Document Imaging

Introduction to Document Imaging

Imaging, in its most basic form, is simply creating an electronic version of a piece of paper and storing it on a computer. This is accomplished by using a device called a “scanner” to take a picture of the document and convert it into a format that can be manipulated on a computer. The usefulness is enhanced when the scanned image is assigned a purposeful name, or indexed, and then stored in a manner convenient for retrieval. The benefits to an organization occur when this process is scaled up enterprise-wide.

Document Imaging and Management takes this simple process and integrates it into an organization’s business processes. It allows everyone who interacts with a document to access and share it instantly and concurrently. Data from documents are also linked with existing records, such as iSiS admissions applications, allowing for effective organization of related documents, quick retrieval, and electronic routing for necessary approvals. Important documents are just a click away!

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is implementing a product called ImageNow which is a comprehensive imaging and document management system. Documents can be scanned or captured in their native format such as Microsoft Office files. They can be linked with records automatically at scan time or manually in a single-click process. These documents can be routed automatically or manually depending on the needs and business processes of the department. They can be retrieved by simply launching the ImageNow application.

Credit to University of Minnesota for much of content on this page.