subject: Document Scanning Services: Needed Or Not? [print this page] It is hard to envision anybody in today's age of computers not being able to scan a document, let alone know what to do with it as soon as it is scanned. However, you will find numerous services offering to do simply that - scan, upload and make your file as you want. Whether you want it merely stored on your computer, switched into a PDF, converted into CD form or simply sent out as an e-mail, these services will do it. The question is: are they actually needed? Do you have to have someone else scan and create your documents?
The reply is both yes and no, and below we will offer the benefits and drawbacks of utilizing this kind of services.
Why To use It:
Most businesses endure from bad storage. They have row after row of filing cabinets, all full of documents and essential papers. What most services will do is offer to change all of these into computer files, saving you the time of 1) having to scan all of the papers yourself or 2) constantly rummaging through the cabinets in hopes to find what you're looking for. One more reason to use a document scanning service is the quality. These companies guarantee that you will have perfectly scanned and organized files. They will do whatever you have to be done, which means you will not have to waste your time speculating against a piece of equipment which you swear hates you since it in no way seems to work.
Why Not To use It:
Ultimately, most--if not all--office workers know how to scan. It's routine. To pay somebody else to accomplish it may appear wasteful and, since the prices could be costly, it may also seem silly. Scanning and organizing are characteristics that any worker should have, and employers may hesitate to send for somebody else to do what is, essentially, your job. Also, because the prices could be costly, it has to be thought of from an objective point: is it much better to spend the cash and save some time, or just have a worker come in an extra day? Employers may look toward the latter.
Is It Worth It:
Depending on your circumstance, document scanning services can either seem very interesting or very pointless. If you are unfamiliar with how to completely use your computer (perhaps you can scan but the rest is just guesswork), then using a service could be an excellent solution to learn and get yourself organized. If you're experienced with scanning, nevertheless, you might see this like a waste of money and time. It all comes down to how much faith you have in your abilities and how much cash you're willing to invest.
