A department's need for a scanner is based on how much paper you will need to capture into the document imaging system. Several departments with lower-volume scanning needs have chosen to use their departmental multi-function printer/scanner/copier/fax machine for their document scanning instead of purchasing a separate scanner. The departmental scanner has the ability to send digital images of scanned documents to a designated email address as a PDF attachment which can then be captured into the document imaging system using the desktop client software.

However, if your department plans on scanning a significant backlog of older archived documents, it may be beneficial to have a document scanner with an automatic document feeder for higher volume scanning and/or a flatbed for older items that may be too delicate to send through the feeder tray.

NOTE: Although some adjustments can be made at the point of scanning, the departmental multi-function scanners will not have the same image-enhancement capabilities as a stand-alone scanner (read more about image-enhancement software below).

The kind of scanner you choose depends largely on how and how often you plan on using it. Many, if not all, of the scanners currently in use at NDSU process a heavy volume of documents on a daily basis. This means you should consider a scanner with a high volume life cycle built to withstand thousands of scans per day. High-quality resolution is another important factor, as is having the option to scan documents in color. It is recommended that scanners have an automatic document feeder (ADF), a high resolution (300+ dpi), and the ability to do two-sided (duplex) scans. You may also want to consider a scanner with a flatbed option for scanning documents that may be too delicate to send through the automatic document feeder.

Several brands and models of scanners will work. Most NDSU departments have elected to use Fujitsu (now Ricoh) brand scanners because the purchase price includes bundled image-enhancement software that would otherwise need to be purchased separately, but other brands (e.g., Canon) with similar included software will work as well. Two recommended Ricoh models are the Ricoh fi-8270 (has document feeder plus flatbed) and the Ricoh fi-8170 (document feeder only, no flatbed). Selection of which model is best suited for your office will depend on your office's scanning needs and available work space.

• Ricoh fi-8170 Brochure("feeder only" scanner)
• Ricoh fi-8270 Brochure("feeder + flatbed" scanner)

NOTE: Please contact a document imaging Campus Liaisonbefore purchasing a scanner to see if any unused surplus scanners and/or scanning licenses are available.

Purchased scanners will frequently come bundled with companion image enhancement software. Image enhancement software allows the scanner to make adjustments to the scanned image such as auto-orienting the page, modifying the brightness and contrast, removing specks, adjusting for color, filling in three-hole punch binder holes, eliminating a background watermark, or even detecting blank pages. The two most commonly used software packages are Kofax VRS (Virtual Re-Scan) and PaperStream IP TWAIN.