IT in Manufacturing


Harnessing the power of digital documents for a sustainable future

July 2023 IT in Manufacturing

Today, with all our environmental concerns, the adoption of sustainable practices has become an urgent priority. Many industries are seeking ways to reduce waste, conserve energy and minimise their carbon footprint. One such avenue, with an enormous potential to assist, is the transition from traditional paper-based documentation to digital documents. Digital documents can bring about a host of benefits for both businesses and the environment, and can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

Reduction of paper usage

The primary advantage of digital documents lies in their ability to significantly reduce paper usage. Traditional paper documents contribute to deforestation, water consumption and energy consumption during production. By using DesSoft digital documents, one can preserve natural resources and mitigate the environmental impact associated with paper production. Additionally, reducing paper usage helps to minimise waste generation and lowers the carbon emissions associated with transportation and disposal.

Energy conservation

Printing, copying and distributing paper documents consume energy. In contrast, digital documents eliminate the need for physical production, transportation and storage. Storing and accessing documents electronically not only reduces energy consumption but also lowers greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the operation of printing devices and other office equipment. Cloud-based document storage further enables organisations to share information seamlessly, reducing the need for physical mail or courier services.

Waste reduction and recycling

Paper waste represents a significant portion of our global wastes. By going to digital documents, we can relieve the burden on landfills and recycling facilities. DesSoft’s digital documents are not subject to wear and tear, eliminating the need for replacement or disposal. Moreover, digital documents can be easily shared, edited and updated without generating any physical waste. Using digital signatures and electronic workflows can further eliminate the need for printing, signing and storing paper documents.

Increased efficiency and productivity

Digital documents offer superior efficiency and productivity, in addition to having environmental benefits. Electronic storage and retrieval systems enable quick and easy access to information, eliminating the time and resources spent searching through physical files. Collaboration on digital platforms allows for real-time editing, feedback, and communication, reducing the need for printing multiple versions. Additionally, automated workflows like the DesSoft Changes Workflow features, and document management systems streamline processes, minimising errors and delays, and reducing resource consumption.

Cost and documentation comparison

There is a striking contrast between construction and equipment costs when compared to the accompanying engineering documentation. While it may be apparent that larger equipment does not necessitate the highest volume of documentation, a closer examination reveals that the multitude of smaller items, such as cabling and wiring, require a substantial amount of documentation for each project.The sheer magnitude of documentation involved spans the entire lifecycle of the plant, from its inception to ongoing maintenance. Embracing digital documentation throughout this entire process not only proves advantageous for the end user and the company, but also delivers significant benefits to the bottom line and our planet.

To conclude, digital documents have the potential to contribute to a green and sustainable future. By embracing digitalisation, we can reduce paper consumption, conserve natural resources, minimise waste and mitigate climate change. The benefits extend beyond environmental concerns, as digital documents also enhance efficiency, productivity, and accessibility. To accelerate this transition, it is essential for organisations, governments and individuals to invest in digital infrastructure, promote digital literacy, and encourage the use of electronic documentation. By harnessing the power of digital documents and DesSoft’s intelligent redlining, we can pave the way for a more sustainable world.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Transforming battery manufacturing processes
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens and Hirano Tecseed, a Japanese machine builder, are partnering to transform battery manufacturing processes.

Read more...
From Trojan takeovers to ransomware roulette
IT in Manufacturing
Cisco’s Cyber Threat Trends Report offers a comprehensive and overview of the evolving cybersecurity landscape, leveraging its vast global reach through the analysis of DNS traffic.

Read more...
The road to decarbonisation in mining
IT in Manufacturing
The mining industry is a key player in global carbon emissions, and ABB’s eMine is at the forefront of efforts to drive the sector’s decarbonisation.

Read more...
Siemens democratises AI-driven PCB design for small and medium electronics teams
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software is making its AI-enhanced electronic systems design technology more accessible to small and mid-sized businesses with PADS Pro Essentials software and Xpedition Standard software.

Read more...
Siemens’ PAVE360 to support new Arm Zena Compute Subsystems
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software is expanding its longstanding relationship with Arm and adding support for the newly launched Arm Zena Compute Subsystems in its PAVE360 software, designed for software-defined vehicles

Read more...
Empowering OEMs in industrial automation
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Organisations are increasingly focusing on empowering OEMs within the industrial automation sector

Read more...
Fortifying the state in a time of cyber siege
IT in Manufacturing
In an era where borders are no longer physical, South Africa is being drawn into a new kind of conflict, one fought not with tanks and missiles, but with lines of code and silent intrusions. The digital battlefield is here, and cyber space has become the next frontier of conflict.

Read more...
Levelling up workplace safety - how gamification is changing the rules of training
IT in Manufacturing
Despite the best intentions, traditional safety training often falls short, with curricula either being too generic, too passive, or ultimately unmemorable. Enter gamification, a shift in training that is redefining how businesses train for safety and live by those principles.

Read more...
Reinventing data centre design: critical changes to meet surging
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
AI technologies are pushing the boundaries of what is possible which, in turn, is presenting data centres with a whole new set of challenges. Fortunately, several options are emerging which include optimising design and infrastructure for efficiency, cooling and management systems

Read more...
Watts next - can IT save the planet
IT in Manufacturing
The digital age’s insatiable demand for computing power has collided with an urgent and pressing need for sustainability. As data centres and AI workloads consume unprecedented energy, IT providers are pivotal in redefining how technology intersects with environmental stewardship.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved