Filing system can be divided in two types 1.) Old or traditional filing system and 2.) New or modern filing system. There are different types of system in both traditional and modern filing systems:
The types of traditional filing system can be pointed out as follows:
Bundle filing is the oldest type of filing. In this system, all documents of a specified period are bundled in a piece of cloth. Such bundles are arranged date wise in a rack.
A wire is used for filing. The top end of the wire is sharp or bent. The bottom end of wire has a round base. Documents are inserted in the wire in chronological order. The wire is kept on the table or hung on the wall.
A cardboard is used for filing in this system of filing. Both sides of the cardboard have proper flaps with laces. The documents are placed on the cardboard subject-wise in chronological order. The cardboard is tied by laces. The files are kept in a cabinet.
In this system, an almirah with several small holes is used. The wholes are arranged in alphabetical order. The documents are placed in holes according to their first alphabet. The holes look like pigeon holes.
It uses boxes to file documents. They are made of cardboard. A pair of spring clips is attached to the box to hold papers. Documents are filed chronologically. Separate boxes can be used for each subject.
2. Types Of Modern Filing System
Modern filing system uses improved office equipment. The types of modern filing are:
The file is kept in a flat position. Documents are chronologically filed in folders. The oldest document is at the bottom and the latest document is at the top. The folders are kept in drawers.
It consists of folders. The folder is kept in a standing position. It is folded in the middle to hold documents. It is placed in a drawer in vertical position. Documents are placed loose in folders in chronological order. Punching or tying with laces is not needed.
It is an improved version of vertical filing. The drawer or cabinet has a metal rod for suspending folders. The folders do not touch the bottom of the drawer. They are filed with hinges to suspend them on the rod.
It is an improved version of suspension filing. It uses envelope type folders. The folders are kept hanging in the drawer. They are closed by a metal strip. The folders are kept laterally in metal shelves.
It uses open shelf for keeping files. The files are kept in numerical order. It is like books in a library. The height of shelves can be up to 10 feet. Shelves are arranged in rows. Space is provided for movement of people between rows.
It is used for storing information electronically in soft copy. It does not store documents in hard copy. It is computer based. The information is stored in hard disk, CDs, or pen drive in files.
1.Types Of Traditional Filing System
The types of traditional filing system can be pointed out as follows:
a. Bundle filing
Bundle filing is the oldest type of filing. In this system, all documents of a specified period are bundled in a piece of cloth. Such bundles are arranged date wise in a rack.
b. Wire filing
A wire is used for filing. The top end of the wire is sharp or bent. The bottom end of wire has a round base. Documents are inserted in the wire in chronological order. The wire is kept on the table or hung on the wall.
c. Cardboard filing
A cardboard is used for filing in this system of filing. Both sides of the cardboard have proper flaps with laces. The documents are placed on the cardboard subject-wise in chronological order. The cardboard is tied by laces. The files are kept in a cabinet.
d. Pigeon hole filing
In this system, an almirah with several small holes is used. The wholes are arranged in alphabetical order. The documents are placed in holes according to their first alphabet. The holes look like pigeon holes.
e. Box filing
It uses boxes to file documents. They are made of cardboard. A pair of spring clips is attached to the box to hold papers. Documents are filed chronologically. Separate boxes can be used for each subject.
2. Types Of Modern Filing System
Modern filing system uses improved office equipment. The types of modern filing are:
a. Horizontal or flat filing
The file is kept in a flat position. Documents are chronologically filed in folders. The oldest document is at the bottom and the latest document is at the top. The folders are kept in drawers.
b. Vertical filing
It consists of folders. The folder is kept in a standing position. It is folded in the middle to hold documents. It is placed in a drawer in vertical position. Documents are placed loose in folders in chronological order. Punching or tying with laces is not needed.
c. Suspension filing
It is an improved version of vertical filing. The drawer or cabinet has a metal rod for suspending folders. The folders do not touch the bottom of the drawer. They are filed with hinges to suspend them on the rod.
d. Lateral filing
It is an improved version of suspension filing. It uses envelope type folders. The folders are kept hanging in the drawer. They are closed by a metal strip. The folders are kept laterally in metal shelves.
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e. Open-shelf filing
It uses open shelf for keeping files. The files are kept in numerical order. It is like books in a library. The height of shelves can be up to 10 feet. Shelves are arranged in rows. Space is provided for movement of people between rows.
f. Electronic filing
It is used for storing information electronically in soft copy. It does not store documents in hard copy. It is computer based. The information is stored in hard disk, CDs, or pen drive in files.