Enterprise computer networks have never been more pervasive. Networks connect every device and everyone, facilitating the majority of business transactions and forming the foundation of information sharing.
It's not surprising then that growth in the adoption of network scanners reflects this, with analyst firm, infoSource, reporting year on year growth of Ethernet connected scanners in 2014 increasing 100% across Europe.[1] Businesses need kiosk-like solutions which are quick to install and straightforward for non-technical staff to use to digitize paper and initiate a whole range of business processes.
Kodak Alaris has been at the vanguard of developing these devices since its first networked scanners debuted in 2006. Today Kodak Alaris announces updates to its Scan Station 700 Series by launching two new models, the KODAK Scan Station 710 for general office use, and the KODAK Scan Station 730EX, specifically designed for systems integrators (SIs) and independent software vendors (ISVs) to tailor and customise for specific customer and industry needs[2]. Both are ideal for companies that have multiple offices and wish to improve collaboration and staff productivity by adding connected devices to their networks.
By updating the motherboard and CPU[3], scanner speeds have increased 40% up to 70 pages per minute[4]. Both models offer a recommended daily volume of 6,000 pages and can scan in A4, duplex, black and white and colour. In addition, the new scanners now come with the latest MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system - version 8.1 - embedded into each device.
Super quiet when in operation, the KODAK Scan Station 710 and 730EX are standalone units - requiring no PC - and come with a colour, 9.7 inch intuitive touch screen. Walk up, put your documents in, press scan and go - it's as straightforward as that.
Hauke Fast, Kodak Alaris' EAMER product marketing manager explains, "The KODAK Scan Station is simple to connect to a network to send data to multiple destinations simultaneously like network folders, printers, FTP sites, email and MICROSOFT SHAREPOINT."
To maximize operator productivity, the Scan Station's architecture has been designed to split the capture and sending jobs into two discrete tasks. This enables people to continuously feed and scan documents while the actual processing over the network takes place in the background. This means staff can deal with documents as efficiently as possible.
Examples of network scanners used in practice
KODAK Scan Station network scanners are ideal for the needs of small businesses or branch offices of larger organisations in a variety of industries, including healthcare, financial, legal, government, manufacturing, travel and insurance.
Germany construction firm, Lutzenberger, is involved in large-scale civil engineering projects. The company installed Scan Stations to simplify the process of digitising all project paperwork which includes quality control documentation, proof of delivery information, invoices, driver work logs and supplier invoices. Click here to watch a short video about the project -
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff4bbm96IUU In the UK, the Football Pools use Scan Stations at 25 sites throughout the county to digitise thousands of paper betting coupons received every week. Scanned coupons are transmitted to its head office in Liverpool within 24 hours so they can be processed, a dividend declared and ultimately punters paid. Scan Stations have reduced the Football Pool's weekly bet processing turnaround time, simplified an intensive and time consuming operation for staff, with the investment paying for itself within six months.
Feature packed
Other key features incorporated in the KODAK Scan Station 710 and 730EX include:
Wizard-based set up tool to make the initial network configuration of the Scan Stations easier for network administrations;
Security features which include secure login using LDAP[5], PDF Private Key Encryption and password protected PDF output;
OCR capability.
The only devices on the market to offer this, the Scan Stations also come with an innovative voice attachment feature which allows staff to record verbal instructions about a document and send it with the paperwork when scanned.
In addition, the Scan Stations offer simple integration with MICROSOFT ACTIVE DIRECTORY to minimize set up time. Furthermore, a remote administration utility enables IT staff to manage, configure, and maintain multiple scanners from a central location.
Pricing, availability and ongoing service and support
On sale from the end of March 2015, the KODAK Scan Station 710 costs €2,295.00 with the 730EX priced at €2,495.00. Both come with a one year warranty (equipment replaced within four days) with various upgrade options available.
Kodak Alaris offers a range of support plans and professional services to provide customers with the initial training and ongoing technical and business support they need to ensure worry-free configuration and optimal operation of their Scan Station scanners.
Various separately priced accessories are also available for the Scan Station 710 and 730EX including the KODAK Scan Station Keyboard and Stand Accessory and KODAK A3 Size and (A4) Legal Size Flatbed Accessories.
Visit
www.kodakalaris.com/go/scanstation700news for more information about the new scanners.
[1] Source: infoSource’s Scanner Service Program
[2] The 730 EX also features an internal modem and support for KOFAX FRONT OFFICE SERVER
[3] Featuring INTEL CORE2 Duo E6600 processors
[4] At 200 dpi
[5] Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
