Color Coding is the assignment of color to a number, letter or particular item that shows meaning. ln filing we assign a color for each number 0 through 9 and a color for each letter A through Z to aid in filing and retrieval of all types of hard copy files. By putting these colors (letters, numbers and designators) in a particular position on a file folder, file pocket etc., a color/block pattern is formed. When these patterns of color are broken, a misfile has occurred (see color blocks above-we immediately know that the pattern is not correct.) ln retrieving a file, color recognition speeds lookup time. lt also saves presorting time and speeds up filing time. Color-coded filing can reduce filing and retrieval time 50%. Approximalely 75% of every dollar spent in filing areas is people time; therefore, color-coding can save as much or more than 33% of the money that is now spent on your present non-color coded files.

Misfiles are virtually nonexistent in color-coded files because of the ease of spotting a file when it is out of order. Memorization of colors is not necessary; the color works as a flag, which identifies position or meaning in a file sequence. Color-coding need not be complicated and can be applied to almost any filing situation. Color-coding can also be used in areas other than numbers and letters.