FAQ - Computer Technologies

What advantages does document imaging have over a filing cabinet?

File cabinets have been the standard for storing and retrieving paper files for years. But at the doorstep to the new millenium, paper itself has become an inefficient mode of storage. Because of its physical limitations, viable and important information is bogged down in mountains of pages. Thanks to the advent of digital media and computers, information can now be liberated from the page to be free and accessible as real searchable content, rather than just ink on paper.

Will I need new hardware?

The goal of incorporating document imaging into your office is to make your life easier. Changing your network or computer operations works against this goal. That's why LaserFiche is designed specifically for your existing PC hardware. Whether it's a single user system like LaserFiche Executive or a network version like LaserFiche Client-Server, the only new hardware you may need is a document scanner. Depending on the volume of documents, you may want additional storage space or a dedicated server, but your computer staff doesn't need to learn how to configure new equipment.

Will I have to learn new commands or technical details?

LaserFiche is modeled after the simple intuitive interface that you are used to. Most functions involve just clicking a button or dropping down a menu. Yet our advanced search-and-retrieval engine gives unlimited potential to the power user. Like an orchestral symphony, you don't have to be a virtuoso to appreciate the beauty and value of LaserFiche.

Why document imaging?

Real paper takes up space, and is hard to search and retrieve in large volumes. But the flexibility and portability of paper are valuable qualities. Paper can store images, graphics, photographs, and text of differing fonts and sizes, organized and formatted, all in one place. Many electronic document storage packages lose this visual information, retaining only plain text. LaserFiche keeps an exact scan of every original document online (like a very clear photocopy), in addition to making the information searchable and easily retrieved. That way, when you find the information you need, you can print, fax or email the entire page it came from, exactly the way it was originally intended. Even in color.

Will I have to change my office procedures?

LaserFiche is built to blend simply and easily into your existing office procedures. By retaining the convention of individual pages, folders and volumes, your organization methods can remain the same. And our Integrator's Toolkit allows you to link LaserFiche with other software applications, tying together all of your database resources. All you will eliminate are the delays, the work and the frustration. LaserFiche lets you do what you do best, just faster and easier.

Are there any risks?

You can't afford to take risks with your valuable files. That's why LaserFiche document imaging is your most reliable partner in protecting, as well as organizing your paperwork. Unlike paper, files stored in LaserFiche won't get lost on someone's desk, they won't get torn, and they can't get coffee stains. Since you can pack up to 12,000 pages on a CD, or millions of pages on an average hard disk, you can cheaply retain backups of all of your files. You can even keep them off-site or inside a fire-proof safe for additional safety, which would be nearly impossible with millions of pages of paper.