Public Documents Digitization: Towards Efficiency and Reduction of Municipal Expenses

<ns3:p>Background Documentary digitization in municipalities has emerged as a critical strategy for enhancing efficiency in administrative processes and reducing operational costs, aligning with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 8, which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. In the context of Latin America, and particularly in Peru, municipalities face significant challenges related to bureaucracy, inefficient resource allocation, and limited technological adoption. Therefore, the implementation of document digitization represents not only a technological innovation but also a mechanism to strengthen transparency, accountability, and sustainable management practices within the public sector. Methodology This study employed a quantitative approach with a non-experimental, descriptive, and explanatory design. The research was conducted in a municipality located in the Amazonas region of Peru. The target population consisted of 125 administrative workers, from which a statistically representative sample of 95 was selected. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential techniques to assess the relationship between documentary digitization and cost reduction. Results The findings revealed that the adoption of document digitization significantly contributes to improving resource management, minimizing the duplication of tasks, and reducing operational costs associated with paper-based procedures. The study also identified secondary benefits, such as enhanced information security and improved knowledge management practices, which collectively strengthen institutional performance. Conclusion This research provides empirical evidence that document digitization exerts a significant influence on cost reduction and overall efficiency in municipal management. Beyond economic savings, the process enhances organizational sustainability by promoting secure information handling and fostering a culture of innovation within public administration. The study’s relevance lies in its demonstration of how digitization can optimize public sector performance, while its novelty is reflected in the practical application of these principles in a municipality in Amazonas, Peru.</ns3:p>