Optical scanners are in devices as diverse as flatbed scanners and thumbprint recognition systems. A commercial optical scanner allows your business to share information on a global scale without the delays of email or fax. Storing documents electronically is also the first step in going paperless.

Using optical scanners for data makes storage and sharing of information within a company more secure and user friendly. Options and features even include a hand held laser optical scanner. Price and features vary but the supporting software is the brains behind the devices. Look for important and useful options like:

1. Optic scanners that speed up data entry by scanning both sides of a page

2. Large capacity loaders to lower handling time and feeding errors

3. Variable resolution imaging to make storage easier and avoid conversion time

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Define the primary business use before you buy optical scanners

Scanners used for graphics will be the traditional flatbed form. Capable of higher resolutions the optical scanners high power to blown up to billboard size proportions is perfect for creative work. Data optical scanners designed for fast document processing come in varied speeds and scanning capabilities.

I recommend: GTCO CalComp, Inc. produces industrial scanners for graphic work with sizes that can even handle large blueprints in scan qualities of 9600 dpi. Document collection scanners from Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. combine fast scanning in applications ranging from remote capture products for banks to mass storage scanners for big business.

Purchase an industrial optical scanner that meets the needs of your business

Flatbed optical data scanners are great for graphics, but document storage across a corporation requires an optical scanner for data with a built in feed hopper. Self-feeding models that are capable of verifying image quality as well as filing documents based on user-defined profiles are now available. Finding the right scanner the first time saves money and time.

I recommend: Speed matters and Oce North America, Inc. provides fast and reliable scanners for medium to large businesses. Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. has a wide range of desktop scanners designed to work in small to medium office environments.

Consider used or refurbished optical scanners to lower implementation costs

Refurbished commercial scanners go through rigorous testing and often carry an identical manufactures warranty. Budget conscience businesses can also leverage the sale of used equipment from upgrading or liquidating companies. Buying used and refurbished allows you to purchase more for less.

I recommend: Meta Enterprises, LLC provides a complete line of refurbished scanners from single feed to large hopper models from every major manufacturer. Used scanners from IDEAL Scanners & Systems, Inc. are fully tested optical scanners direct from the manufacturer to provide a high level of service and support.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Optical scanner manufacturers often provide scanning speeds based on low resolution and single-sided scans. Always test a unit under conditions that recreate your business needs as closely as possible.
• •  Adobe Systems Incorporated provides the software reader most popular for document storage and viewing. The PDF file format is compatible using free online solutions such as the Zoho Viewer from AdventNet Inc., if loading additional software is not an option.