Desk Trays Optimize Paper Flow

Paper flow on the surface of a desk is a challenge for many people. A number of systems exist that claim to assist in managing this flow and they almost all rely on grouping various papers into a number of groups. This can be as simple as "in" and "out". Or as complex as "hold for analysis" and "for secondary review". Organizing these groupings can be as simple as creating piles on the open spaces of the desk top. Of course in extreme cases, these piles have been known to overflow to other surfaces, including the floor.

To more distinctly organize these groupings, the paper tray can be introduced to the desk top. As many trays as are required can be introduced to deal with the number of groupings the system being used calls for. The trays serve to contain the groupings and help to avoid mixing of the piles and provide delineation of the groupings. This creates better organization of the workspace, however, it does not make better use of the space.

Better use of available space can be made by stacking the groupings of papers. Vertical stacking of the groupings of paper can be accomplished with multiple trays with stacking support separators. The stacking height is determined by the type of tray, the material the tray is constructed from, the style of tray and weight of materials being stacked.

Use of trays should also take into account the types of materials being grouped. Select the proper size of trays to match the most common material size normally used. The most common format in use is letter size. These typically are 8.5 inches by 11 inches, but can be slightly larger if items such as folders and binders are included. Also common are legal size materials which are 8.5 inches by 14 inches. These can range slightly larger when folders and envelopes are included. Large formats can also be common in some industries and include the tabloid format of 11 inches by 17 inches.

The material the trays are constructed from is important for a number of reasons. The material must be strong enough to support the weight of materials, especially when vertically stacking trays. Color of the material is also a concern in most offices. No matter how rustic or modern the office decor is, the color scheme of accessories in the office can have a positive or negative effect on humans. Most man-made materials are colored or painted a wide variety of colors to match or accent other items. Natural materials are usually either left their natural colors or can be tinted or darkened with a stain. Occasionally natural materials are painted but this tends to be rare.

Personal taste also influences the tray material selected. Metal and plastic materials are both considered to be materials in the "cooler" end of the spectrum. These are used in some modern decor settings and tend to be low cost. Trays can be made from natural woods, a material that is considered to provide a feeling of warmth. These can be selected to match other elements of the office space. Often a complimentary wood color and type are desired to match desk surfaces, desk pedestals, office millwork or other office furniture.

Locating desk trays that are tailored to your requirements, your tastes and your office decor can be more of a challenge than you might expect. At SuccessImage.com, we understand these needs and can help tame the paper flow challenge in style.