Organizations are constantly searching for innovative ways to optimize efficiency, reduce expenses, and minimize their environmental footprint.
However, despite the drive for digital transformation, many institutions—particularly state and local governments—continue to cling to paper forms, keeping the old ways alive.
A piece of paper is nothing…easy to ignore, but those pages become reams and most organizations never stop to calculate the total expense of these outdated methods. From printing to filing to manual data entry, the costs of paper-based workflows can quickly add up—impacting your bottom line, slowing decision-making, and draining resources.
Recent research reveals that U.S. businesses spend an average of $725 per employee on printing annually, with operational costs related to printing reaching up to 3% of a company’s total income. (Source) When it comes to approvals, paper forms, and manual processes not only cost money but also time, leading to inefficiencies across departments.
At FormAssembly, we understand how challenging it can be to transition away from these legacy processes. That’s why we’re here to help organizations make a smooth transition to digital data collection, saving time, money, and resources with our secure, online form solutions.
The True Cost of Paper Processes
Let’s break down the real costs associated with paper forms:
- Time Lost on Approvals: Every time a paper form is submitted for approval, it needs to be printed, routed, reviewed, signed, and filed. This tedious process can slow down decision-making and increase turnaround times.
- Costs of Printing and Storage: According to research, the average business prints up to several thousand sheets of paper per employee annually. For large corporations, this adds up to millions in printing and filing costs every year. When it comes to paper approvals, the expense of physically storing records, accessing them when needed, and managing paperwork can be staggering.
- Higher Risk of Human Error: Paper forms are more likely to have transcription errors, missing data, or mishandling of sensitive information, which can lead to costly mistakes and delays.
- Environmental Impact: The environmental footprint of paper-based processes includes deforestation, excessive waste, and unnecessary resource consumption—issues that digital forms can help alleviate.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
The Efficiency of Digital Forms
Switching to digital form solutions not only addresses environmental concerns but also helps businesses streamline internal processes. The time spent managing paper approvals and filing forms can be drastically reduced by going digital, allowing your team to focus on more important tasks.
FormAssembly simplifies the entire submission process by enabling seamless data capture, real-time collaboration, approvals, and e-signatures (and easy integration with tools like Salesforce). Our solution ensures your data collection is secure, compliant, and accessible anywhere, anytime.
Real Results from FormAssembly Customers
The transition to digital forms has been a game-changer for many of our customers, allowing them to cut paper consumption while optimizing their workflows. Here are just a few examples of the positive impact:
- Kentucky YMCA Youth Association: Save an estimated 20,000 sheets of paper annually by switching to online form submissions, cutting down on administrative tasks, and improving turnaround time.
- TechBridge and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta: They streamlined their approval processes, saving 15,000 sheets of paper each year—efficiency that translates into cost savings and improved workflow.
- Alosa Health: Saving 500 sheets of paper annually while collecting and managing information from their network of professionals has increased both their sustainability and accuracy in data handling.
These real-world examples highlight the immense financial and operational benefits of digital solutions.
Customer Success: Paving the Way for Sustainable Digital Transformation
Many of our customers are pioneering digital transformation in their fields, using FormAssembly’s powerful capabilities to enhance their eco-conscious practices while improving cost-effectiveness and productivity.
- Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF): Streamlined the USDA certification process, saving on postage, printing, and manual data entry by adopting online forms.
- Arkus + Eden Reforestation Projects: FormAssembly helped this organization raise funding and fight global deforestation by facilitating digital forms that improved partner collaboration.
- Outward Bound Costa Rica: Adopting digital forms for program registration and communication during the pandemic kept operations smooth while minimizing the administrative burden.
How to Start Saving with Digital Forms
Making the switch from paper approvals to digital forms might seem like a big leap, but it’s easier than you think. Here’s how to get started:
Track Your Progress: Measure the time and money saved by digitizing your processes. Making the switch from paper approvals to digital form solutions might seem like a big leap, but it’s easier than you think. Here’s how to get started:
Evaluate Your Current Paper Processes: Review the work processes and approvals you’re handling with paper. Map them out to easily transfer to digital formats.
Leverage FormAssembly’s Easy-to-Use Builder: Start with our intuitive drag-and-drop form builder for a seamless implementation.
Get Expert Support: Use our expert implementation assistance to ensure a smooth transition, without disrupting your business operations.
FormAssembly also offers discounts to qualifying nonprofit organizations, so you can help your cause without breaking your budget.
Switch to Sustainable, Cost-Effective Digital Forms
By eliminating paper-based workflows and moving to digital solutions, you can save on operational costs, speed up your approval processes, and reduce your environmental impact. Ready to take the first step? Start your free 14-day trial today and see how FormAssembly can optimize your approval processes, cut costs, and contribute to your sustainability efforts.
