Common Questions about Scanners

ind answers to frequently asked questions about scanners
Scanners are a useful addition to any business's office equipment - and there is a wide variety of high-quality units to choose from. In order to select the right scanner for your company or home office, it's helpful to understand a little more about these machines prior to your purchase.

Below are some answers to common questions about scanners. Also be sure to check out scanner FAQs for any questions that aren't covered below. pitney bowes supplies

* How do scanners boost office efficiency?
Scanners create digital replicas of hardcopy documents, transforming paper documents and images into digital versions. This enables you to find and send documents with ease, and also allows for document sharing. To put it simply, once a document has been scanned and saved onto a computer or shared network, it can be accessed by anyone on the network at any time. No more rummaging around in filing cabinets! Furthermore, documents that need to be signed and returned, for example, can be signed, scanned and returned within minutes.

Scanners are also a vital tool in creating a paperless office - an office in which time and money is saved, and productivity is increased. With the right scanner, you'll be able to convert hard copies of documents and images into electronic versions, quickly and simply, and cut down on associated paper usage. You'll also be able to get rid of old documents once they've been scanned, de-cluttering the office and freeing up valuable space. pitney bowes supplies

* How do I select the right scanner?
The type of scanner you choose will depend on your office's scanning requirements. If you regularly have many loose papers that need to be scanned, you'll need to purchase a high volume scanner that can handle high outputs. The speed of the scanner should also match your output requirements - for example, frequent scanning would call for quicker scanning times.

You'll also need to consider the types of documents that you'll be scanning. If you'll only be scanning text documents, a low-resolution scanner will suit your needs. These are often cheaper than high-resolution scanners, but are not recommended for image scanning.

Next, think about whether you'll be scanning loose documents, or bound documents. If you'll be scanning mainly loose documents, purchasing a sheet-fed scanner with an auto-document feeder will make scanning a breeze. These take up far less space than other types of scanners. However, if you'll be scanning bound documents more often (e.g. books), a flatbed or bookedge scanner is ideal. Bookedge scanners eliminate dark shadows caused by the book's spine.

Consider too whether you'll be scanning just one side of your documents, or both. Duplex scanners scan both sides while simplex scanners scan just one.

Also be sure to check the colour depth of the scanner you're purchasing. If you'll regularly be scanning photographs and colour images, it's best to choose a scanner a high bit colour depth.

* Should I buy a stand-alone scanner, or a multi-function scanner?
Multi-function scanners that include a scanner, copier, printer and sometimes a fax machine, are recommended for smaller offices, or offices that do not have high scanning requirements. Multi-function machines offer several different functionalities in a single unit, making them ideal for offices with a range of different admin requirements.

If you print fewer than 50 pages per day, and fax, copy and scan fewer than 30 pages per day, a multi-function scanner will meet your office's output requirements. However, if your output requirements are higher than this, it's advisable to purchase stand-alone units to fulfil each of these functions.

* How do I maintain my scanner?
Provided that you treat it with care, your scanner shouldn't require much maintenance. Simply dusting the outside with a dry cloth or canned air will keep the exterior sufficiently clean. Always unplug your scanner when it's not in use.

The internal mechanisms of your scanner also need to be cleaned, especially if you're using a multi-function scanner, or a scanner that is frequently in use. Professional technicians are able to clean these units effectively, and the company from which you purchased your scanner will gladly send their technicians to your office for routine maintenance checks.

* Can I find scanners online?
Yes you can. Most companies showcase their products on their websites, and many enable you to make purchases online or over the phone. These companies will also deliver directly to your office, and provide any after-sales support that you may need.

You'll find the specifications of most good quality scanners online, making it easy for you to find the right model for your office. Browse the wide selection available now, and use the tips above, to purchase the right scanner for your business.

Approaches To Printing On A Budget

Tired of the high cost of producing your poster printing? Do not be. There are plenty of ways for you to save on costs and work on the minimal budget you have. If you want cheap poster printing, here are ways for you to cut your printing costs. pitney bowes supplies

Resize your poster. Instead of doing it the usual way, print smaller versions of your poster printing. The smaller your dimensions, the cheaper it will be on your printing price.

Go for standard materials.

Switch to using the standard paper stock for your poster. Although you would want for your marketing tools to be durable so they can have a longer life, there are standard stocks that can resist minor damages without you having to shell out too much money. Using thicker and more complicated materials just adds to the overall price of your print job.

Go for spot color printing.

As you well know, colors in your poster mean your printer will use different inks. Inks mean costs. The more inks used, the higher your costs. So stick to spot color to save your money. Try to apply one or two colors to add life to your design. Or you can also choose to work on varying the shades of one color to create an effect of different hues in your poster. pitney bowes supplies

Go for wholesale.

Or bulk orders. Be sure to have your printer produce a big number of your print collaterals as you can definitely save on costs this way. The more you order, the more likely that you can decrease the price of each piece of your marketing tool. So be sure to print at a time when you really need a huge amount so you can get a discount from your print provider.

No to instant printing.

If you have not noticed it yet, printing any sales literature gets more expensive if you want it done earlier than the usual turnaround of your print provider. They would have to do a quick job, which means they would have people working on your print order 24 hours, not to mention the overhead costs. So they would definitely charge you for that. Have your materials printed way ahead of your marketing schedule to avoid rush orders. You not only make it easier for you to work on your budget, it would also give less pressure to your provider if they can have their usual time to prepare to print your order.

Try these techniques now and see a big difference in your printing costs.

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