During this webinar, Anne demonstrated how to get started with Paper Tiger Online, such as describing what is a Database, creating a Location, creating Items, printing labels for your items. Anne demonstrated a work-flow example by filing items from her inbox through the life-cycle of document management, and how to organize things other than paper files, to help you use Paper Tiger more effectively to get organized, be more productive, and Find Anything In Your Office In 5 Seconds or Less…Guaranteed!
In addition, she discussed problems that people have getting organized, not only with their paper and other physical items, but also problems with digital filing.
As information, Anne is a professional speaker, productivity expert, professional organizer and author. If you want to learn more about Anne and her services, please visit her website at www.StrategizeAndOrganize.com. She may be in Colorado, but she’s nationally recognized as an expert and works with people throughout the US in person and virtually.
See more information here on Paper Tiger Filing System Software for Document Management
You can contact Anne at amcgurty@strategizeandorganize.com or by phone at 303 881-0174.
Q: Can more than one database be created and used?
A: Yes, however having different databases is only advantageous if you want to keep different filing systems separate and do not want to search for all files in all databases at one time. For example, if you have an Office database and a Home database, you do not want items to pop up from your Office database when conducting a search for an item in your Home database.
Q: What are the limits for locations and categories?
A: In the Pro and multi-user plans, there are no limits as far as we’ve been able to tell
Q: Can the Paper Tiger Online version be used on an I-Pad?
A: Yes
Q: Can you add more than 1 category within a folder?
A: No, only 1 category per item
Q: If I file in multiple places (file cabinet, box, plastic box) would I label locations as such? Would that affect the word search?
A: You can name your Locations to coincide with the location of the physical files or to coincide with the type of files you are indexing, or a combination of the two. For example, you might have a Location named File Cabinet 1, File Cabinet 2, Box 1, Box 2, Plastic Box Black, Plastic Box Red, and then also have Locations for Action, CDs, DVDs, Books. Within the same database, these different Locations will not affect your word search.
Q: Can you lock a database for specific users with in your group of users?
A: In the multi-user plans, you can lock a database for specific users. You are able to give permissions when inviting a user by selecting whether they will have permissions for View and/or Edit in an entire database or for certain Locations within the database. Below are the knowledge base links to show you how the multi-user plans work and look like in inviting users and setting their permissions:
-Paper Tiger Multi-User Concept
-How Do Permissions Work
-Inviting a User to Your Account
-How to Set User Permissions
-Collision Detection
Q: Is there a master file database for all the sub file databases?
A: If you are understanding a Location to be a sub-file database, yes. A Location is within a database. A Location relates to where you will store your physical items (paper files, books, CDs, DVDs, storage boxes, etc) This can be named anything you want – however you relate to what you are indexing, i.e., Office files, Home files, Action files, Reference files, House, Basement, Garage, etc. Paper Tiger uses Locations to represent these places where you store the items you want to be able to find later. Paper Tiger Locations are made up of Item names, description, capacity and review frequency.
Q: I will have 3 separate businesses, home, etc
A: You will need to decide if you want to search for all of your businesses and home in one database….if you want search results across these….or if you do not want search results across all businesses and your home, then separate databases would be what you need to do.
Q: Can this system be used for shops and or non paper filing materials?
A: If we understand this question correctly; Yes, Paper Tiger can be used to index other items. It is not just for paper filing. See our Not Just For Paper Filing web page.
Q: Could you review the best uses for Categories?
A: Please see our knowledge base article for What are Categories?
Q: Does the online version of Paper Tiger in any way synch with a locally-installed version?
A: No
Q: I have 20 years of files, reports, binders, etc…any advice on the very first thing that I should do to get started? I have bought the desktop version, think it will be the answer to my prayers….just not sure where the best to start would be.
A: See our blog posts at Customize Your Filing System with Paper Tiger’s Indexing Method and at A Guide to Converting to Paper Tiger.
Q: Can you mark a file that is removed, say to give to a colleague, so that you know that the file is out, so that you don’t forget to get it back?
A: You can make a note in either the Keywords section or the Notes section as to who has taken the file and maybe mark the Action Date for when you should follow up with them to make sure it has been re-filed or to get it back.
Q: I have books all over the house. Can I say for each particular book where to find it?
A: Yes, you can indicate in the Keywords section or the Notes section as to where each individual book is located.
Q: Can you enter more than one category?
A: No, only one Category can be assigned per Item.
Q: I already use my own indexed filing system using folders and subfolders I have created and numbered in Windows Exporer. May I dictate to Paper Tiger my own existing index data so that both systems match?
A: No, when you add an item to Paper Tiger, the database assigns the first available Item number.
Q: I have three categories. 1) Personal Development 2) Professional Development 3) Marriage Development — Subfolder examples are 1.4 Finances. Another example is 2.3 Quarterly Review Notes. — Can Paper Tiger help me file these with the same item number I have already assigned?
A: No, when you add an item to Paper Tiger, the database assigns the first available Item number.
Q: Is it best to set up PT after you’ve already determined what categories/folders/files you are keeping, e.g., after you’ve already pruned?
A: Some people already have files set up in desk drawers and cabinets, and it’s a matter of indexing what you already have and updating as you add new files. You can purge as you go through each file folder indexing in Paper Tiger.
For those that have a mess and no consistent system in place, it is best to separate the stacks into like-files/categories so you can see what you’ve got. Then decide the best way to file and index those stacks.
