I often get asked to elaborate on the benefits of network scanning so I created this document to describe some of the general benefits of Network Scanning.

1. Why a network scanner?
Dedicated use device for scanning documents
• No need to wait for the copy machine to become free for use
• Versatile functionality without compromise of added complexity
• Advanced scanning functions performed transparent to user
• Ability to preview images before sending to destinations
• Simple operation easy to understand
A dedicated scanning device that seamlessly integrates within an organizations existing
network infrastructure can be of tremendous value to enhance work processes.
Network scanners benefit organizations by decreasing the complex nature, yet not
comprising access to important functionality. From users of these devices to network
administrators and business managers to basically an entire organization, businesses in
a wide variety of markets are benefiting from network scanning.

2. Uptime/Reliability
• Access to scanning functionality is not hampered by other possible failures of a
multifunction device
• Limited physical moving parts decreases likelihood of hardware malfunction
• Straight thru paper path design helps decrease possibility of document jams
• Network scanners inherit attributes designed for mission-critical document
scanners
Organizations can only realize the true productivity enhancement of their IT investment
when their systems are performing at peak performance. Disruption in the work
process wastes time, costs money and causes frustration among employees and
customers alike. Dedicated network scanners have been designed with the sole
purpose of document scanning and, therefore contain the hardware and software
attributes organizations expect which make them desirable in mission-critical business
applications. Organizations of all sizes have sought the quality and reliability of single-
function document scanners for years. For example, one of these intangible qualities
which are sometimes hard to measure is lost productivity caused by a mechanical
malfunction of a multifunction copier. Downtime for maintenance is simply not an
option.
Ease of Use
• Eliminate complexity and provide simply operation with large touch screen
• Simple touch screen driven scanning operation eliminates specialized training
• In the unlikely event of a document jam, easy jam recovery without damaging
documents
• Multiple language support
• Programmable job function buttons can perform repetitive tasks with the touch of
one button

3. Large touch screen displays and integrated keyboards are two physical attributes which
make digitizing documents with a network scanner simple. Similar to your on computer
desktop at home which you may have customized with a particular look and feel,
business users get the most value out of technology when they are familiar with the
presentation of interfaces and have the versatility to customize screens. Network
scanners adhere to this principal as well. For example, user state migration among
devices presents the user with the same, consistent user experience based on their
logon information no matter which device they decide to use.
Quality
• Image quality built on experience focused on document capture technology
• Paper path designs are careful engineered to excel at document handling
including some with the capability of scanning plastic cards
• Document scanning technology hardware and software integration with
specialize content management application providers
The quality of IT products typically is not appreciated until there are operational
disruptions caused by failure such as a paper jammed in the device. Experience in
developing feeding technology to efficiently handle documents of different shapes, sizes
and weights have helped set dedicated document scanner vendors apart from other

4. technology. Network scanners have inherited many of the qualities of traditional
document scanners used in mission-critical applications and are bringing the
opportunities of network scanning to organizations of all sizes. This focus on the
importance of mission-critical scanning is evident in network scanners with specifically
design features such as a straight paper path to reduce potential document jams and
the ability to scan plastic cards through the document feeder. Additionally, the ability to
preview images after scanning and before committing them to a destination is an
example of a quality found in some network scanners.
Secure
• Restrict access to only authorized users with secure authentication
• User data such as username/password or image data does not reside on the
scanner
• Data is encrypted on device to provide additional level of security
• No external USB port to hijack sensitive information
• Highly secure login authentication and transmission protocols (SSL)
• Lock-down job profiles to adhere to organization established policies
Whether it is for regulation, compliance or other reasons, data security plays a major
role for network scanners. As a device that is ‘always on’ and connected to corporate
networks, the risk of a data compromise of information has to be careful considered.
From access to the devices themselves, or the manner in which information is

5. electronically communicated to which level of functionality should be provided to
particular users or groups is all functionality that organizations need to be thought
through thoroughly. Network scanners provide these security features to assist
organizations utilize devices in a manner which adheres to their specific established
policies. The threat of data compromise comes in many fashions; not only externally
but maybe internally and sometimes inadvertently, not maliciously.
Total cost of ownership
• Decrease deployment costs with remote administration tools
• Reduce ongoing maintenance costs with ability to push updates to devices from
a centralized location
• Utilize existing network resources and systems to conserve budget
• Inexpensive and user replaceable consumables
Stretch your budget further using a dedicated network scanner through simple initial
deployment of devices. Simply connect the scanner to the network then IT departments
or network administrators can remotely configure and manage devices. No longer do
organizations have to incur the expense or time consumed by having to send
technicians on-site to setup devices. Additionally, on-going maintenance costs are
drastically reduced by not having to replace expensive toner or fuser parts. Easily
accessible user replaceable consumables provide a convenient way to keep the
network scanner performing at optimal performance, yet decreasing the need for IT
involvement.

6. Integrated for Business Process Improvement
• Direct connectivity to back-end systems
• Index values and metadata sent directly into Content Management repositories
• Database lookups for validation
• Image enable your Line of Business application with Software Developer’s Kit
(SDK) development
Some network scanner vendors offer optional Software Developer Kit’s (SDK) where
developers can create unique integration screens to be displayed on the touch panel.
These integrations offer tight interoperability with business systems such as Enterprise
Content Management (ECM) repositories, Line of Business (LOB) applications,
Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and other
third-party solutions. In addition, user interface screens can be created with a custom
look and feel to fit corporate branding. An integrated approach to network scanning
enables organizations of all sizes to image-enable their current software applications
and offers the assurance of delivering images directly into back-end servers without the
traditional high costs, aggravation and loss of productivity involved with other
approaches.