Microfilm Scanning

Posted on February 12, 2010 by Josh

Do you have microfilm you need scanned or converted to digital?

We can help!

Microfilm Scanning

Microfilm Scanning

Utilizing the latest film scanning equipment and best-in-class processes, Digital Film Services will scan your microfilm records (16MM / 35MM) to digital for access via a PC on DVD or to be loaded into your document imaging system.

If you would like a quote for the conversion of your records, you can contact us via email or call us at 866-609-4DFS (4337).

How will we be able to access the rolls once they have been converted?

We can provide your scanned images back to you in any format you prefer. Typically, we convert the roll’s into PDF or TIFF Group IV format and deliver them back on CD/DVD in a folder directory structure. We can also provide the images back in a format that will easily import into your document imaging system.

Option 1 – Roll Level Indexing

We would scan each roll and place the images from that roll into a folder or multi-page image (PDF or TIFF). There would be a separate folder or image for each roll. The folder or image would be named by the title on the roll lable.

Microfilm Conversion Options - Roll Level Indexing

Microfilm Conversion Options - Roll Level Indexing

This type of indexing is optimal for most applications because it enables you to access the microfilm images on your PC / Server in the same way it is currently being access via microfilm without dealing with the hassle of loading it onto the microfilm reader. Scanning at a roll level is the most cost effective way to convert the images because it eliminates almost all of the indexing costs. If a deeper level of indexing is required, or you need to search documents directly, then document level indexing should be used.

Option 2 – Record Level Indexing

We would scan the rolls of microfilm, go though each image individually and break them out into documents. For example, let’s say the rolls contain student record documents, we would group all of the records for an individual student into a multipage TIFF/PDF and name the image by “Student_Name” or “SSN” or “Student_Name,SSN”. Once all the images are broken out, grouped and burned to CD/DVD you will be able to search by Student Name or Social Security Number to pull up what ever student file you are looking for.

Microfilm Conversion Options - Roll Level Indexing

Microfilm Conversion Options - Document Level Indexing

* In some cases this process can be automated, if document level blip’s were added when the records were indexed.

What types of microfilm do you convert?

16MM & 35MM Microfilm

16MM Microfilm
  • 16MM Microfilm
  • Various lengths: 100′ and 215′ most common
  • Blipped or Un-Blipped film

 

35MM Microfilm

35MM Microfilm
  • 35MM Microfilm
  • Various lengths: 100′ and 215′ most common
  • Blipped or Un-Blipped film

 

Why convert from microfilm to digital?

There are several reasons to convert from microfilm to digital:

  • Microfilm deterioration – Over time microfilm tends to deteriorate, expecially if it is not stored in optimal storage evironment. We have seen cases where essential records have been completely lost due to complete deterioration of the microfilm. In less extreem cases, the image quality can simply decline to the point where it is no longer legible.
  • Ease of access – Lets face it, accessing microfilm records is a pain. The roll needs to be pulled, loaded onto the microfilm reader, and then the approrate image must be located. If the microfilm records need to be accessed frequenly, and substanital time savings will be gained from the conversion.
  • Lack of harware support – As new microfilm creation is phased out, the number of companies supporting microfilm readers is declining. In some cases, the cost of supporting or purchasing a new microfilm reader will pay for the cost of conversion.

How much will it cost to convert from microfilm to digital?

The cost of converting your microfilm records will vary depending on a number of variables:

  • What size film is the film? 16MM or 35MM
    • The cost for scanning 16MM microfilm is about $.02 per image
    • The cost for scanning 35MM microfilm is about $.05 per image
  • How do you want the records indexed?
    • Roll level indexing (described above)
      • This method of delivery is less expensive because less labor hours are required for breaking out the documents and indexing
    • Document level indexing (described above)
      • This mothod of delivery will be more expensive but certain variables can keep the costs down (existance of document level blips and or a CAR system to help automate indexing)
  • What DPI do you want the images scanned at? 200dpi, 300dpi, 400dpi (200dpi is typically used)
  • How many images are on your rolls?
    • 16MM film typically has between 2,000 – 2,500 images per roll
    • 35MM film typically has between 500 – 900 images per roll

If you would like us to provide you with a quote for your project, you can contact us directly at 866-609-4DFS or send us an email at sales@digitalfilmsolutions.com.

