The ScanSnap team recently added a network scanner to the mix, with the introduction of the Fujitsu ScanSnap fi-6010N iScanner. We gave you a first look at how it works. Now let’s take a step back to explore the benefits of network scanning in general.

A dedicated scanning device that seamlessly integrates within an organization’s existing network infrastructure can be of tremendous value to enhance work processes. Network scanners benefit organizations by decreasing the complex nature, yet not comprising access to important functionality. There’s no need to wait for the copy machine to free up for use, the simple operation is easy to understand, images are available for preview before sending to destinations, and the advanced scanning functions performed are transparent to the user. From users to network administrators and business managers to essentially an entire organization, businesses in a wide variety of markets are benefiting from network scanning.

Reliable
Organizations can only realize the true productivity enhancement of their IT investment when their systems are performing at peak performance. Disruption in the work process wastes time, costs money and causes frustration among employees and customers alike. Dedicated network scanners have been designed with the sole purpose of document scanning and, therefore, contain the hardware and software attributes organizations expect which make them desirable in mission-critical business applications. For example, access to scanning functionality is not hampered by other possible failures of a multifunction device, the likelihood of a hardware malfunction is decreased due to their limited physical moving parts and their straight thru paper path design helps decrease the possibility of document jams.

Ease of Use
In addition to their reliability, network scanners feature large touch screen displays and integrated keyboards which make digitizing documents simple and specialized training unnecessary. Easy jam recovery saves documents from getting damaged in the unlikely event of a document jam and the programmable job function buttons can perform repetitive tasks with the touch of one button. Also, users are presented with the same, consistent user experience based on their login information no matter which device they decide to use, so they’re familiar with the presentation of interfaces and have the versatility to customize screens. Network scanners offer multiple language support as well for even broader ease-of-use.

Quality
Network scanners have inherited many of the qualities of traditional document scanners used in mission-critical applications. Specific design features such as a straight paper path to reduce potential document jams, the ability to scan plastic cards through the document feeder and the ability to preview images after scanning and before committing them to a destination demonstrate the quality found in some network scanners. Some network scanners also feature document scanning technology hardware and software integration with specialized content and management application providers as well as image quality built from document capture technology.

Secure
Network scanners are devices that are “always on” and connected to corporate networks, so the risk of data compromise has to be carefully considered, whether it’s for regulation, compliance or other reasons. To combat the threat of data compromise, network scanners offer the following security features:

• Access is restricted to only authorized users with secure authentication
• User data such as username/password or image data does not reside on the scanner
• Data is encrypted on device to provide additional level of security
• There is no external USB port to hijack sensitive information
• Highly secure login authentication and transmission protocols (SSL) are available
• Lock-down job profiles adhere to organization established policies

Integration
Some network scanner vendors offer optional Software Developer Kits (SDK), which feature the unique integration screens that developers have created to be displayed on the touch panel. These integrations offer tight interoperability with business systems such as Enterprise Content Management (ECM) repositories, Line of Business (LOB) applications, Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and other third-party solutions. In addition, user interface screens can be created with a custom look and feel to fit corporate branding. An integrated approach to network scanning enables organizations of all sizes to image-enable their current software applications and offers the assurance of delivering images directly into back-end servers without the traditional high costs, aggravation and loss of productivity involved with other approaches. Index values and metadata are sent directly into Content Management repositories and database lookups for validation are also available with network scanners.

Total Cost of Ownership
Finally, dedicated network scanners help you stretch your budget further. By connecting the scanner to existing network resources, IT departments or network administrators can remotely configure and manage devices, which means organizations no longer have to incur the expense or time spent sending technicians on-site to set up devices. Additionally, ongoing maintenance costs are drastically reduced by not having to replace expensive toner or fuser parts. Easily accessible user replaceable consumables provide a convenient way to keep the network scanner performing at optimal performance, yet decreasing the need for IT involvement.

This is just a glimpse into the benefits of dedicated network scanners. Stay tuned for more on the power of network scanning as well as updates on the ScanSnap line’s newest member.

Kevin Neal
Senior Product Marketing Manager
Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc.