In simple terms it is the electronic typing of the spoken work, often done remotely. This unfortunately often makes people worry that they won’t be able to do it as it is too technical.


Contrary to this however the process is actually very simple and straightforward.


Once upon a time the secretary would have taken the dictation in the form of shorthand. This then moved on to using analogue cassette records (which a lot of people to this day still use). Well digital transcription is just the same as using the old analogue machines.


Just like we all, well those of us of a certain age anyway, used to use vinyl records and cassette tapes to listen to music, then we moved to CDs and now we use MP3 players or phones/tablets more often than not. This is basically the same evolutionary process as the dictation process has taken.


The disadvantages of the old analogue dictations are many, from the tapes loose quality or become mangled and played back on often and therefore quality deteriorates. If the person transcribing is not close at hand then it needs to be either couriered to them or they need to come and collect it.


With digital dictations the process is actually much easier. Once the recording is finished, the audio file is uploaded onto your PC or laptop via the USB port and it can then be emailed or uploaded to a secure site for the safe arrival at the other end. The documents are then emailed back to you once finished.


The advantages are numerous, starting with the decrease in the amount of paper that is used and the best one is that you can send work at any time of the day or night. Even when you’re travelling and are halfway around the world your transcriptionist can still receive and process your work.