How are film conversion projects priced?

  • Scanning – There is a flat, per image fee for scanning
    • 16MM – about $.02 per image depending on volume, desired dpi, and output
    • 35MM – about $.05 per image depending on volume, desired dpi, and output
  • Indexing – If you want document level indexing (where we group the images out into records) there is a per record indexing cost.
    • Typically about $.01 per keystroke for indexing (we can help you estimate the total project cost)
  • Media – Cost for writing the images onto your desired media
    (CD, DVD, Hard Drive, FTP)
  • Typically $15 for CD’s
  • Typically $25 for DVD’s

 

If you would like us to provide you with a quote for your project, you can contact us directly at 866-609-4DFS or send us an email at sales@digitalfilmsolutions.com.

How can we get our microfilm scanned for import into our document imaging system?

We have scanned film for import into a variety of imaging systems (FileNet, ImageNow, Alchamey, Digitech, Docfinity, and many others). We will work with you before starting the project to isolate the required import file for your system. In most cases, a TIFF Group IV image with tab delimited index file
works fine for the import.

If you would like us to provide you with a quote for your project, you can contact us directly at 866-609-4DFS or send us an email at sales@digitalfilmsolutions.com.

 


 
 

 

 
Posted in Microfilm, Microfilm Conversion, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

How many differnt types of microform are there?

Posted on February 28, 2009 by Josh

Different Types of Microform Media

Microfilm 
      

16MM or 35MM standard is used, usually unperforated. Roll microfilm is stored on open reels or put into cassettes. The standard length for using roll film is 30.48m (100 ft). One roll of 35MM film may carry 600 images of large engineering drawings or 800 images of broadsheet newspaper pages. 16 mm film may carry 2400 images of letter sized images as a single stream of micro images along the film set so that lines of text are parallel to the sides of the film or 10,000 small documents, perhaps cheques or betting slips, with both sides of the originals set side-by-side on the film.

Microfiche  
   

A microfiche is a flat film, 105MM x 148MM in size, that is ISO A5. It carries a matrix of micro images. All microfiche are read with text parallel to the long side of the fiche. Frames may be landscape or portrait. Along the top of the fiche a title may be recorded for visual identification. The most commonly used format is a portrait image of about 10MM x 14MM. Office-size papers or magazine pages require a reduction of 24 or 25. Microfiche are stored in open top envelopes which are put in drawers or boxes as file cards, or fitted into pockets in purpose-made books.

Jacketed Fiche –
COM Fiche –

 

Aperture cards 

  

Aperture Cards are a Hollerith Card into which a hole has been cut. A 35MM microfilm chip is mounted in the hole inside of a clear plastic sleeve, or secured over the aperture by an adhesive tape. They are used for engineering drawings, for all engineering disciplines. There are libraries of these containing over three million cards. Aperture cards may be stored in drawers or in freestanding rotary units.

 

If you have any questions please contact Josh Nelson, Director of Sales at 866-609-4DFS or via email jnelson@digitialfilmsolutions.com

 

Posted in Aperture Cards, Microfiche, Microfilm, Microfilm Conversion | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

How much does it cost to scan microfilm?

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Josh

The cost of converting your microfilm records will vary depending on a number of variables:

  • What size film is the film? 16MM or 35MM
    • The cost for scanning 16MM microfilm is about $.02 per image
    • The cost for scanning 35MM microfilm is about $.05 per image
  • How do you want the records indexed?
    • Roll level indexing (described above)
      • This method of delivery is less expensive because less labor hours are required for breaking out the documents and indexing
    • Document level indexing (described above)
      • This mothod of delivery will be more expensive but certain variables can keep the costs down (existance of document level blips and or a CAR system to help automate indexing)
  • What DPI do you want the images scanned at? 200dpi, 300dpi, 400dpi (200dpi is typically used)
  • How many images are on your rolls?
    • 16MM film typically has between 2,000 – 2,500 images per roll

     

    • 35MM film typically has between 500 – 900 images per roll

 

 

 

If you would like us to provide you with a quote for your project, you can contact us directly at 866-609-4DFS or send us an email at sales@digitalfilmsolutions.com.

