subject: Records Management Technology: Digital Check Scanners [print this page] Do you own or operate a business that has a vested interest in records management technology? Do you own or operate a business that could benefit from a compact countertop digital check scanner? Then this article is for you. Read on as we discuss recent advancements in records management technology, specifically check scanners.
The latest in records management technology is a digital check scanner that creates high quality images of both sides of a check, which can be stored locally for audit and historical research, or quickly transmitted to a bank's central proof operation. The front of the check is required for account details, amount information and original signature verification; but this records management technology simultaneously captures the important endorsements on the back of the check as well. In addition, the scanner is able to add the user's custom endorsement.
Scanning the checks at the point of entry allows the images of the checks to be electronically approved and balanced with the amount entered. When the physical check arrives, power encoding can ensure fast clearance. This records management technology positions a user for electronic check processing, which accelerates check clearance and improves customer service.
This new records management technology is designed for distributed applications that require high performance, two-sided check scanning with limited volume. Needing less than 5" x 9" of space, the check scanner easily fits into small areas such as a teller window area, a retail store cashier's desk, or a back office.
When items are hand fed, the check scanner provides simultaneous two-sided scanning at over 16 inches/sec with MICR codeline capture. The result is that both sides of the check are scanned, MICR is read, and the check is endorsed in less than one second. This speed ensures that customers do not wait in line while their checks are captured.
This new records management technology allows E13B or CMC7 MICR codelines to be read magnetically. Additionally, there is an optional programmable ink-jet backside endorser that can endorse the checks with customized information, logos, dates, and/or sequential numbers.
As each check is scanned by the records management technology, it is analyzed before thresholding into black and white to provide a sharp, easy-to-read image. Either 4-bit (16 shades) or 8-bit (256 shades) grayscale images may be captured. When combined with the anti-paper skew transport, this makes for superior OCR/ICR recognition of machine print, courtesy amounts and legal amounts, signatures, and name/address information. As a second quality check, the MICR codeline can be re-read using optical character recognition, which complements the magnetic read to capture the information even on poorly printed checks.
This records management technology is designed to be quick and easy to integrate. The standard USB-port (Universal Serial Bus) provides plug-and-play connection, so there is no need to purchase separate interface boards or even open the controlling PC. Digital Check Corporation provides software tools in support of the transport. For immediate usage, a batch scanning software application is available.
Finally, the two-sided scanning ability and rear-side endorse capabilities of this new records management technology allow it to be used in many applications including check cashing, securities payments, teller window processing, corporate payments, lock box; and exception processing. Locations may be as diverse as cruise ships, corporate offices, casinos, or retail stores on top of the more traditional branch banking.
