Interfiling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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interfiling

[ɪnˈtɜrˌfaɪlɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

document organization

Interfiling is the practice of organizing documents or records by integrating them into an existing filing system. This often involves placing files in a single location rather than creating separate categories, which optimizes space and retrieval efficiency.

Synonyms

combining, integrating, merging.

Examples of usage

  • The accountant was interfiling tax documents with other financial records.
  • In the office, we are interfiling client correspondence to streamline our processes.
  • Interfiling project notes with related files saves time during audits.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Business Practices

  • Many offices use interfiling to combine related documents, which helps reduce confusion and increases efficiency.
  • Interfiling is especially useful in industries like law, healthcare, and finance, where mixing records is common.

Technology Impact

  • With the rise of digital tools, interfiling has adapted to online systems where files can be tagged and categorized.
  • Cloud storage solutions often incorporate interfiling techniques, allowing faster access to related information.

Comparative Techniques

  • Interfiling differs from traditional filing systems, which keep documents strictly separate; it's a more collaborative approach.
  • This technique is often used alongside cross-referencing, which allows documents to be linked in multiple places.

Cognitive Psychology

  • Organizing information through methods like interfiling can help improve memory retrieval by creating mental connections.
  • Studies suggest that the way information is organized, like interfiling, affects how well we remember it.

Origin of 'interfiling'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'inter', meaning between, and 'filing', which refers to the action of organizing documents.
  • The concept dates back to administrative practices where physical space was limited and efficient organization was essential.

The term 'interfiling' is derived from the prefix 'inter-', which comes from Latin meaning 'between' or 'among', and 'filing', which is a term that originates from the early 19th century referring to the categorization and organized storage of documents. Together, they form a phrase that describes the practice of placing or combining files in such a manner that they coexist within a single organizational framework. The concept has developed over time as organizational systems have evolved, particularly with the advent of modern business practices and information management. In contemporary settings, interfiling has become increasingly relevant with the shift towards digital storage solutions, yet it still reflects traditional filing methods used in various professional contexts.