Q: What version of paper tiger are you using?
A: Paper Tiger Online Pro
Q: Can we ensure that item numbers are generated in increments of 5 example- 100, 105, 110, 120
A: When you add an item to Paper Tiger, the database assigns the first available Item number. Item numbers are in sequential order in increments of 1, i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, etc.
Q: Will you be providing upgrades to desktop version keeping in with the changes/enhancements being done to online version?
A: Our plans are to continue providing upgrades to the desktop version, however there will be some things that we can do with the online version that will not be possible with the desktop version.
Q: So the labels on folders will be index-style, e.g., 1,2,3,… instead of descriptive?
A: Yes
Q: When we detect multiple files with different Item numbers pertaining to the same subject, how do you merge those item numbers? How do you associate multiple items numbers together?
A: The Pro and multi-user plans have the ‘Find First’ function, which shows when there are similar files. “Find first” is a feature that reduces duplicate items by actively searching while you add a new item and warns you if Paper Tiger finds an item already there that might be related to what you are inputting. You can choose to merge the new item with the one you already have in file, or you can create the new item. When creating an Item, as you begin typing the name, Paper Tiger alerts you of other Items that has similar names or keywords. This way you can tell Items that are related by name, which you may want to merge the information together. A link appears above the Item text box notifying you of the number of Items containing similarities. If you want to merge the Items, pick one of the Items in the list in which you want to merge the new Item.
Q: Can we create a relationship between 2 labels?
A: You can use the Category section to create a relationship between multiple items.
Q: Any plans to have multiple sub-items held within a folder (e.g., several different documents held within Janet’s hanging folder)
A: We currently do not have plans to have the option for sub-items, but will put this on the list of suggestions for consideration. Currently, you can input information relating to any sub-items or folders into the Keywords section.
Q: We have several people who think differently; some think inside the box and some outside the box. How do you find the keyword that will work for all?
A: The key here is to put all keywords that you can think of that relates to the item being indexed. Ask for input or have the other users input additional keywords in relation to how they think about the items being indexed.
Q: Why not use the alphabet instead of numbers for small uses of the paper tiger?
A: You can file alphabetically with Paper Tiger by re-sorting the Item Name header, however to use Paper Tiger as it is intended is the most convenient in how the software works.
Q: I would rather use the alphabet than numbers in filing
A: See our blog posts:
Alphabetic Method for Paper Tiger Desktop Version
Alphabetic Method for Paper Tiger Online
Q: You seem to be using the Keywords field for two different things. 1) Keywords that can be used for searching and 2) notes about what the file is about…I don’t understand using it as a notes field
A: The Keywords field can be used for any information that you need or want to input. The more information, the better for your search later. This is totally up to the user and how the individual thinks and works.
Q: I notice that your demo is on the online version of Paper Tiger. I own the stand alone, does everything you’ve been showing also go well for the stand alone version?
A: Yes, except there are a few differences in the way the 2 versions function.
Q: I already own the Paper Tiger stand alone version. I note that your demo is on the online version. Are there differences I should be aware of?
A: The basic differences between the two versions are:
Paper Tiger desktop version:
- it is a one computer software program, meaning you can only access from one computer since it is a licensed downloadable software
- needs to be installed, is a Windows only software. Can only be used on Macs if installed on a virtual Windows program such as Parallels
- database is housed on that one computer, database secure only if the computer is secure
- customer responsible for backing up their database
-upgrades would need to be purchased when next version is available
Paper Tiger Online version:
Our developers tried to make Paper Tiger Online as close to the desktop version as possible, so that the look and feel wouldn’t be too much of a difference for our current users that wanted an online version.
In addition, the most prevalent features we have added to Paper Tiger Online are:
-accessible from any computer with an Internet connection, including Macs and devices such as iPad, iPhone, etc. (not tied to one computer and no installation)
-Because Paper Tiger Online is accessible from any computer with an Internet access, clients can find or file from anywhere.
-search result highlights the searched word
-ability to choose multiple items to either toss or edit the Action Date
-ability to create a new item in a selected item number
-dashboard shows a running log of changes/activity the user had made to their database
-we will be able to provide enhancements to the online version as they become available that are not possible with the current desktop version
-we automatically backup the databases every night on our secure servers
-does not require installation, so account set up and ready to work in about 60 seconds
Tags: document management software, document management system, filing system software, get organized, Paper Tiger "finding" filing system, Productivity, professional organizer
With due respect, I find this (and many other videos around the net) difficult to hear. I have my headphones on and the volumes up as far as they go on my laptop and on the video here. The sound isn’t the best. It might be better if there was more gain on the recordings, or something? I know there is good information here and the images help with understanding what’s being said but, for me, I kindly say that it’s too much of an effort to stay with this for an hour.
Robin,
I’m sorry you had trouble with this webinar. We are working to eliminate the webinars with audio/technical problems and publish only the webinars that will provide the most efficient training. If you still want to review a Paper Tiger webinar, I will recommend watching either of the following:
February 10th, March 3rd, April 7th and the Paper Tiger webinar hosted by Meggin McIntosh
thank you!
Thank you, Janet. I just want to let you know that some of the problem was with me and my laptop. I had my husband check it out recently and he has adjusted something and I do get better sound. So please take what I said with a couple or more grains of salt
I’ll find some time and listen further to these. I appreciate your reply and the links.