The Noguchi Filing System

The top 10 reasons for using the Noguchi Filing System-
10. This Japanese filing system optimizes documents by frequency of use.
This filing system called the Noguchi Filing System is an alternative to subject-based filing (as it's often hard to know what priority to categorize a document). By refiling documents in a way that groups frequently accessed materials at the front of the file-shelf, it automatically optimizes itself for putting most urgent documents closest to hand.
9. The Noguchi Filing System is easy to learn. New documents (envelopes) are added at the left end of the "envelope buffer," and whenever a document is used (i.e., the envelope removed from the shelf), it is returned to the left end of the bookshelf. The result of this system is that the most recent (and frequently) used documents migrate to the left, while documents that are not used often or not used at all migrate to the right. After the system has been in use for a while it becomes easy to see which documents are used most.

8. This filing system easily categorizes the most important files. In the above "frequency-of-use sorting" of files, some of the files on the right side will be classified as "holy files" to be retained indefinitely. These, however, are removed from the shelf and stored in boxes. If a "holy file" is in use, it is part of the working file group at the left. Thus, holy files are really dead files, but ones which the user cannot part with. The solution is to get them out of sight into a box somewhere. In essence, this system works on the principle that categorized files are dead files, and that categorizing files should only be done when they are to be put in your file graveyard.
7. The Noguchi filing system easily clarifies classification. Since the only classification that is used is chronological the user is never confused as to where or what a file should be put under.
6. The Noguchi Filing system saves time. Filing is a seemingly never-ending task with paper documents. By using only one method of classification for papers the user is able to save time by learning only one method of filing. Researchers often spend far more time collecting and storing information than they do analyzing it and using it to formulate new hypotheses. In the humanities, figures indicate that as much as 80 percent of time is dedicated to mechanical tasks, among these the classification of documents. The Noguchi system frees the individual researcher, from the endless task of classification and proposes that library-type classification by subject be discarded in favor of chronological ordering.
5. The Noguchi Filing System is cheaper than the traditional method of filing. Instead of the cost of filing cabinets, files, tabs, markers etc., this filing system is a cost-efficient method to put in place. This method basically involves putting all material into A4 envelopes and placing the most recently used envelope at the end of the row. The only out-of-pocket cost being the cost of the envelopes and an empty shelf. A small additional cost may be incurred if the user should decide to mark the outside of envelopes. A simple marking pen is all that is required for this.
4. This method can be used for any documents. All documents can be placed within the filing system discontinuing the need for any further classification. All documents qualify for use in this system from travel documents to research papers.
3. The Noguchi filing system can be used by any type of business or academic office. Since there are no limits as to the classification of documents this system can be easily used by any type of business, school or entity that handles large amounts of filing.
2. The Noguchi filing system is easy to learn. Since business spend much of their time and payroll dollars in training this option to filing becomes very cost-efficient from an employee stand-point. Very little training is required to put this system in place.
1. The Noguchi filing system streamlines and simplifies the seemingly endless and fruitless task of filing!

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