If you own your own business, the time of employment required is extended to 78 weeks within 24 months after you move.)

The tax deduction applies whether the job you move for is a new one, or is for your current employer.  If you’re married, only one spouse needs to meet the Time/Distance requirements to qualify for the deductions.

What Expenses Can You Deduct?

Provided you meet the Time and Distance requirements, you can deduct “Reasonable” expenses, including the following:

    • Packing and shipping your household goods and personal effects
    • Travel costs to your new home, excluding meals
    • Insurance Moving expenses
    • 30 days’ storage costs
    • Utility connection/disconnection charges

If your employer happens to be generous, any expenses they pay for are not applicable unless they are added to your regular salary, but you must be careful to claim only the allowable deductions.  You are also responsible for paying taxes on any money you receive from your employer for moving expenses that aren’t eligible for the deduction, like meals and temporary housing.

This is not an easy deduction to qualify for, but if you do, it is an “Above-the-Line” tax deduction (not itemized), and you would use IRS Form 3903 (Moving Expenses) to claim it.  As with any tax-related issue, you should always seek the advice of a duly-licensed tax professional to make sure you meet the criteria.

To learn more about the work-related moving expenses & allowable tax deduction, please visit applicable page on the IRS website, http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc455.html.  Thanks to Chuck Myers of the McClatchy Tribune News Service for this information on how to make your work-related move a little less taxing, and please contact us to learn more about how we can help make the rest of your move smooth and worry-free!

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Moving? Lock down Your Confidential Info with Secure Chain of Custody

Moving?  Lock down Your Confidential Info with Secure Chain of Custody

Moving?  Lock down Your Confidential Info with Secure Chain of Custody

Moving is madness, or at least it feels that way!  Even the best-planned, most organized move feels like it’s barely-controlled chaos at best.  To further complicate things, you have confidential customer information that you MUST safeguard, even during the chaos of a move, or risk a breach of privacy and the stiff fines, penalties and damage to your reputation that could result.

Your customers’ confidential information is never more at risk of exposure than during a move.

All of your usual operating protocols and security safeguards are suspended when you’re relocating.  Your records are taken from their safe, locked file cabinets and storage areas, and moved out in the open until they get to their new home and your regular security practices are re-engaged.  And God only knows what happens when your records actually leave the building and are on a truck somewhere on the road…

Also, in case you didn’t know– yes, you’re 100% responsible for how your vendors (like movers, for example) handle your customers’ information.  Puts a whole different spin on things, doesn’t it?  Your movers really DO have your business in their hands!

So how do you ensure end-to-end security and total compliance breach protection throughout a move?

Working with a vendor that knows and applies Secure Chain of Custody best practices throughout the moving process, including while your records are in transit from one location to another is not just good business it could save your business.  Secure Chain of Custody means your records are fully-secured throughout the transfer, and there is a carefully documented visual and written record of exactly where your records are and who has custody of them at each moment.

There are a number of ways to secure records besides keeping them in locked containers, like sealing them in plastic, for example, and a number of industry-specific protocols to be followed to stay compliant, like using security seals and limiting authorization to break them to one person.  A good records and information management firm that is also an expert mover knows and will tell you exactly what steps you need to take to satisfy regulatory compliance requirements while still being efficient in your move.

At Admiral, we’ve even incorporated total compliance protection into our box-less move, when items are stored on open gondolas or carts using our AirGlide® system for easy access.  How we do it is our secret, but if you need our help moving your records using Secure Chain of Custody, we’ll be happy to put our years of specialized industry-specific compliance experience to work for you.

Please do yourself (and your company) a favor– make sure whoever is moving your confidential records knows how to protect you from privacy breach.  If you need advice on what questions to ask your mover to ensure they actually do know their stuff, please call me–  I’ll be glad to tell you what to look for.