Posted in Microfilm, Microfilm Conversion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Microfiche Scanning

Posted on February 13, 2009 by Josh

Do you have microfiche you need scanned or converted to digital?

We can help!

 

Utilizing the latest film scanning equipment and best-in-class processes, Digital Film Services will scan your microfiche records (16MM / 35MM, COM / Jacketed / Step and Repeat) to digital for access via a PC on DVD or to be loaded into your document imaging system.

If you would like a quote for the conversion of your records, you can contact us via email or call us at 866-609-4DFS (4337).

How will we be able to access the fiche records once they have been converted?

We can provide your scanned images back to you in any format you prefer. Typically, we convert the fiche into PDF or TIFF Group IV format and deliver them back on CD/DVD in a folder directory structure. We can also provide the images back in a format that will easily import into your document imaging system.

Option 1 – Fiche Level Indexing

We would scan each fiche and place the images from that fiche into a folder or multi-page image (PDF or TIFF). There would be a separate folder or image for each fiche. The folder or image would be named by the title on the fiche lable.

 

This type of indexing is optimal for most applications because it enables you to access the microfiche images on your PC / Server in the same way it is currently being access via microfiche without dealing with the hassle of loading it onto the microfiche reader. Scanning at a fiche level is the most cost effective way to convert the images because it eliminates almost all of the indexing costs. If a deeper level of indexing is required, or you need to search documents directly, then record level indexing should be used.

If you would like a quote for the conversion of your records, you can contact us via email or call us at 866-609-4DFS (4337).

Option 2 – Record Level Indexing

We would scan the rolls of microfiche, go though each image individually and break them out into documents. For example, let’s say the fiche contain student record documents, we would group all of the records for an individual student into a multipage TIFF/PDF and name the image by “Student_Name” or “SSN” or “Student_Name,SSN”. Once all the images are broken out, grouped and burned to CD/DVD you will be able to search by Student Name or Social Security Number to pull up what ever student file you are looking for.

If you would like a quote for the conversion of your records, you can contact us via email or call us at 866-609-4DFS (4337).

What types of microfiche do you convert?

  • Jacketed Microfiche
  • 16MM & 35MM

 
  • COM Microfilm
  • Step and Repeat Microfiche

 

Why convert from microfiche to digital?

There are several reasons to convert from microfilm to digital:

  • Microfiche deterioration – Over time microfiche tends to deteriorate, expecially if it is not stored in optimal storage evironment. We have seen cases where essential records have been completely lost due to complete deterioration of the microfilm. In less extreem cases, the image quality can simply decline to the point where it is no longer legible.
  • Ease of access – Lets face it, accessing microfiche records is a pain. The fiche needs to be pulled, loaded onto the microfiche reader, and then the approrate image must be located. If the microfiche records need to be accessed frequently, and substanital time savings will be gained from the conversion.
  • Lack of harware support – As new microfiche creation is phased out, the number of companies supporting microfiche readers is declining. In some cases, the cost of supporting or purchasing a new microfiche reader will pay for the cost of conversion.

If you would like a quote for the conversion of your records, you can contact us via email or call us at 866-609-4DFS (4337).

How much will it cost to convert from microfiche to digital?

