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Converting hard copy microfiche into digital files enabling easy access for you.

Many sectors have found that their film and other hard copy storage methods are becoming outdated in this increasingly digital society. Paper, cassette tapes and microfiche were once not only the most popular ways to store data, but also some of the only ways to keep it safe. But as the world becomes more focussed on digital forms of working, these outdated storage methods are increasingly used less and less and data is becoming lost as a result.

Although it can often seem like the information stored on these little used formats is gone forever due to the equipment needed to read these devices becoming hard or expensive to come by, this information doesn’t have to be lost in the digital translation.

Microfiche and microfilm scanning to upgrade how the data is stored

Pearl Scan, the UK’s finest document scanning and management expert, has emphasised the role that existing technology can play in ensuring the important information stored on these now outdated methods is easy to access. And for most, the best way to do this is to look into scanning services in London.

Microfiche and document scanning can breathe new life into old files. Readers for these old ways of storing data are becoming increasingly hard to come by, whereas computers are extremely common and relatively cheap. So it only makes sense that the data on these outdated devices is brought right into the 21^st century with scanning.
Naveed Ashraf | Managing Director at Pearl Scan Group.

Technology can also help to take this one step further. OCR software can be applied to the scanned images to make them fully searchable, while the documents can also be made available on an open source document management software, such as Pearl Scan’s very own Halogen or even uploaded to a secure cloud-based service.

By undertaking document scanning, companies are able to update their storage methods, keep data secure, make information easier to access, share and edit files quickly, save space on storage and even reduce costs.

To find out more information, visit our range of scanning services or get in touch and speak to our experienced team.

Arkansas Pioneers Microfiche Recycling

Most of us are well aware that many industries will be going paperless in the not too distant future. Physical storage of information isn’t as secure, cost effective, accessible, or searchable as digital information.

But there’s still a lot of information being stored on paper, microfiche, and other physical media. It’s become relatively simple to transfer information from physical media to digital formats, thanks to innovation in scanning technology. This in turn makes much of the information in physical storage redundant, and organisations are eager to make use of this newly available space. Of course, that physical media has to go somewhere. Some are taking steps to make sure this material is disposed of in an environmentally conscious manner.

The University of Arkansas Libraries recently did just that. The libraries have been continually searching their microfiche collections for information that is no longer needed. But instead of sending their unwanted microfiche to the landfill, they decided to take a different approach.

Microfiche Scanning

Microfiche sheets were once a more efficient way of storing printed information. The information is printed incredibly small on a plastic sheet approximately the size of an index card. These sheets can then be read by inserting them in a special microfiche reader, which magnifies the printed information. Of course, today, digital storage is far more efficient, and it makes sense for libraries to streamline their collections for the eventual shift to digital storage.

In this particular case, the libraries sorted through their collections to remove out of date college catalogues that had been stored on microfiche. They found a bit more than they anticipated: 240 pounds worth of microfiche that is no longer needed.

Members from multiple departments collaborated to find a solution that they could feel good about. In the end, the university opted to have the microfiche recycled by a company that specialises in this service. Although the company did charge a fee for doing so, everyone agrees that this environmentally conscious strategy was the right thing to do.

Moving into a future where most or all data is stored in digital form is exciting. And it’s also great to consider how paperless organisations can have a positive impact on the environment. However, we are in a stage of transition. The vast amounts of information currently being stored on physical media aren’t going anywhere until we decide to do something with it. As we plan to go paperless, we need to figure out how we’re going to go about disposing of it responsibly.