The Proper Role Of Government Montgomery, Al

The Proper Role Of Government Montgomery, Al

The proper role of government has become a major political and economic issue in today’s world and for the private sector in Montgomery, Alabama. Unfortunately, it has also become very divisive. So, what role should government play? In my opinion as a business owner, there must be a joint effort of government and private enterprise to provide the type of place people choose to live in and industry will locate or expand existing facilities to provide jobs and a tax base. There are roles only government can provide, as well as functions that must be provided by private enterprise.

Basically, city and county government’s role is to provide the infrastructure to make a place livable (utility service, police protection, fire department, streets, recreation facilities, public safety, libraries, etc.). Without these essential services, people, as well as industry and decision makers in the private sector, will not locate to a city or area. It is crucial that government perform these functions efficiently and equitably for all of its citizens. I expect my government to be fair in all of its dealings with all of its citizens, be beneficial, efficient and effective to those it serves, and to promote competitiveness in the private sector.

To have a vibrant, growing city there must be a good business climate.  And in Montgomery Alabama we have this. Industry provides the oil that makes the engine run. It provides employment that creates salaries, taxes, and in turn, provides the city services. I believe that any governmental body should have a tax structure that supports the growth of business, especially small operations. When the local economy is growing, almost always, the city follows. “A rising tide floats all boats” is an often-used phrase, but I believe allowing all businesses to flourish helps all citizens. Local government should do things that make its citizens proud to live and work there.

Quality of life is critical to new people locating to a city. A lot of us want a clean city that is attractive and well maintained. Pride in this area fosters the right tone for us all, and encourages visitors to have a favorable impression of our whole region. Montgomery and the River Region are most fortunate to have an outstanding quality of life. Not many cities of any size can match our offerings, such as the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and other entertainment and attractions venues. The relatively new River Walk and the recent revitalization of downtown Montgomery, along with an outstanding baseball park and a professional baseball team, certainly add to the quality of life for all citizens of the Montgomery area. Add the large number of college options and the work force it provides, and golf courses and other sports and recreational offerings in our area, and you provide people with a variety of choices. Again, you have a combination of government and private enterprise working together to provide a variety of opportunities for a quality lifestyle.

Education is of major importance! An essential element in any progressive community is the availability of good schools. The children hold the future in their hands, so to neglect to properly educate them assures failure as a society and municipality. Unfortunately, too many high school graduates do not have the skill level to assume positions requiring modest skill levels. Government’s role is to assure good physical facilities, but most importantly, demand well-qualified teachers and require discipline and expectations from teachers, students, and administration. An educated workforce is absolutely essential to the growth of any community, regardless of size. We must not fail in this area.

Currently in Montgomery, we are blessed with strong leaders and good administrators in both the state and municipal executive offices. That can change easily. We, the citizens, must be diligent to keep competent leaders in place and hold them accountable. Our leadership understands the importance of economic development, a good economy ensures access to economic freedom for all citizens.

On the federal level, I believe if the U.S. – as the world’s largest economy, the world’s biggest innovator, and the world’s biggest exporter – is to remain in that position, we must ensure that America is the world’s best place to do business. The Federal government should not run the whole show, but they should demonstrate common needs by addressing their own uses first. As America’s largest landowner, building/owner operator, largest employer and therefore largest consumer of energy, government should focus its efforts on making sure its own internal operations follow sound business practices, including conservation of people and resources. By doing so, they pave the way for private enterprise to follow their lead. Government must create economic, social and environmental value while minimizing or avoiding damage to the economic, social or natural capital so as to allow the private sector to thrive.

Finally, we should not forget that our government works for its citizens, and in the end the elected officials are accountable to the people and to the private sector. Elected officials should never lose sight of the importance of being an advocate of private enterprise, and the two working together will provide a vibrant, healthy place in which to live and work. Quiet enjoyment, although very much a legal term, says a great deal about what citizens should expect from government. For the most part, I want government to let us all “quietly enjoy” our lives. Allow us to live un-encumbered by unneeded intrusion, encourage and support economic development and efficiently distribute resources to allow economic freedom.

