THE PAPER TRAIL CONTINUES, SEPTEMBER 2008

In our effort to increase our paperless operations, CIR recently purchased an invoice scanner system. Every invoice that we receive will be scanned into the system, and an electronic copy will then be sent to the prospective project manager for approval. Currently, every vendor has to submit invoices in duplicate so that hard copies can be given to each project manager for approval. Once it's up and running, this system will eliminate the need for duplicate invoice copies and save approximately 1500 sheets of paper from being used every month while increasing office efficiency.

CIR also utilizes other electronic services that not only save paper, but have other added benefits.

CIR participates in electronic billing with our vendors that provide this service. It saves envelopes, which adds up since some of those vendors send us invoices daily. It also saves postage and eliminates mail from the mail stream, which has the potential to reduce fuel use.

We also participate in many electronic financial transactions, such as electronic payments and information transfers, and direct deposit for our employees. Electronic payments and information transfers save paper and reduce mail, and direct deposit saves our employees a weekly trip to the bank, time and gas.

In addition, CIR utilizes Remote Deposit Capture (RDC). RDC allows a user to scan checks and transmit the scanned images to a bank for posting and clearing, thus eliminating the need to make daily trips to the bank to make deposits and also saving time. Another benefit is that the postings clear sooner which can help your cash flow. BankServ provides an online calculator to estimate the annual environmental and financial savings of RDC. According to their Carbon Emissions Calculator, CIR saves 270.4 gallons of gasoline or 13.8 barrels of oil, 5245.8 pounds of CO2 or 16 trees, 173.3 hours, and $1,016.70 in fuel costs every year just by using RDC. To calculate your potential savings visit http://www.bankserv.com/greenbanking.

STAY TUNED! October's Topic: The Third ‘R' - Recycling