What was the last time you sat down at your scanner in the office? The majority of us don’t consider imaging devices until we have a major job or project that requires the use of a scanner that is heavy-duty.
If you’re in search of the latest scanner, or simply want to make more use of the device you have We’re here to help. We will first describe exactly what a modern office scanner is capable of. We will then look into the less-known functions of scanners that can help you complete more work quicker.
Small, low-cost scanners might include a basic sheet feeder that accepts paper and then runs it through the imager. But, once the paper has passed the scanner many different options can be utilized.
To comprehend what the office scanner and multi-function device can perform it is important to understand that your scanner comes with various levels of capabilities. Three levels of capability are:
- The hardware of the scanner
- Drivers and software that operate the scanner
- Software that you can use to manage documents scanned
1. HARDWARE FUNCTIONS
The first thing to consider is the scanner’s hardware. The capabilities of a scanner depend in large part on level of complexity of the equipment. There are three kinds of scanners including sheet fed scanners handheld, flatbed scanners and sheet fed. Drum scanners are uncommon and can be utilized to print high-quality photos for publishing or for scientific research. Flatbed and sheet fed scanners are typically found throughout Corporate, Healthcare and Education while handheld scanners are typically located within Manufacturing, Warehouse and mobile workplaces.
Based on the size of your work in scanning there’s a broad selection of scanners to pick from. At around $200 for the Canon P-208II will be effective when you scan 16 images per min or less than 100 page over the course of a typical day. In contrast, the Canon DR-M260 costs more than $1000 but can be able to scan over 7,500 pages within an average wok day at more than 120 photos per second or greater.
But, one thing that many scanner users might not think about is the hidden back of the MFD or scanner. This is connecting to your PC. It does not matter what number of pages your machine can scan if it doesn’t have a fast enough connection to simultaneously transfer images to your workstations to store it or to finish work.
2. DRIVER FUNCTIONS
The functions of the scanner driver vary depending on driver. Drivers are the programs that makes the hardware function. The basic drivers can capture your images and output the images in a specific format. However, better drivers will detect misfeeds, change the brightness, improve photographs (remove imperfections) and detect the size of pages as well as enhance the quality of your scan images. The ability to convert files on the machine is commonplace on Canon scanners as well as multi-function devices. Other options include:
- Skew detectionThe scanner ceases feeding if a skewed document is detected when it comes in contact with those edges that are part of inlet of the feeder.
- Staple IdentificationThe scanner will stop feeding the scanner when it is able to detect stapled documents.
- Dust detectionDetects dust within the scanner unit and handles error processing when needed.
- Ultrasonic Double Feed IdentificationThe scanner will stop feeding when it is able to detect that more than two pages of documents are fed at the exact at the same time.
- Double feed identification based on sizeThe scanner ceases feeding once it detects a double feed by comparing the lengths of document pages.
- PrescanAt when you beginning scan, the feature prescans to the very first webpage. It then suspends to let you adjust the brightness and contrast prior to returning to scanning.
- Text Orientation RecognitionThe text orientation on every page is determined and the image is rotated 90-degree increments, as needed for normalization. This is done to correct the orientation of the page after scanning, which then automatically adjusts documents that have been placed upside down in the feeder.
3. APPLICATION FUNCTIONS
The third stage of capability is at an application-level. There are many scanners that come with bundled software, such as CapturePerfect that comes by Canon scanners. It also comes with additional options like the ability to search PDFs, edit tools, and mobile scanning support. The most notable feature that the software offers is cloud connectors.
For instance, Canon scanners can automatically scan and transmit documents to using any of the following cloud providers: Google Drive, Dropbox, SharePoint, Microsoft OneDrive, Box and Evernote. Furthermore, you don’t have to carry large volumes of papers around since your library of documents can be located within the cloud. It’s also easy connecting Canon as well as other scanners with an document Management System to scan, sort and store documents electronically to make it easy to retrieve them.
If you’re an accounting firm, law firm, firm archivist , or another organisation with special requirements, you’ll need a software that supports bookmarking, redaction tools for metadata creation, Bates stamping or conversion features for certain formats. Many scanners are able to convert automatically to formats like Microsoft Excel or Word, images or PDFs however large, intricate or specific documents like architectural plans will require the highest resolution and support for larger sizes.
As you will see, the differences between scanners is greater than the fact that you have to decide if you require the speed of 10 pages in a minute (ppm) or 120 ppm. The main consideration when choosing the right scanner is to ensure that the scanner you choose has the appropriate drivers and software to handle the most complex of tasks. These scanners have incredible capabilities built-in, when you are able to utilize them. Should you want to speak with GFC’s experts in scanning, reach out today.
