It seems that we are always hearing stories about how we will soon be a paperless society. Newspapers will be delivered digitally, well read books on our laptop and tiny microchips will hold every scrap of information we need.
Yet with all these predictions and a steady influx of exciting new technology, we cant seem to let go of our paper. Whether you keep paper documents as back up to the electronic version or because laws require the originals to be kept for a specified number of years, there is one problem with holding onto these tangible items: where do you put them? With real estate at a premium, many healthcare professionals are now choosing to store their documents off site. “A lot of people dont need to access to files on a regular basis so storing them on site is just taking up space that could be put to better use,” says Stephen Finkelstein, owner of Fort Lauderdale-based Atlantic Data Storage. Finkelstein, who opened Atlantic Data Storage about seven months ago, says he never intended to be in the data storage business. It just sort of evolved from his moving and storage business. “We would be moving doctors or accountants and they would ask us if we could store their documents,” he says. “Since we were often storing their furniture during moving or remodeling it only seemed natural to store their documents as well.” As more and more companies asked Finkelstein to store documents, he decided to open a specific business to suit the growing need. Some companies only need a handful of boxes stored with others have thousands of boxes that need to be warehoused. Whatever level of need, Atlantic Data Storage can handle it. One benefit of using a document storage service is indexing. Some companies request that their boxed be generally indexed, meaning each is numbered, indexed by date or by alphabetical listing. Other businesses ask for detailed indexing of their boxes. This type of indexing can be done by Social Security Number, Drivers License number or any other means of indexing. Companies with a large number of boxes that are frequently access find detail indexing to be a timely and efficient means of date retrieval. When an office needs a record, it simply sends a fax to the Atlantic office and the company will locate the file via the indexing system and promptly deliver it. “If they put a rush on it, we can get it out on the same day,” Finkelstein says. Companies can then keep the file or have it put back in storage. And if documents are no longer needed, a secure third-party shredding truck is on site at all times. Since stored files can contain a wealth of personal information, state-of-the-art security has been put in place at the warehouse. A network of security cameras blankets the site and no public access is allowed. Additionally, all employees are screened before hire, ensuring the utmost safety and security of all boxes. Atlantic Data Storage is a new and rather small company, which Finkelstein says is what sets it apart from many of its competitors. “Were small so we can offer a more personal service,” he says, adding that many of his clients are seeking personal attention that a large international company cannot provide. “Since storage prices are similar across the board, its service that makes the difference.” Finkelstein, a native of Canada, ran a successful shipping and distribution for 35 years before selling the business and moving to Florida to retire. Not quite two years into retirement, the businessman decided to go back to work and started Secure Moving & Storage. Now along with his wife, Carol, and a dozen employees, Finkelstein is dedicated to providing customers with a high level of service with a personal touch. Atlantic Data Storage offers a full menu of services including: document storage, pick up and retrieval, indexing, computer tape storage and rotation and destruction services. Located at 3501 NW 54th Street in Fort Lauderdale, the business serves Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.