The cost of converting your microfiche records will vary depending on a number of variables:

  • What type of microche is it? Jacketed Microfiche, COM Microfiche, or Step & Repeat Fiche
    • The cost for scanning Jacketed Fiche is about $.06 per image
    • The cost for scanning COM microfilm is about $.035 per image
    • The cost for scanning Step & Repeat Fiche is about $.045 per image
  • How do you want the records indexed?
    • Fiche level indexing (described above)
      • This method of delivery is less expensive because less labor hours are required for breaking out the documents and indexing
    • Document level indexing (described above)
      • This mothod of delivery will be more expensive but certain variables can keep the costs down (existance of document level blips and or a CAR system to help automate indexing)
  • What DPI do you want the images scanned at? 200dpi, 300dpi, 400dpi (200dpi is typically used)

If you would like us to provide you with a quote for your project, you can contact us directly at 866-609-4DFS or send us an email at sales@digitalfilmsolutions.com.

How are film conversion projects priced?

  • Scanning – There is a flat, per image fee for scanning
    • The cost for scanning Jacketed Fiche is about $.06 per image
    • The cost for scanning COM microfilm is about $.035 per image
    • The cost for scanning Step & Repeat Fiche is about $.045 per image
  • Indexing – If you want document level indexing (where we group the images out into records) there is a per record indexing cost.
    • Typically about $.01 per keystroke for indexing (we can help you estimate the total project cost)
  • Media – Cost for writing the images onto your desired media (CD, DVD, Hard Drive, FTP)
    • Typically $15 for CD’s
    • Typically $25 for DVD’s

If you would like us to provide you with a quote for your project, you can contact us directly at 866-609-4DFS or send us an email at sales@digitalfilmsolutions.com.

How can we get our microfiche scanned for import into our document imaging system?

We have scanned film for import into a variety of imaging systems (FileNet, ImageNow, Alchamey, Digitech, Docfinity, and many others). We will work with you before starting the project to isolate the required import file for your system. In most cases, a TIFF Group IV image with tab delimited index file works fine for the import.

If you would like us to provide you with a quote for your project, you can contact us directly at 866-609-4DFS or send us an email at sales@digitalfilmsolutions.com.

Posted in Document Imaging, Microfiche, Microfilm Conversion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Identifying, Targeting, and Closing Microfilm Conversion Opportunities

Posted on February 9, 2009 by Josh
Identifying Microfilm Conversion Opportunties

Identifying Microfilm Conversion Opportunties

What companies / organizations have microform to convert?

  • Colleges and Universities
    • Permanent Student Records
    • Financial Aid Records
  • Local and State Government
    • Title documents
    • Maps, county circuit court, vital records, probate county recorder/register of deeds, records, court documents
    • Libraries and museum archives
    • Voter registration documents
    • Department of Transportation records
    • Police records
    • Student records
  • Title Companies
    • Property records, prior policies
  • Banks and Credit Unions
    • Applications, loan files, signature cards, checks, member files
  • Engineering and Manufacturing
    • Plans and maps
  • Federal Government
    • Military records, contracts
  • Hospitals / Healthcare Facilities
    • Medical records
  • Insurance
    • Policy membership files, life insurance files, policy files, underwriting files claims, property files, casualty files, workers compensation

How should we approach them?

  • We would suggest you select one core area from the above list to approach first
  • Identify the key record keeper and initiate contact with them about the potential need to convert their microform
  • ASK “THE QUESTION” (see below)
  • Get meeting with prospect
  • While at the initial meeting with prospect, go through survey and collect necessary information to understand their records
  • Also, while still at the initial meeting, get sample records from the client so you can show them what the images will look like ABCscanned
    ABCOnce the images are scanned, call and schedule a second meeting with prospect to show them the sample scanned images and ABCto put together a price quote.
  • ABCFor Example:
  • We have found the following approach to be very effective for identifying major conversation opportunities with Colleges and ABCUniversities:
    • Develop a list of all the major colleges / universities in your local area
    • Identify the “College Registrar”
    • CALL THEM
      • “Hi _______ (name of Registrar), this is “John Doe” from” XYZ Imaging”, I just wanted to touch base to see how you are currently managing your student records there, at “XYZ College”. Have you started imaging or do you still maintain your records in paper / microfilm?” (The response seems to be about 50/50 paper / digital. Either way, this works as a segue into a potential sale:
        • The Registrar might say, “We are scanning our records in-house and already have an imaging system.” Which opens you up to say, “That’s great. Do you have any old paper, microfilm or microfiche records still out there or did you scan those as well?” Typically the response will be, “YES we still have old stuff”. So you can say, “Really…well, we can scan all those historic records on your behalf, index them, and then import them into your own document imaging system so you can access all of your records from one place, rather than moving from your imaging system for new stuff to microfilm / paper for old stuff”. Let the conversation take you from there, but other partners have identified and closed millions of dollars in conversion work starting with that simple call.
        • OR the Registrar might say, “We still maintain all our records in paper / microform.” Now, I know I don’t need to tell you what to do from there. Get in there and SELL!

