If your only understanding of microfilm comes from a childhood digging up resources for a school project at the library, it is understandable that you don’t see how powerful a tool it is for businesses. Microfilming your documents allows you to store huge amounts of information in an analog format you can read without hardware or software. Even if you don’t have access to a computer, you can still retrieve microfilmed materials.
It Costs Less
Significantly cheaper than digital backups, microfilm can be used in legal settings because it can’t be altered once produced. Microfilm never ‘crashes’ or becomes obsolete. The machines used for reading microfilm haven’t changed much since the medium was introduced. In fact, in its most basic form, microfilm can always be read with a light and a magnifying glass, and that makes it less expensive to produce and use.
Combine it With Digital for Instant Access
The one disadvantage you have with microfilm is that you need to scroll through the proper reel to get the document you need. Then you must print it to pass around. In this capacity, digital storage has an advantage. Documents that have been scanned in can be shared by the whole office in seconds. They can be changed and refined by input.
This is precisely why a combination of storage media is best. Scan all the new documents that arrive at your office. Keep files updated and current. Use microfilm to provide a hard copy that is dependable, no matter what happens.
With proper storage, microfilm will last up to 500 years. You probably won’t need all your paperwork for that long, but it is reassuring to know that is will still be around. You can even make two copies of the material if you like and keep one on hand for emergencies.
Microfilming provides the most effective archiving technique available to offices of all sizes. With no integrity issues and compact, physical storage, it is a great way to protect your documents for the long haul.