Keeping files organized and accessible is essential, especially when many of us are working from home. The first step is to find the storage system that works best for you, such as Google Drive, Microsoft One Drive, DropBox, or an internal server.

Next, learn the best way to share and store data. Specific attributes of good storage and sharing include:

• Organized: Keep files organized in folders with subfolders so you can find information easily.

• Consistent Naming: Have a way you name files and have everyone with access follow this

• Central Storage Location: You don’t necessarily need all files in one place, but you should know where files go. For example, written content may be on OneDrive, while photos are in Google Drive.

• Up-to-Date: If data is out of date, confusion can be caused amongst your team. Incorrect information may be used and shared, so be sure to do frequent uploads of up-to-date information.

• Accessibility to Editing: Know how and who has editing permissions. This will vary across platforms. Some will automatically let anyone with access edit, while others require permissions to edit content.

• Back Up: Nothing is worse than losing your work! Make sure to keep files backed on in at least one other place, such as a secondary internet network or physical hard drive.

The more organized and accessible your files are, the more efficient your business or organization can run. We discussed these tips at our previous Chamber Tech Talk and our next Tech Talk will be in August. Details will be shared in our upcoming newsletter.

This article was published in the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce’s July 2020 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.