Large Format Scanning and Document Management: Considerations for Buying or Outsourcing

If your business routinely handles documents larger than letter-sized, you probably wrestle with the large format scanning dilemma. If document management is a real issue for you, here are some perspectives that may shed some light on your own situation and move you to action.

Justifying the Expense of Large Format Scanning
To address the elephant in the room--cost is a consideration. GPS World writer Henrik Vestermark outlines the primary considerations taken into account when justifying the expense of large format scanning and document management:
Innovation. Large format scanning capabilities allow a business to serve your clients as well as your own in-house needs
Differentiation. Document management capabilities are a great selling point to separate your business form your competition
ROI. Added premiums for large format scanning and document management service can easily pay for equipment or outsourcing investments

Buying a Large Document Management System
If you’re moved to buy, you’ll need to know the features that separate the quality scanners from the rest of the field. Association for Information and Image Management (AAIM) contributor Lisa A. Desautels reveals large format scanning capabilities that your document management system should be able to handle based on project needs: sorting, control number labeling, color, scanning to 300 dpi, file management, etc.

Outsourcing Large Format Scanning and Document Management
If buying a scanning apparatus is not cost-efficient, outsourcing your project needs might fit your scenario. Vendorseek touts the advantages of outsourcing to include easier document handling and an decrease in misplaced files.