In our last post, we talked about how even though microfilm has proven resilient in the digital age, people are increasingly opting for microfilm conversion. For a number of reasons, from convenience to efficiency, microfilm scanning is becoming a more popular choice for businesses and organizations of all types. And while it is unlikely that microfilm will be eliminated altogether, it is safe to assume that the future of the medium lies in microfilm conversion.
To this end, we’ve compiled a guide that will give you the information you need about microfilm scanning and conversion, so that you can make an informed decision for your business.
Microfilm Conversion is on the Rise
With storage costs dropping and optical character recognition (OCR) technology getting more accurate, many industries are opting for going digital. The advantages of microfilm scanning are demonstrable:
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Information previously maintained in multiple locations is converted to digital format and stored in one place
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There is no longer a need to maintain expensive microfilm readers and equipment
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Increased ability to search and index documents
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Microfilm conversion to digital provides a secure backup for documents
How Does the Microfilm Conversion Process Work?
The mechanics of microfilm conversion are fairly simple on the surface. All collections of microfilm – 16mm Rollfilm, 35mm Rollfilm, microfilm jackets, microfiche, COM films and aperture cards – are gathered, organized and put through specialized microfilm scanners. The equipment is high-speed and works to efficiently digitize the microfilm. The scanners also add post-imaging filters and clean-up functions to enhance the appearance of any reproductions, meaning the outputs from the machine are always high-quality digital images.
Top-of-the-line microfilm scanners will also provide additional feature such as auto-frame detection and one button instant capture. If the task of microfilm conversion seems too daunting to complete in-house, specialized microfilm scanning services are likely the best route for your business.
Is Microfilm Conversion Right for My Business?
Prior to making the investment in microfilm conversion, it’s important to determine whether or not it is appropriate for your organization. If you are experiencing issues in the following areas, microfilm conversion is likely the correct option for you.
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Broken down microfilm readers or equipment
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No indexing or search capability to locate documents
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Records and documents maintained in many different locations, complicating administration and management of records
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No back up for the data on your microfilm
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General inefficiencies resulting from using microfilm
If these are common issues faced by your organization, it is likely time to think more seriously about microfilm conversion. As the digital age continues to advance, microfilm will likely become less common as a medium, and the digitization of microfilm will become the standard. Furthermore, microfilm conversion can help your organization improve its overall document management strategy, in order to increase operational efficiency and stay competitive – regardless of your industry.
