Author: G.I. Partners

September 22, 2011

Florida Aperture Card Scanning

Aperture card scanning is the process of digitizing PC cards that contain a rectangular cutout with film pasted in it. Generation Imaging is a Florida aperture card scanning solution, although we accept aperture card scanning projects from all over the world.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far away, PC cards containing microfilm was a great way to store and retrieve drawings, blueprints, maps, technical schematics, and other documents or records . However, in today’s digital world where having a computer is commonplace, the continuing use of apertures is impractical.

Generation Imaging uses industry leading equipment and software to create the best image quality possible from aperture card scanning. Images can be converted to PDFs, TIFFs, or JPEGs; bi-tonal or greyscale; multi-page or single page.

Once the apertures are converted to digital images they can be stored on a server or CD/DVD/hard drive. The images can also be processed with an optical character recognition (OCR) if necessary, or have a database built from the Hollerith code punches or data on the header or image.

Why aperture card scanning is a good idea:

It reduce retrieval time
Its creates office space s
Individuals can quickly find specific images
It gives instant access to an entire collections
Users can access documents over on intranet, e-mail, or internet

If your company is in South Florida and local (Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County), and you prefer to do business with a local company, than Generation Imaging is a great Florida aperture card scanning solution for you. If you are not in the area, keep in mind that the bulk of Generation Imaging’s clientele is out of state, and your business is welcomed.

September 22, 2011

Records Scanning Creates Digital PDF From Microfilm

Microfilm is widely used for storing all sorts of information. Records scanning, on the other hand, can digitize the microfilm and create digital files. Records scanning opens the door for many opportunities. Is is a wise decision many of our customers make when they decide to the records scanning way, specially if records scanning will replace a heavily used microfilm system. In fact, the more in-demand a microfilm system is, the easier it becomes to justify a records scanning process.

Not many microfilm retrieval system can compare to a digital retrieval system that is generated from a records scanning process. One case that records scanning made a huge impact on customer service and also made a great impact within the organization, was a project we worked on years ago for a New York organization. The microfilm system they replace by records scanning procedures allowed them to evacuated over 100,000 square feet of prime Manhattan real estate. Additionally, labor was reduced considerably because the records scanning process generated all digital and completely automated retrieval system. No need for inventory of microfilm and no need for paper printing of files from the microfilm.

Perhaps the best of all is the ability to update a digital system. Records scanning is a one time process that takes microfilm to digital. After records scanning all new data that arrives in a digital format can be incorporated into the system with great ease. More than that, it is possible to organize and index files from a records scanning system easier that a traditional microfilm system.

September 22, 2011

Computer Output Microfilm (COM)

Computer Output Microfilm is by far the most difficult 16mm roll film to digitize to images because the computer generated images do not have standard frame breaks most of the time. Unlike traditional 16mm roll film, Computer Output Microfilm has a super thin border (or no border!) or may have bits of data that is accidentally detected as a frame border. Most of the time, any roll film scanner (regardless if it saves one image at a time or saves the entire reel as a ribbon) will totally skip over Computer Output Microfilm sections or cut frames.

If the Computer Output Microfilm contains a 100% consistent, fixes, and thick frame order or blip marker, it is possible for a 16mm roll film scanner to detect images properly. In addition to having the correct micrographics equipment, it is very important to have experienced scanner operators. Let’s put it this way: if you have no experience with scanning Computer Output Microfilm, you will be totally lost and will need to pay the scanner manufacturer to come to your office and do it for you. They will only help you if you have a maintenance plan. In other words, you may be out of luck or it may cost you thousands of dollars to scan a few rolls of Computer Output Microfilm .

Generation Imaging has created a tried and true method to detect troublesome COM reels. Our scanner operators have been performing this method since the 1990s. It requires a knowledge of mathematics, detection algorithms, and attention to detail. It also requires post-processing: manually clipping strips. This method assures that all frames have been detected.

September 22, 2011

Records Scanning and Old Microfilm Systems

Records scanning is closing a gap that widens as technology advances. A good way to view this is to compare requirements to use system before and after records scanning. By this I mean comparing a system that uses hardcopy format records and one that made use of records scanning and is all digital imaging.

A government office in Chicago Illinois is now in the process of converting harcopy documents to microfiche. This would not include records scanning because the documents are instead filmed and then place on microfiche. The microfiche retrieval system will create a hardcopy type system without the benefit of advanced technology. Records scanning is more in tune with computer and internet systems.

Faster and more efficient services has always lead the way. Records scanning fits right inline and serves the purpose of fulfilling this need. Records scanning enables advanced systems to take advantage of the digital images to provide a fully automated storage and retrieval system. Prior to records scanning, a microfilm system requires lots of human intervention that is much slower and more expensive to maintain. Nevertheless, some companies still need to maintain a microfilm system. But, sooner or later, records scanning will probably be considered, if not for efficiency, for safety issues. Microfilm has a limited life span as well. There are many other reasons for records scanning and the best way to become aware of this is to contact a professional.

September 22, 2011

Records Scanning For Microfiche Cards

Records scanning can transfer records from microfiche cards to PDF or Jpeg files. This process can be applied to various types of microfiche formats. Records scanning is applicable to COM microfiche, Jacketed microfiche, Diazo microfiche duplicates, 16 mm microfiche and also 35mm microfiche drawings. Records scanning is the first stage to transfer microfiche files to your computer.

Records scanning microfiche cards is a fast and reliable procedure that involves digitizing. We use microfilm digitizing systems to perform records scanning from microfiche. To get your records scanning done soon, you should contact an expert that uses top of the line records scanning and microfiche scanning units. This equipment can safely digitize each frame from the microfiche and create a file at very high quality. Records scanning is useful for capturing data that is difficult to view from the microfiche.

When you decide to perform records scanning on your microfiche, be prepare to send all or groups of your collection to the records scanning site. A reliable company should return the microfiche to together with the digitize file. Records scanning is relatively fast, but if you need the information at all times, a good records scanning company should be able to work with you so you always have any data you need for normal operation. We have an extensive list of satisfied records scanning customers that converted their microfiche to digital. One of the the comments is that it is much easier to look at the information on a computer than from microfilm.