What is phygital information management?
The word phygital is a blend (or, if you’re trying to win at Scrabble, a portmanteau) of the words ‘physical’ and ‘digital’. Phygital information management is the approach of keeping information in a combination of both physical and digital records in order to enjoy the benefits of both .
Restore Information Management has been building towards a phygital approach for over 30 years. We’ve developed the tools, technology, and clever clogs know-how to let you seamlessly manage a hybrid library to save time, money, and space.
Because while some might ask you to choose between physical and digital, the truth is there can be drawbacks to both.
The limitations of physical
Paper is a known quantity. We’ve been storing information on paper for centuries. So many of your stakeholders, partners, and customers are creating paper records. Some of them even prefer it.
But paper takes up space your organisation needs. It can be easy to lose track of, leaving you at regulatory risk. And getting a hold of what you need takes time.
Digital records promised to solve these problems. But digital doesn’t always solve your problems; sometimes it just moves them to another medium.
The drawbacks of digital
Digitising your entire library is no small undertaking. And it comes with a price tag. Attempting a company-wide digital transformation can overwhelm business operations and budgets.
And it’s not always appropriate. Some stakeholders, partners, or customers demand paper. And you’re legally required to store certain records on paper.
Sometimes, going all-in on digital just isn’t feasible.
The future is phygital
The benefits of digital without the price tag, because we focus on digitising the records where it will deliver the most impact.
The benefits of paper while enjoying cost-effective off-site storage in secure, local facilities less than two hours from your front door.
All powered with seamless information management systems and processes. So it’s quick and easy for you and your team to access the information they need.
– So regulators are tickled pink with your compliance efforts.
– So you’re in a stronger position to evolve your digital transformation at your pace.
– So you’re left basking in your success as you save time, money, and space.
The benefits of phygital information management
Access on your terms
Instant access for digital assets, and regular delivery for physical files.
Easy to find
Whether the information is on paper or pixel, you’ll always be able to find what you’re looking for.
Lower costs
Going phygital reduces your digital investment and your storage costs go down too.
Simple management
Your teams don’t need to dig through two different systems to find the file they need.
Reacts to your needs
Our Scan on Demand facility can digitise a record in a matter of hours.
Unrivalled security
Both physical and digital files are protected by cutting edge technologies to keep your information safe and secure.
Digital at your pace
Dip your toes in the water with digitisation that focuses on delivering the biggest bang for your buck.
Regulatory compliance
Demonstrate information management appropriate to needs and privacy regulations.
The phygital process
But many phygital journeys look a little like this.
- Index, catalogue, analyse: We work to understand your library so you know which records you have, which you no longer need, and which you frequently request.
- Systems and processes: We’ll set you up with whatever you need to seamlessly manage a secure, straightforward phygital library.
- Focused digitisation: We’ll scan the records you frequently request to maximise your return on investment.
- Secure, local storage: Your remaining physical records will be tucked away in a secure facility less than two hours from your front door.
Do your unique needs require a different approach? No problem. Our resourceful team will adopt whatever process is needed to get you the phygital library you deserve.
HM Land Registry needed help to understand what they should and should not digitise
HM Land Registry held 88 million files in 10 sites across the UK. So when Eve Foster was tasked with delivering digital benefits to teams both in the office and at home, she turned to Restore Information Management.
We began by consolidating the records into a single, secure storage facility, significantly reducing storage costs and allowing us to offer same-day delivery of any file. We then analysed usage data to reveal which records were most often requested, and scanned 160,000 documents to give both office and hybrid workers instant access to the information they needed. We supplemented this with our Scan on Demand service, providing same-day digitisation of any record in the physical archive.
This phygital approach contributed to £278 million annual savings, as well as saving significant time for property buyers.
Find out more about how phygital saved HM Land Registry time, money, and space.
Let’s get phygital
Maybe Olivia Newton-John isn’t an information management guru, but she’s right about one thing: let’s get phygital. If you’re ready to listen to Olivia, get in touch. Our resourceful team is ready to listen to your problems and figure out the right answer for you
Let’s get phygital