Filing is the process of collecting, classifying, arranging and preserving the official records for their quick delivery and availability. It is the part of record management.

Filing is the process of collecting, classifying, arranging and preserving the official records for their quick delivery and availability. It is the part of record management. It is the system of keeping records so systematically that they are easily and quickly obtainable as and when required.

According to J.C Denyer,“Filing is the process of arrangement and storing records so that they can be located when required.”

The following are the main objectives of filing:

1. To preserve documents
   The main objective of filing is to preserve the past and present documents from possible loss and damage.
2. To provide information
   Filing preserves the record of past and present so that it provides all required information of office to the concerned person or party.
3. To act as proof
   All important and useful documents and letters are preserved in the file, so they can be presented as a proof for the settlement of possible disputes in future.
4. To increase efficiency
   Filing provides all necessary records and information as and when required, so it helps to increase the efficiency of staff in smooth and quick performance of their day to day activities.

Filing is an important function of an office. The success of the business largely depends upon good filing system. Filing is the storehouse of records not only for safety but also for locating them easily and quickly at the time of necessity. The following points highlight the importance of filing: -

• Filing collects the required papers and documents for future reference.
• It preserves the important files and documents from insects, dust, moisture, water, rats and fire.
• It helps to increase the image and prestige of the organization.
• It fulfills the legal requirement.
• It provides the detail information of past activities.
• It helps to settle down the dispute & misunderstanding.
• It provides information to the various users.
• It helps for making a prompt decision on different official matters.

Filing is the process of collecting, classifying, arranging and preserving the official records for their quick delivery and availability. It is the part of record management. It is the system of keeping records so systematically that they are easily and quickly obtainable as and when required.

According to J.C Denyer,“Filing is the process of arrangement and storing records so that they can be located when required.”

From the above definition, it can be concluded that filing is systematic and scientific preservation of important documents in a proper place so that they can be obtained in future at the time of requirement without any delay and difficulty.

The following are the main objectives of filing: -

1. To collect the documents
   The main objective of filing is to preserve the records and documents for future reference. For the purpose of preserving the letters and documents, they should be collected from different sources. Hence, the collection of documents is the first objective of filing.
2. To preserve the documents
   The basic objective of filing is to preserve the documents for future reference. They should be properly filed in such a manner that the documents will not get lost and remain safe from insects, theft, rats, water, moisture and fire.
3. To provide evidence
   The letters and documents received in the office are quite useful for future reference. Such documents which have been preserved in the file at present can act as proof at any time in the future. These documents can be presented for the settlement of misunderstandings and disputes relating to various matters.
4. To provide information
   The letters and documents which are collected and filed are useful to the office to provide different types of information. Such information is provided to the shareholders, customers, suppliers, government and other concerned parties at the time of necessity. Such information is useful for preparing plans, policies and implementing them into practice.
5. To provide promptness in work
   One of the objectives of filing is to bring promptness in official works. Generally, the routine functions of the office are carried out with the help of past records. The systematic filing of such records is easily obtainable at the time of necessity which helps to bring rapidity in work.
6. To provide guidance
   Filing of past records and documents also guide the office staff to carry out their daily works. It provides guidance to the new staff and supports the existing staff for performing their duties in effective manner.

Filing is an important function of an office. The success of the business largely depends upon good filing system. Filing is the storehouse of records not only for safety but also for locating them easily and quickly at the time of necessity. The following points highlight the importance of filing: -

• Filing collects the required papers and documents for future reference.
• It preserves the important files and documents from insects, dust, moisture, water, rats and fire.
• It helps to increase the image and prestige of the organization.
• It fulfills the legal requirement.
• It provides the detail of past activities.
• It helps to settle down the dispute & misunderstanding.
• It provides information to the various users.
• It helps for making a prompt decision on different official matters.