subject: Filing Alphabetically - Benefits and Disadvantages [print this page] This text looks at alphabetical filingThis text looks at alphabetical filing. Numeric systems will be evaluated in subsequent articles.Before putting the files into alphabetical order you've got to decide what will be the designator of the file. This can enable you to get an plan of the entire quantity of files within the system. Employing a name is the most commonly used factor. Most systems put last name first, then the first name. For example: Beth Smith would be filed before Pam Smith.ADVANTAGES:Alphabetical filing has several advantages. Most individuals are acquainted with this kind of filing as a result of libraries (at least partially) and home filing systems are sometimes alphabetical. The workers ought to be ready to learn and become comfortable with the system in an exceedingly timely manner. The overall quantity of shelving out there for the system will be divided into alphabetical order before you start to feature records (*the chart below shows the way to estimate area for alpha sorted files).*A=3.two% B=9.seven% C=8.0% D=4.nine% E=2.a pair of% F=3.8% G=4.9% H=7.eight% I=0.4% J=2.half dozen% K=3.6% L=4.5% M=9.three% N=1/seven% O=1.3% P=4.5% Q=0.2% R=4.eight% S=10.two% T=3.4% U=0.4% V=1.0% W=6.eight% X=0.one% Y=0.five% Z=0.a pair of%Another advantage is the necessity to shift the records after purging records is reduced as a result of what records are removed is usually random. The records that are then added to the system will additionally be random and fall across the complete filing system. A cross reference may be avoided if the situation is such that the name on the record is easily available.DISADVANTAGES:Alpha filing additionally has some disadvantages. This system will not work well with very giant filing systems. With a large amount of files the chance of duplicate names is nice that can result in confusion and increase retrieval time. Color coding is more tough since you need to own 26 colors or combination of colours to designate all the letters of the alphabet. Spotting misfiles will also be harder. Trying to remember where a letter falls within the alphabet adds to the time of filing and retrieving the records. Additionally, managing a number of the principles of alpha filing is confusing. For example, does Mc come back before or once Mac? Every time I am going to the library I stand at the stacks trying to recollect these rules (and I have to stay browsing the alphabet to search out a explicit letter on the shelves). If confidentiality is an issue having a persons name on the file might be a privacy violation. In addition, the probabilities are increased that an unauthorized person can notice a specific file.In conclusion, creating the choice on what system to use depends on your wants and how you rank the advantages and drawbacks list above.
Filing Alphabetically - Benefits and Disadvantages
