Time spent searching for and recovering documents is dramatically reduced because files can be instantly searched and retrieved from a central location. Critical business processes that depend on fast access to records or files are made even more efficient with document retrieval. Employees no longer waste time searching for information in file cabinets or shared network drives. Collaboration among employees is also improved with the ability to instantly search and retrieve documents, share documents, and include documents in approval or workflow scenarios. Statistics from leading research companies prove digitization of documents and records improve overall productivity, continuity of operations, reduced cost  and services to the public. While initial cost may be high the long term return on Investment are significant and justifiable. It is important in the beginning to make a little changes as possible to the existing manual filing processes and filing schemas to maximize user support and participation. A difficult to use document management and records system will foster discontent and lack of use which will result in the task not reaching its goals. Evaluating proposals strictly on cost and not experience of the contractor, basic capabilities of the software, and long term benefits can end in less than satisfactory results.

The financial cost of lost information accumulates with each instance where important financial records, planning information, or project files cannot be found. Re-creating documents is only one aspect of the cost associated with lost information - the loss of proprietary and sensitive knowledge can be an even greater cost. Edge2007 enables effective document management polices that make certain critical government information is saved and can be found again in the future.