What to do once you have a prospect interested.
Well, I would suggest you schedule a meeting with the prospect, if possible. Print out a copy of the Microfilm / Microfiche Conversion Survey Sheet and go through it with the client so you can be sure you understand their records as clearly as possible:

  • Microfilm Conversion Survey
  • Microfiche Conversion Survey

Explain to the prospect that you can convert their microfilm / microfiche / aperture card to digital and supply it back to them in any format they see fit. You can visit our microfilm, microfiche, aperture card scanning pages on our web site which goes into detail on the options available for delivery back to the client. If you need some high-level pricing, because you know they are going to ask, visit the pricing guideline page on our web site and use the market pricing to give them a ballpark feel for what their costs will be. Suggest that you would like to take a small sample of 3 to 4 rolls of film or jackets of fiche so you can show them what the scanned images will look like and schedule a follow up meeting for the following week to show them the samples of their scanned images and to put together a price quote for the rest of the conversion.

If you want to provide your prospect with a formal proposal, you can customize our proposal template with the information pertaining to their project and take it back with you to the follow up meeting.

If you have any questions please contact Josh Nelson – Director of Sales at 866-609-4DFS or via email jnelson@digitialfilmsolutions.com

Please post your comments, thoughts, feedback or even idea’s on how your company has been successful identifying microfilm conversion opportunties.

Posted in Document Imaging, Microfilm Conversion | Tagged | 4 Comments

The Microfilm Conversion Opportunity

Posted on February 9, 2009 by Josh
More than ten billion records still remain on microform media, about 30% of those will need to be converted from film to digital within the next 5 – 7 years. If you and your sales team are not proactively pursuing film/fiche/aperture card conversion opportunities, you could potentially be missing out on hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional profit. 
Digital Film Solutions works with Document Imaging and Records Management companies throughout the United States and have helped them capitalize on microform conversion opportunities without having to invest in new hardware, software or personnel.
A few things to consider:
  • A large % of your existing customers have a library of existing microform that they will need to convert in the next few years.  
  • As you and your sales team go out on sales calls you are going to come across microform that should be converted to digital (once you know to look for it). Why not maximize the profitability of your sales efforts?  
  • Getting these types of conversion projects is a great way to get your foot in the door at accounts that may not have had the need for your services initially. 
 
Digital Film Solutions will act as your outsourced provider for delivering microfilm, microfiche and aperture card conversion services to your clients. We have made the investment in the technology (film/fiche/card scanners) & personnel and will provide the conversion services to you at wholesale rates so that you can provide your client with competitive pricing and still drive a 50-100% profit margin.
For more information about the market potential, our services, or just to learn more you can visit us online at www.digitalfilmsolutions.com. If you have an opportunity that you would like to discuss or want a copy of our updated price sheet you can call me at 866-609-4337 or shoot me an email jnelson@digitalfilmsolutions.com.
I look forward to being a resource.
Josh Nelson
Posted in Document Imaging, Microfilm Conversion | 1 Comment

Welcome to the Digital Film Solutions Blog

Posted on February 8, 2009 by Josh

Welcome to the Digital Film Solutions Blog.

This blog is an ongoing analysis and dissection on the document imaging industry and microform conversion opportunties (microfilm, microfiche and aperture cards). The Digital Film Solutions Blog is the voice of Digital Film Solutions.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment