Any favorite methods or helpful links on the best way to set up a paper filing system for a small maintenance department?

I think the key to any paper filing system is keeping it indexed--knowing what's in it and where. So often we keep stuff we think we'll need for reference later. Seems I remember some folks talking about Paper Tiger or something similar to this indexing concept. Maybe Danny H?

The other thing that comes to mind is any regulatory record keeping (ISO, PSM, OSHA, EPA, etc.) that may be mandated.

Have a CMMS? Any functions in that to control the paper trail? I'm all for digitizing stuff and keeping PDFs.

Just some thoughts.

Thanks for the input lawrencep,for anyone interested I found a free app that does pretty much everything I'm looking for in sql desktop,it's a nice app which is also available in paid versions for network applications

What about a multifolder filing system indexed by equipment id number.
* Equiment Master Data
**** Equipment nameplate and other master data that do not change over time
**** BOMs
**** Manuals, troubleshooting guide, diagrams
**** Any correspondence with the vendor which is usefull for troubleshooting

* PM Orders
**** Filed by date

* Corrective Orders
**** Filed by date
**** Include emergency orders also
**** Practicaly I file here all orders that are not PM.
Similar set of folders for instruments and functional locations.

Damnlimey, that looks good, I tried to contact the folks at the paper tiger, but probably they are only interested in US territory.

Svanels, remember the tigers were kicked out by the camels.

Downloaded the free version of SQLdesktop, and it looks good.
The only drawback is that my favourite Database (Interbase) is not on the list.
Guess this will be an ICT case, at home I am using SQL-desktop