Files in office shall be classified in 5 methods. They are as follows:
Alphabetical Classification
Alphabetical classification is based on the occurrence of the letters in the alphabet as it is done for the dictionary. The telephone directory is another example. If several names occur having the first letter, the arrangement takes into account the subsequent letters also, for example: 
A, AB, AC ———– etc
B, Bb, BC ————- etc.
Under the alphabetical classification, the filing of papers and documents is either by the names of the correspondents or the subjects. In a large office, it would be proper if 26 letters of the English alphabet are divided into small equal parts considering the letters which are bound to have more names. This method of classification can be used in correspondence filing, contracts, orders and staff records.
Numerical Classification
In this method of classification, each folder or record is given a number, and the files are placed in strict numerical order. For example, Prabath Electronics Limited may be assigned No 17. If they deal in a number of lines, each line may be classified with a number beginning with 17, for example, 17.1, 17.2, 17.3, etc.,
The system of numerical classification is generally recommended for filing of orders, sales, invoices, contracts, (where numbered) and committee minutes.
Geographical Classification
As the name implies, this classification is based on the geographical origin of a document or paper. This system is combined with one of the two systems already discussed. The classification can be town-wise, district-wise, state-wise, country-wise and continent-wise. The steps in geographical classification are
outlined as follows:
(i). First of all geographical limits are set and areas are defined which will make one unit, for example, in export-import trade
(ii). Next step will be to arrange these countries in their alphabetical order, for example, Afghanistan, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, USA, Vietnam, Yemen, etc.,
(iii). Within each sub-division classification of different parties may be arranged alphabetically or numerically. Such a method of classification is very useful for customers’ orders in a given area and for filing of correspondence according to town.
Subject Classification
It is a method of classification in which all documents relating to a subject are brought together in one file, even though they may have come from different sources and from many different people. Following
steps are taken to install subject classification
- Defining Subject
- Sub-dividing subjects into smaller fractions
- Assigning numbers or arranging subjects in alphabetical order, including sub-subjects, and
- Miscellaneous folders are made for subjects which have not been classified.
Example
Main Subjects Classified as:
- Purchases
- Sales
- Advertising
Sub-division of classified subjects:
- Purchases —-> Batteries
- Purchases —-> Keyboards
- Purchases —-> Monitors
Chronological Classification
Under this method, various records are identified and arranged in strict date order and sometimes even according to the time of the day. It is a useful method for filing invoices and other vouchers associated with accounts. This system may be useful if used along with some other system. The records may be arranged alphabetically first and then can be arranged date-wise within each folder. So this system cannot be used independently.
