Believe it or not, the fax machine, a seemingly antiquated device, remains firmly embedded in the operation of modern businesses around the globe. While email and instant messaging reign supreme as the predominant forms of communication, several countries continue to rely on fax technology for various reasons like security, compliance, and accessibility. In this post, we’ll explore why and how countries such as Japan, Germany, the U.K., and even the U.S. consider fax an essential tool for communication.
The Use of Fax Machines in Japan
In Japan, the fax machine isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving. The country’s commitment to fax technology can be perplexing to outsiders, especially given its reputation for high-tech innovation. However, there are compelling reasons behind this preference:
- Security: Fax machines transmit documents via phone lines, making it more challenging to intercept compared to digital communications.
- Paper Use: In Japanese culture, paper documents hold significant importance for legitimization and are often accompanied by a physical stamp called ‘Hanko,’ which serves as a signature.
- Compliance: Faxes provide physical evidence of document receipt and generate a paper trail for compliance purposes.
To put this into perspective, Japan boasts more fax machines than video game consoles, underscoring the depth of this technology’s integration into both business and household settings.
Germany, England & the U.S. Use Fax Across Various Industries
Several industries within the U.K., Germany, and the U.S. maintain a strong reliance on fax technology. In the U.K., the National Health System emphasizes the use of fax for document exchange in healthcare. It is considered crucial in protecting patient confidentiality due to its security capabilities. This traditional method of communication still holds value in the healthcare sector, where safeguarding sensitive information is paramount.
Furthermore, Germany sees a significant use of fax communications among businesses. As of 2023, a staggering 82% of German companies reported using fax communications, citing the need for verifiable document delivery and a robust paper trail.
Similarly, in the U.S., businesses span several sectors—finance, legal, government, and health—and continue to rely on fax for secure communication. Cloud fax services, in particular, are gaining traction for their enhanced security features and adaptability to modern business technologies.
Faxination As a Go-to Solution for International Faxing
With the persistence of faxing in business communication, Faxination by Fenestrae has emerged as a leading solution for international faxing needs. This system offers secure and straightforward cloud and digital faxing, seamlessly integrating with widely-used platforms like Microsoft Office 365.
To ensure security, Faxination includes control and monitoring features, allowing businesses to mitigate risks effectively. Its comprehensive offerings have made our fax solution a preferred solution for corporations, large enterprises, and multinational companies seeking an efficient and secure approach to international faxing.
Contact Fenestrae for International Faxing Solutions
The persistent use of fax in countries like Japan, Germany, the U.K., and the U.S. is a testament to its practicality, especially in industries where security and authentic documentation are of the utmost importance. For businesses looking to leverage fax technology’s unique advantages, Fenestrae’s Faxination offers a modern twist, combining the traditional benefits of fax with the convenience of cloud-based solutions.
For more information on how Faxination can enhance your organization’s communication infrastructure or to schedule a demo, contact the Fenestrae team today.
