Many people assume that microfilming is an outdated process that has long since been replaced by more high-tech options. And while many companies have indeed transitioned to a digital system, for some businesses microfilming is still a necessary task. There are a variety of reasons why a business may use microfilm—satisfying legal requirements is usually the most common.

Whatever the reason, a business that relies on microfilm for its data storage needs a reliable provider to help with these needs.

If you need help transitioning your records system from a microfilm archive into a digital format, you may have started looking for a firm that handles this type of project. Well, there’s good news: we can make your search a lot easier. At MES, we specialize in microfilm scanning services in Hamilton. We’ve been providing these services to numerous clients in the local area for years (decades, actually).

We’ve refined and perfected our process over the years, so that we now have it down to an efficient system that allows us to make the experience as stress-free as possible for you. We start with a meeting where we find out exactly what you need and explain our process in detail. We will then review your information and come up with a plan, complete with specific recommendations of how we can help you.

For decades, companies have relied on microfilming technologies to preserve their important documents. However, today’s digital world has brought the future of microfilming to a crossroads. Newer, more affordable and easy-to-use alternatives have caused many businesses to reassess their options.

If you’ve been contemplating what to do with your archive of microfilm files—but haven’t actually gotten around to doing anything yet—don’t wait any longer. Now is the time to act, before it’s too late. There are many changes happening in the microfilm industry, which may make it more difficult and expensive to maintain and expand a microfilm archive.

This should give you the nudge you need to get moving and start transitioning to a more modern document management system. Digital files are much more convenient, easy to store and share.

For years, micrographics were the system of choice for many businesses that needed to store important records in a physical archive. These days, it’s increasingly rare that you need an actual hard copy of records. Storing these records can be a hassle, and since most offices now operate on a computer-based system, it just makes sense to have your records stored in digital format.

A bigger (and more timely) issue is that the future of micrographics is a bit in flux at the moment, as changes in the industry causes supplies to become harder to find and more expensive to buy. These challenges are likely to only increase as the trend toward digital becomes more prevalent among industries that previously favored microfilm.

As many businesses that rely on microfilm for data storage are discovering, finding (and affording) microfilm products is not as easy as it used to be.

In the past, one of the benefits of a microfilm storage system was the relative affordability of microfilm supplies. That may no longer be the case. Recent changes in the industry have caused prices to rise (in some cases dramatically) and for many businesses, cheap microfilm prices may quickly become a thing of the past.

Are your company’s records currently stored on microfilm? If so, you’ve likely been recently wondering whether that’s the best choice, and if there is a good alternative to micrographics. Well, we have good news: we have several great options for you that will allow you to leave your microfilm system in the past. Even better, these options all make it much easier for you to store your files in a way that is much more convenient for your staff.

If you want to let us handle the entire process for you, we would certainly be happy to do that. We can convert your microfilm files into your choice of digital formats, and the process will be a stress-free experience for you and your staff. We can also set up a software system for you (FileBound is a great option), which allows you to maintain the system yourself, without any expertise or complex skills required on your part.

There are big changes happening in the microfilm industry right now. Microfilm suppliers are condensing operations or cutting back, and some are switching to central distributors. Needless to say, this lack of competition will likely lead to higher prices (and possibly shortages of available supplies).

Managing your critical corporate information is essential to business success and continuity. As you start to look at different records management options you'll find different medias each with their own set of pro's and con's. The below infographic can help shed some light on the different records management options available to your organization. Click on the image to see the full size graphic.