Smead Viewables

A Solution To File Labeling Woes: Smead’s Viewables

Simple Task, Great Difficulty

As every person who needs to keep countless documents know, the task of arranging file folders is a nightmare. While stuffing folders and cases with similar documents seems to be a simple task, finding a particular paper later on is always bothersome. Even though folders and file cases often have labels, it is undeniable that such labels have limited functionality. For example, when file folders are too close to one another, quickly identifying the contents of each one is quite impossible. The Smead Viewables, an advanced labeling system, is geared towards those who need a better way of arranging documents.

Assessing The Solution

While the Viewables supposedly represent the next leap in file folder labeling solutions, the package does appear to be considerably simple. The starter kit simply includes the labeling software as well as several tabs, labels, and protectors. Installing the software is very straightforward and designing labels is considerably easy. After printing several full-colored labels and attaching it to file folders, it became obvious that Smead did succeed in creating an ingenious solution to an age-old document dilemma. Even with hundreds of files closely packed together, the Viewables can be clearly seen from any angle thus eliminating difficulties in document identification.

Is It Worth The Price?

The Viewables is not entirely new, and has undergone several price changes in the past. At present though, the starter kit mentioned beforehand can be bought from most retail stores for less than $25. As the starter kit contains around 25 labels, one needs to spend around a dollar for each file folder that needs to be labeled. In addition, printing the labels entails additional ink costs. With these in mind, it seems that the Viewables labeling system is not suited for all individuals. Only those with extensive labeling needs would be able to take full advantage of Smead’s solution.

Limited Compatibility

Even though Smead’s labeling solution has become quite popular among those with steep labeling demands, it seems that the company has never considered the fact that not all individuals use Windows. As people also utilize Mac and Linux based systems, Smead loses countless potential clients by not providing support for such operating systems. Some businesses and corporations also use computing environments that are not Windows-based. Once again, Smead loses a considerable amount of professional clients due to the lack Mac and Linux support. Thus, the next iteration of Viewables really needs to achieve interoperability across all three major operating systems.

An Imperfect Solution

It cannot be denied that the Viewables are the definitive solution for most document labeling concerns. However, one truly needs to have a lot of documents to take full advantage of Smead’s labeling product. Additional printing costs and the need to purchase labeling sheets would not be a cost-effective choice for those who simply need to label a few file folders. It is also essential to reiterate that the Viewables design software is still limited to Windows-based systems.  While the Smead Viewables does solve the classic problem of ineffective file folder labeling, it is not a suited for all individuals.