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 Although the vertical filing cabinet is the most popular choice among individuals and companies, it may not always be suitable for use in each particular situation. If you are used to vertical filing cabinets and discovering that you have a need for something different, you may want to look into lateral files. The lateral file is not the most common type of filing system available, but it can be a very useful and beneficial investment for your company. They are becoming more common in offices that have an abundant volume of files and the need to be able to access them very quickly. They typically have between two and five drawers and have a special feature on some of the five drawer models. They can come with a flip down drawer front that allows you to access the lateral files without having to climb on a ladder or a step stool to reach them or to see the file tabs. This is very convenient and has been a hit with the companies that have chosen to utilize this option.
Most people and businesses are very familiar with the standard vertical filing cabinet, however, lateral files are growing in popularity and have become more well known in the past several years. They are, in fact, more widely used than most people realize. They are proving to be quite useful in smaller work spaces, such as cubicles, or in a smaller office that is restricted on space. In this case, they can serve a dual purpose, as a filing cabinet as well as a side table for a lamp and some magazines if it is used in a waiting area or as a stand for a printer or fax machine if in the actual office. Any way you look at it, they are a nice change of pace to the tall, deep and narrow vertical cabinet that we are used to. Another nice advantage to the lateral files is that you are able to see every single tab you have on a folder in the drawer. This really is a fabulous feature as you are able to locate the needed file in a fraction of the time.
Lateral files offer two different filing options, which is a new concept. We are all used to the typical front to back filing method that is common with the vertical cabinet, but we now have the option of filing side to side as well. Whichever filing method you prefer, you will be able to do it with this type of cabinet. Some people use both methods in the same cabinet, just changing it from one drawer to the next. Some files may be easier managed in the older method while you may find some real benefit in filing others in the new side to side method. And being able to alternate back and forth between the two filing styles is a nice feature. Whichever is your preferred method, you will want to seriously consider the benefits of lateral filing systems and how they can make your job a little bit easier.
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