6 Key Reasons Faxing Remains Crucial in 2024

Despite what most people think, fax machines have not been completely phased out and are not just a relic of the past. This technology, which has been around for over 160 years, is still in use today, even in a world that is largely dominated by digital file sharing and electronic signatures. It may seem strange that fax machines are still in use, but there are several reasons for this. In fact, the emergence of online faxing services may be giving new life to this old technology.

The Relevance of Faxing in 2024

1. The Role of Faxing in International Business

Although the use of fax machines has significantly declined in many parts of the world, they are far from being completely obsolete. For instance, in Japan, an initiative by the government in 2021 to phase out fax machines in government offices was met with strong resistance. Advocates of traditional faxing, known as “faxophiles,” view fax machines as an essential tool and fought against the initiative, leading to its eventual abandonment. In Japan’s business landscape, the fax machine is still a common tool, and understanding how to use it could be key for effective business communication in the region.

The situation is similar in Germany, where a survey by Bitkom found that 43% of companies still rely on fax technology. While this figure is lower than in previous years, it highlights the continued relevance of fax machines in German business practices. For businesses involved in international trade, understanding and adapting to the communication preferences of the markets they are entering is crucial. If those markets still heavily rely on faxing, then it may be beneficial to become reacquainted with this technology. Adapting to local business customs can significantly increase the chances of commercial success.

2. Standards Interoperability of Faxing

The fundamental protocols for global fax communication were established in 1968. Over time, these technical standards have been improved to increase the speed of transfers and enhance the resolution of faxed images. Modern fax machines, as well as various systems that support fax functionality, adhere to both current and historical standards. As a result, a fax machine produced in 2024 can interface with devices from as far back as the 1980s, ensuring a wide range of compatibility. This demonstrates the remarkable reliability of these machines, which maintain their operational integrity even after many years.

3. Data Security in Faxing

Cloud faxing stands out for its robust data protection capabilities. With advanced encryption standards and secure data transfer processes, it ensures the safety of sensitive data. The advent of online fax has made the technology even more relevant. This means that a traditional fax machine can be replaced with a fax app that has identical functionality. Users can download a FAX app from the iPhone app store and set it up in a matter of minutes. They will receive a fax address and can receive, send, edit, store, and print documents.

4. Accessibility and Mobility of Faxing

With cloud faxing, document management can be streamlined. Cloud faxing allows users to send and receive faxes from any location with an internet connection, providing enhanced accessibility and adaptability for different work environments. It allows teams to manage fax communications on-the-go through their mobile devices, ensuring that the workflow remains uninterrupted, regardless of their location. With cloud faxing, remote teamwork becomes more cohesive, bridging the gap between distances and ensuring that collaboration remains strong across all fronts.

5. Confirming Receipt with Faxing

Although traditional fax machines do not have the same level of security features as the historical telex machines’ answerback signals, they do provide a tangible confirmation of successful transmission. This proof of delivery is printed as a receipt, detailing the destination fax number, as well as the exact date and time of the transaction. This receipt serves as verifiable proof of dispatch when dealing with a late-paying client who disputes receipt of an overdue invoice. Modern digital faxing solutions often include delivery receipts, ensuring that the sender retains a record of the fax reaching its intended recipient.

6. The Role of Faxing in Marketing

Had this article been written three decades ago, the discussion might have been about the nuances of marketing through fax, a method that has now been overshadowed by email and SMS campaigns. However, there is still a niche in international circles for the assembly and distribution of curated lists containing corporate fax numbers, meticulously categorized by industry sector, geographical location, and corporate scale. Marketing personnel use these lists to disseminate their promotional content to a carefully chosen demographic, aiming to spark interest and generate leads, rather than to close immediate sales.

Final Thoughts

Online fax services, which start at just $5.95 per month, offer a cost-effective means of communication for modern businesses. These services eliminate the need for additional spending on separate phone lines and the maintenance of traditional fax machines. While faxing may not be essential for daily business operations, it remains a viable option for accommodating clients who prefer this method of communication. In 2024, if your budget allows, incorporating faxing could be a useful tool for specific business applications.