What is a modern document scanner?
A document scanner is a device that converts physical documents, such as paper or images, into a digital version. In the past, that was the extent of a document scanner’s function, where now a days a scanner can do much more!
In today’s world, once a document is scanned and saved as a digital version, it can then be viewed, edited, stored and shared on a computer. This advancement in scanners has streamlined and transformed the exchange of information in our industries. Document scanners can now automate repetitive tasks, reduce errors and enhance efficiency.
Based on a user’s specific needs and their industry, there are ample options available for a suitable scanner. Document scanner types include business card scanners, flatbed scanners, sheetfed scanners and portable scanners. Each type of scanner comes with its own set of attributes. Document scanners serve industries such as healthcare, government, sales, legal, banking, education, manufacturing, logistics, record keeping and field service – mobile scanners.
The Document Scanner in the Healthcare Industry
In the healthcare industry scanners are used in a variety of ways for a variety of documents including charts, ID’s and Insurance Cards. Insurance card scanners can be integrated with an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, to streamlined workflow. For example, an EMR system allows businesses to instantly capture and store patient information from insurance cards, and IDs, allowing for an automated check-in process during patient registration.
An EMR system can also be used to promptly update patient records and facilitate the billing process. Additional benefits to this streamlined process include the elimination of manual data entry, enhanced accuracy, secure information storage and overall improved business efficiency.
With the time saved from this streamlined workflow, employees can attend to other pressing tasks.
Scanner Types
Business Card Scanner:
A business card scanner captures an image of a card using optical character recognition (OCR) technology. There are Simplex scanners (scans one side of a document at a time) and Duplex Scanners (scans both sides with one passthrough).
Next the scanner’s OCR software reads the text on the card and recognizes the different fields such as name, company, title, phone number, email, etc. Once the information is recognized, it’s extracted, organized and formatted into a digital contact record, which is stored as an image file (JPG, PNG, PDF), or a text file (TXT, DOC).
The information that has been formatted into a record is now editable and searchable making it easy to work with. The data can now be imported into numerous applications such as CRM systems, email marketing platforms, phone contacts, or other contact management tools. With imported, organized data, the information is now simple to sort through to follow up with clients, customers and patients.
Common places for business card scanners are hospitals, physician offices, dental offices and networking events such as tradeshows.
Flatbed Scanner:
A flatbed scanner is a device that digitizes documents, photos or other items by using a flat glass surface. It works by placing the item on the glass surface, then a light source and sensor moves underneath to create a digital copy. The digital copy can then be saved and edited on a computer.
Flatbed Scanners are well-suited for a wide variety of items, especially for delicate, valuable or unusually shaped items. These items could include thick documents, books or artwork, as the scanning head moves beneath the stationary material. Since the documents are not fed through the scanner, there is no risk of a jam.
Flatbed scanners offer high resolution scans with quality results which is great for scanning photos and artwork. Flatbed scanners are primarily used in homes, offices and professional studios because they can produce sharp, high-res images while accommodating an array of materials.
Sheetfed Scanner:
Sheetfed Scanners aka Automatic Document Scanners (ADF) scan loose sheets of paper through the machine automatically, so you can remain hands-free for other tasks. Like Business Card Scanners, Sheetfed Scanners also have the option of Simplex scanning (scanning one side of a document at a time) and Duplex Scanning (scanning both sides with one passthrough).
High-Speed ADF Scanners are available and typically range from speeds of 20 pages per minute (ppm) to 60ppm. These scanners can handle a few thousand pages per day, making these the most cost-effective ADF scanners. AMBIR high-speed ADFs hold up to 50 pages for bulk scanning tasks in addition to business, identification & insurance cards.
Sheetfed scanners are largely used by businesses to scan office documents. They are often used in small practices, medical groups, urgent care clinics and hospitals. Our AMBIR Sheetfed Scanners are durable and reliable. The suitable scanner for high-volume environments like patient registration and medical records.
Portable Scanner:
Portable scanners aka handheld scanners are compact and light weight. Portable scanners enable the fast conversion of printed materials into digital files, so you can keep things light when traveling, or keep things organized when at home. These scanners can easily fit into your briefcase or purse for on-the-go scanning.
Benefits of a document scanner:
No matter what your personal or business goals are, AMBIR has you covered to streamline your workflow. AMBIR Technology offers a wide range of card and document scanners that integrate with major EMR systems such as Epic. Choose from a business card scanner, sheetfed scanner, or portable scanner. Each one with curated features to save you time and make your life easier.
Gone are the days of the basic scanner which simply convert a physical document to digital. In today’s world, we’re busier than ever and AMBIR is here to support your need to save time, organize, edit, store, and share information. Check out our assortment of high quality AMBIR scanners and start streamlining your work today.
About AMBIR
AMBIR is a manufacturer of digital capture solutions for businesses and consumers. Headquartered in Chicago, IL and founded over 25 years ago on the premise of creating the highest quality hardware backed by hands-on support. AMBIR provides a variety of document and card scanners, eSignature pads and barcode scanners for various industries including healthcare, financial services, legal and more. We are known for being a hands-on organization who supports its clients with an internal team of dedicated professionals who know their clients by name. AMBIR is considered a market leading solution in the healthcare space due to it’s wide selection of products that integrate with leading EMR/EHR systems.
