Microfilms can be found in virtually any business. Departments as diverse as finance and marketing heavily used these films for archival purposes. Other common uses included preserving HR processes and formatting engineering drawings.
Microfilm was the gold standard for high-volume data storage before technological advancements made it possible to store massive volumes of data on ever-smaller media. So, while microfilm and microfiche presented viable data storage solutions in the past, it now makes sense to store information digitally.
Plus, microfilms have a limited lifespan, necessitating microfilm scanning before they deteriorate. The good news is that with reliable microfiche conversion to digital services, converting microfilm to digital is simple and cost-effective. Read on to learn more about microfilm and microfiche scanning and what makes microfilm conversion worthwhile.
Do We Really Need to Convert Microfilms to Digital Format?
Yes, microfilm digitization is necessary to ensure long-term preservation and accessibility. However, the decision to digitize microfilm is preceded by several considerations. Before beginning the digitization process, many factors must be taken into account, including the microfilm’s width (16mm or 35mm) and polarity (positive or negative).
No matter how old or worn your microfilm is, it can be transformed as long as it can be scanned in a digitization machine. There are many moving parts in the microfilm digitization process, so outsourcing to professional microfilm digitization services is the most sensible option. Here are some advantages of digitizing microfilm to ensure preservation and accessibility.
Easy Access
Businesses prefer digital conversion because it allows them to search their data more effectively than using microfilms alone. Finding a specific piece of data in a microfilm archive can take hours. However, once digitized, you can search even the largest database to retrieve specific files within seconds. As a result, accessibility is improved, and less time is spent looking for data.
Improved Availability
The basic objective of digitizing microfiche and microfilm is to make the data captured on microfilm usable by other software applications. In order to make all historical records text-scannable and to integrate data with other management systems, it is crucial to enhance data accessibility. Furthermore, remote access becomes possible once data is shifted to the cloud, making your information available to you at all times, regardless of your physical location.
Precision in Documentation
Digitizing microfilm automatically reduces room for human error when maintaining records. In a digital setting, information is neatly cataloged, making it easy to find what you need when you need it, as well as to collaborate and exchange information.
Increased Efficiency
Staff frustration and decreased output might result from a lack of timely access to relevant information. However, microfilm transfer to digital has increased efficiency across the board because the information is now more easily shared and accessed.
Minimized Space and Storage Expenses
Microfilm and microfiche scanning helps with preservation by reducing expenses associated with microfilm space and storage. Digitizing microfiche and microfilm is the only solution to the problem of where to keep all of your microfilms if you’re working in a small office.
Digitize Microfilm & Microfiche with Smooth Solutions
Are you wondering how to preserve old documents stored on microfilm and microfiche? Digitization is the way to go about it. But it takes a long time for antiquated readers to retrieve data from microfilm and microfiche. Therefore, businesses and government agencies are always on the lookout for professional microfilm and microfiche scanning services.
This is where Smooth Solutions comes in! In our 25 years in business, we have scanned thousands of microfilm and microfiche. Our micrographics laboratory is a safe, modern facility where your film can be converted without hassle. As an additional service, we can send a crew to your office with all the gear they’ll need to complete a microfiche or microfilm scanning project on-site.
We can convert your film-based media into high-quality digital files with exact index information. You can rest assured that your digital conversion needs will be met within budget thanks to our extensive expertise, specialized equipment, and tried-and-true microfilm & document imaging process services.
Scanned microfilm images might be either black and white or grayscale and several formats. According to our production policies, we take great care and accuracy when handling any microfilm. Our top priority is to convert your microfilm at a reasonable price without sacrificing quality. In addition to microfilm conversion, we also offer aperture card scanning services and document imaging services, meeting all your scanning needs in one place. Get in touch at 973-249-6666 for a quote today!