The excerpt below is from the Chamber’s “State of the City & County Economic Development” breakfast

MONTGOMERY, Alabama — City and county leaders celebrated recent economic development successes in the River Region and hinted at an increased focus on public education in coming months at a joint breakfast today.

Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange and Chairman of the Montgomery County Commission Elton Dean outlined goals and achievements during an annual breakfast event hosted by the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.

Dean said businesses created nearly 200 new jobs and announced $56.8 million in capital investments in 2011. Continued business expansion and providing Montgomery citizens with the best services possible are among his goals for 2012.

“It is now more important than ever that we stay on course with our economic development efforts with the Chamber (of Commerce), city and state,” Dean said. “And remain focused on attracting businesses from all over the world.”

Much of Strange’s speech centered on educational goals. He told the group of business leaders that Montgomery Public Schools does a great job of catering to those students at the top, but not such a great job targeting those toward the bottom.

Economic freedom is the linchpin of great quality of life, it is incumbent on government to provide this for its citizens.

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How to Pick the Right Lion Tamer for Your Records Storage Beast

How to Pick the Right Lion Tamer for Your Records Storage Beast

How to Pick the Right Lion Tamer for Your Records Beast

Someday the world may be a paperless place, but until then, if you have records, you need to store them somewhere.  Storing them on-premises at your office isn’t a workable option forever—at some point, your records inventory (or indexing) takes on a life of its own and becomes a hungry, space-sucking organizational nightmare of a beast, consuming expensive office space and valuable time. A bar-coded records inventory is essential and will help locate records quickly.

It’s a good thing when your records inventory grows by leaps and bounds, because it means your business is flourishing—it is your business activity, after all, that generates all the records.  But when managing your records becomes a task unto itself, when it starts to take time away from the business activities that make you money and diverts resources elsewhere, it’s time to seek professional help to tame your records beast and convert it from a ferocious lion back into a cute, furry little kitten in the corner.

Decisions, Decisions – How to Choose?

When you realize your records are taking up more office space and more head space than you can bear, there’s lots of help available to bring things back under control.  How do you decide which Lion Tamer to enlist in your fight to reclaim your space and your sanity?  Here are a few things to consider:

Seek Industry-Specific Experience

Your records management and storage partner should have experience with your industry’s regulatory and compliance requirements.  Compliance rules are too technical and the risks associated with compliance breeches are too numerous and expensive to leave it to chance by choosing someone who’s still learning how to protect your information. A good vendor will be well-educated in the areas concerning compliance requirements.

Seek Time-Tested Vendors with a Proven Track Record

Like everything else in life, when it comes to managing records, the more you do it, the better you get at doing it.  Do you really have time to wait-and-see when it comes to your records management and storage?  Choose a firm that’s been in business for at least 5 years, so you know they know what they’re doing and they’re not going anywhere.  And choose a firm that already has loads of happy customers—if they are delivering consistently for others, it’s a good sign they will for you, too.

Only Pay for the Space You Actually Use

You don’t need to pay for ANY storage space other than what you actually use.  You wouldn’t rent a ballroom when all you needed was a small meeting room, but if you’re paying for a large space that’s mostly empty because your storage vendor doesn’t offer you utilization-based billing, you’re doing essentially the same thing.

Think Ahead

Your needs will likely change over time, so it’s best to choose a vendor that offers a full range of services and can expand what they do for you as you need it.  Moving your records and starting over with a new vendor can be an expensive inconvenience, so it’s best to choose someone who will be able to accommodate both your current and future needs.

When you’re ready to tame your records beast, we’ll be glad to share our recommendations on what services you need and what questions you should ask prospective vendors, so please ask!  We’re happy to be of service even if we’re not the Records Management vendor you ultimately choose for storage, and there’s no obligation to you. We can help you with a records inventory, a bar-code locator systems, easy retrieval and compliance requirement consulting.

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