They have been part of office environments for decades, reliably sending and receiving documents, accompanied by their strange, whirly, beeping noises. At one point, millions were in existence and used almost constantly. But are fax machines still used today?Â
Much to the surprise of our younger audience, the answer is yes, they are. While certainly not in the same numbers as maybe 20 years ago, you will still find the occasional fax machine stubbornly clinging on for life in a minority of business premises around the world despite the near dominance of digital communication.
But why are fax machines still used, and more importantly, why haven’t they become obsolete? With online fax service providers offering a much quicker, cheaper, more convenient equivalent solution, for what possible reason could these hulking, noisy, antiquated machines be used?
The truth is fax machines offer unique benefits that other technologies simply can’t fully replicate. Various industries, from legal firms to healthcare providers, continue to rely on faxing for various reasons. In this article, we will explain those reasons.Â
Current Usage of Fax Machines
Research indicates that around 17 billion faxes are sent annually, a statistic that may seem surprising to many. Faxing remains a preferred method in various sectors, including healthcare, government, and legal industries, all of which still heavily rely on this technology.Â
But why are fax machines still used in these sectors? The answer lies in their reliability and security. Faxing is often the prime option for transmitting sensitive documents and is even recognized by the Federal court system. The simplicity of the process also appeals to many users. Even with advancements in digital communication, fax machines continue to play an essential communication role.Â
There are a host of more specific reasons why fax machines are still being used. Let’s take a look:
Connectivity Without Internet Access
Do people still use fax machines if the internet is unavailable? One prime advantage of traditional fax machines is their ability to operate without the Internet, which is especially useful in areas with poor or no Internet connectivity.Â
Fax machines allow businesses to communicate and share important documents with partners or clients who may not have reliable internet access. This connectivity means no one is left out of crucial communications due to technological limitations.
Ease of Sending Signatures
Why are fax machines still used to send signed documents when online faxing enables the same? The reason is that traditional faxing avoids the risks (albeit extremely low risks) associated with digital signatures, which can be intercepted or tampered with.
Businesses can use fax machines to ensure that signatures reach their intended recipients without being compromised. Again, the chances of a security breach or hacking through online faxing are so low that it is barely worth mentioning – but in a legal or criminal framework, an argument can be put forward that digital signatures may be tampered with, even if the chances are incredibly low.
Industries That Still Rely on Fax Machines
Healthcare
Healthcare providers rely heavily on fax machines to transmit patient records and prescriptions. This ensures that sensitive medical information is shared securely and quickly, which is important for patient care and confidentiality.
Legal
Do people still use fax machines in the legal sector? Not only are they used, but they are also the preferred default method. Fax machines are indispensable for sending contracts, court documents, and other legal papers. The security and direct transmission offered by traditional faxing give it a distinct edge when sending sensitive legal matters.
Real Estate
Real estate transactions involve a lot of sensitive client information and contracts. But why are fax machines still used over more convenient, online faxing options in this industry? The simple answer relates to security. The quick and secure exchange of these documents ensures that property deals proceed smoothly and will hold up in a court of law.
Government
Government agencies use fax machines to communicate official documents and forms, ensuring that crucial information is delivered securely and directly to the intended recipients while maintaining the integrity of government communications.
Reliable Document Delivery
One key advantage of fax machines is their reliability in document delivery. Unlike emails, which can end up in spam folders or face delivery issues, faxes provide a fast, direct line from sender to receiver.Â
In industries where timely and assured delivery of documents is required, assurance is essential. Clear confirmation of receipt is another benefit, ensuring that the document has reached its destination without issues.
Bottom Line | The Rise of Online Fax Services
While traditional fax machines have their purpose, modern solutions like FaxBurner have completely revolutionized the traditional fax process. They provide all the benefits of faxing without the need for a physical machine.Â
Online faxing is simply much more cost-effective, convenient, and easy to use, and if you are outside of specific industries like healthcare, law, or real estate, there really is no need to use traditional faxing anymore. By combining the reliability of fax with the flexibility of digital technology, online fax services provide a far better alternative to traditional fax machines.
Are you interested in the benefits of faxing without the hassle of a physical machine? FaxBurner offers a modern solution, with free online faxing for a fixed number of faxes and extremely affordable plans for more regular users.
Getting Started With FaxBurner
Try FaxBurner today for an efficient and convenient way to send and receive faxes online.
FAQ
Are fax machines still used?
Yes, fax machines are still used across various industries due to their security and reliability.
Do people still use fax machines?
Many people and businesses still use fax machines, especially in healthcare, legal, and government sectors.
Are fax machines obsolete?
No, fax machines are not obsolete. They continue to offer unique benefits that digital methods cannot fully replace.
Why are fax machines still used?
Fax machines are still used because they provide secure, reliable, and direct document transmission, which is crucial for sensitive information.
Do businesses still use fax machines?
Many businesses still use fax machines to ensure the safe and timely delivery of important documents.
