Microfilm Scanning Services Can Help Businesses Modernize Data Archives

Microfilm archives are very common among businesses and organizations established before the development of digital archiving systems. Microfilm scanning services can help organizations convert microform libraries into digital formats that could be easily retrieved, indexed, and stored via computers and other devices.

Microform formats such as film, aperture cards, and microfiche were considered to be the most efficient way to archive documents during the early part of the 20th century. The process enabled companies to store data in a form that is as much as 25 times smaller than the original document. This made it possible to store and index entire libraries in a fraction of the space required by the original documents.

The Continued Importance of Microfilm

In today’s technologically-driven age, microfilm is still the king of information preservation. Why?

Microfilm scanning service produces an image identical to the original, is easy to view and is legally acceptable.

Microfilm is a cost-effective way to preserve your key documents, books, photos and more.

Under adequate storage conditions, microfilm will last for 500 years.

Microfilm and microfilm reader/scanners were created with standards between manufacturers, enabling continuous access.

Once created, to ensure preservation and accessibility, microfilm doesn't require costly maintenance.

Microfilm does not take up much space, making the storage much easier than large volumes of printed materials. Microfilm saves 95 percent of the space needed to store paper documents.

Microfilm is typically more salvageable than paper records when an unforeseen disaster strikes and maybe more accessible than digital records, depending on the type of disaster.

Microfilm can be duplicated or scanned – a crucial cog in the implementation of a disaster recovery plan.

Microfilm helps preserve our most important documents and images so that the same information can be accessed by future generations.

The emergence of digital image formats and the continually lowering costs of data storage, however, have rendered microfilm obsolete. It's now entirely possible to store a microfilm library in a device that can fit in the palm of one's hand.

Microfilm scanningservice utilizes specialized technology to scan and convert microfilm into the desired image format. During the process, the images are digitally optimized to remove artifacts or enhance readability. Companies that specialize in digital data conversion can also provide an effective content management system that indexes the images based on key data elements. This enables users to quickly search and retrieve essential data directly from their desktop computers and other access devices.

Digitizing microfilm archives carries several advantages that organizations can leverage to enhance operations and workflow. Efficient and cost-effective data backup and recovery, easy retrieval, and significantly reduced storage overhead costs are just some of the benefits that can be gained from modernizing microform libraries.