Banish the Paper

A word of caution: If you don’t currently have good processes, that weakness is about to be exposed. If you can’t successfully convert your current system into a digital one, there is a reason. Your system is either nonexistent, loosely defined or multiple systems exist. Be assured, going paperless will force you to fine-tune your systems. We embraced this truth as an opportunity to improve, and so should you.

How do I know going paperless works? Our office manager recently asked what we paid for our scanners. I paused for a second. “Do we need another one?” I asked. No, she wanted one for home use. I’ve had one at home for years. My business partner purchased a scanner last year for home. One of our project managers just asked me about a mobile scanner for his truck. We’ve created a paperless monster, and our clients are benefiting.

Jeremy Martin, a third-generation contractor, is a graduate of the University of Texas with a B.S. in engineering with high honors. He is current chairman of the Austin Area Remodelers Council and a member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin board of directors.