Posts tagged ‘Bell & Howell’
Goin’ Green with a Scannin’ Machine
Goin’ Green with a Scannin’ Machine
We all know that document imaging demonstrates the capacity of “going green” just by definition. It is inherent in concept. Technology expands so quickly and in the world of document imaging hardware, there lies no exception. The most respected manufacturers like Fujitsu, Kodak, and Canon make the entire scanning process, from pre-scanning to post scanning, more automated and efficient for the end user, while also providing the latest in document imaging features and functionalities.
A couple examples of some of these particular technological advancements take are new LED’s replacing traditional lamps in scanners as well as production scanners with smaller footprints. For instance, LED technology is featured in the Kodak/Bell &Howell Ngenuity as well as the new Fujitsu fi-6800 production scanner. LED technology helps significantly reduce the scanner’s power consumption during operation and as well as in “sleep mode.” Also, LED’s are designed to last the life of the scanner thereby eliminating the cost of replacement bulbs and the production costs and waste of replacement bulbs as well. Since there are no replacement bulbs needed for these scanners, there’s nothing new to throw away. Speaking of consumables, like scanner bulbs, companies making document imaging scanners are also manufacturing other consumables (pad assemblies, pick rollers, roller assemblies) with longer life spans. Fewer consumables are needed and the ones that are needed, last longer. The manufacturer’s that are seemingly taking the lead on this front include Fujitsu, Canon, and Kodak/Bell & Howell.
Better materials used in the manufacturing of document imaging scanners is not the only advancement that is happening that exemplifies this industry embracing green initiatives. The design of the hardware is changing as well. Manufacturers like Fujitsu are designing and building scanners that have significantly smaller footprints – the space they take up on the desk or the tabletop in the working environment. Take for example the Fujitsu fi-6800. This is a full–fledged mid-volume production scanner that is the smallest document scanner in its class. The trend is moving toward fewer materials being produced to make these machines and therefore less energy is being consumed. This translates into less waste and fewer emissions into the environment, as is obvious.
Since these new scanners are more intuitive as a result of new technology and better design, they can recognize in advance multi-feed issues, so the user can adjust settings as necessary. Bottom line – the user can become more efficient at document scanning and do more, in less time.
With new technology and better design comes new efficiency and related side benefits including using fewer materials and generating less waste and fewer emissions. It’s encouraging to know that the ECM Industry continues to do its part.
Ian Hundtofte
What is the Difference Between Parts and Consumables?
When you own a scanner, or multiple scanners, you are responsible for keeping that equipment running efficiently by keeping consumables on hand. The components of a scanner that touch the paper and are designed to wear out and be replaced every 3-6 months are called “consumables.” They are different to what are referred to as “parts” of a scanner. Consumables are designed this way to maximize the performance of the scanner and are end user replaceable, meaning you don’t have to be tech savvy to perform the operation.
The most common types of consumables are rollers, lamps, and pad assemblies. Depending on the scanner manufacturer (Fujitsu, Bell & Howell, Canon, Panasonic, Kodak, etc..), you may have to replace one or more at least a couple times a year. When a scanner starts jamming or double-feeding paper, the most common cause of this problem is usually worn out consumables. Other imaging problems like: no longer reading bar codes, poor OCR results, or getting an optical alarm can usually be solved by replacing the lamps
When a scanner has a maintenance contract in place, it usually just covers the parts and not the consumables. ImageSource receives a lot of calls from customers asking why the consumables are not covered and parts are. The answer is because the consumables are almost always end-user replaceable and must be replaced much more often than parts. And if your scanner is under maintenance, it’s usually required to have parts replaced by a certified technician. See our blog on benefits of having a maintenance contract.
Not sure where to get parts or consumables for your scanner? Contact ImageSource, they are happy to help!
Andrea Latham, CDIA+
Inside Sales
ImageSource, Inc.
Phone 360.943.9273
SCSI vs. USB 2.0 in Production Scanners
Over the course of my time selling imaging hardware, i.e. scanners, many customers ask me which is better…SCSI or USB 2.0? Actually some don’t even ask, they insist that SCSI (small computer system interface) is still the fastest option. Unfortunately for them, almost all scanner manufacturers have moved to using a USB 2.0 interface as option on their scanners and some are USB 2.0 exclusively.
When the first USB (Universal Serial bus) it was slower than SCSI and at times Flakey. Anyone who has ever installed a SCSI device knows that there was definitely room for improvement in this technology as well. Between double checking SCSI ID’s and triple checking the Termination you could spend quite a bit of time sorting out a SCSI install if it didn’t go right the first time. But when USB 2.0 came out it was stable and fast. In fact there is little to no degradation in speed with the scanners. In fact, Kofax has stopped manufacturing SCSI cards all together. VRS used to be a limitation of USB in a production environment because it required a SCSI adrenaline board interface, but now the latest versions of VRS are more versatile and work with USB 2.0 just as well if not better than SCSI.
USB 2.0 is working its way to becoming the standard in imaging technology because it less expensive than SCSI and so much easier to work with. You also have one less point of failure with the USB 2.0 vs. the SCSI card. So for those people with the common misconception that SCSI is faster and better, I’m here to tell you that USB 2.0 is just as good when it comes to speed and less expensive for your pocketbook. It also opens up the door to using laptops.
ImageSource, Inc. offers the all of the best names in imaging hardware – Fujitsu, Bowe Bell & Howell, Panasonic, Canon– each one with their own strengths, but all equipped with the newest and latest connectivity of USB 2.0
Andrea Latham, CDIA+
Inside Sales
ImageSource, Inc.
Who Needs a Scanner? I Think I Need a Scanner…
The answer is almost everyone! From scanning bills and statements in your home office to full Imaging Departments in the largest of companies, digital images are the way of the future. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have room in my house for filing cabinets full of old mortgage, power, auto, insurance and all the other bills and statements that I get every day! Many State, County, and City government agencies have also run into the same problem as they are keeping 100+ years of all different types of paper documents.
A lot of people today want to start digitizing their documents, but don’t really know where to start. If you need some help trying to find out what type of scanner is right for you, there are a few simple questions you can ask yourself. How many documents per day/week do I need to scan? Do any of them need them to be in color? Are any of my documents double-sided? Are any of my documents of unusually large or small size? What paper types and of what quality will I be scanning? All of these questions are important and can help narrow down the size and type of scanner that will work best for you. There are many manufacturers that produce scanners that range from home office/portable to the highest production scanners available. Companies like Fujitsu, Bell & Howell, Canon, Panasonic, and Kodak all provide full lines of scanners to fit most every need. Don’t let this unfamiliar territory intimidate you, there are companies like ImageSource, Inc. that know about and sell scanners to help you out along the way!
If you’re interesting in viewing muliple scanners at one time and location, sign up to attend Nexus ’09. Some of the major manufacturers will be demoing their scanners there and answering the types of questions we talked about above. Good luck and start scanning!
June 29, 2009 at 11:49 pm productsandsolutionsforecm 1 comment
