Match the scanner to the document, not the other way around
The single biggest scanning-project mistake: buying a high-volume production scanner for mixed-media records. Bound books, microfilm, blueprints, and standard letter-size files each need a different class of machine.
Scanner classes at a glance
Desktop scanners (up to 60 ppm)
Best for active office workflows — invoices, HR forms, contracts. Look at Kodak Alaris S2050/S2070 for departmental use.
Production scanners (90–230 ppm)
Best for backfile conversion projects and high-volume centralized scanning. Kodak Alaris i5250/i5650 dominate this class.
Book scanners (overhead, V-cradle)
Required for bound material — hospital charts, legal volumes, historical records. Avoid forcing books through ADF scanners; you will damage them.
Microfilm scanners
Required for 16mm/35mm roll film, microfiche, and aperture cards. ScanPro and Mekel are the workhorses for PHMC-grade output.
Most clients underestimate microfilm volumes by 40–60%. Audit film cabinets before finalizing equipment selection.
Throughput planning rules of thumb
- Letter-size simplex with no exceptions: rated speed × 0.7
- Mixed condition records (folds, staples): rated speed × 0.4
- Quality-control rescans: add 10% to image count