SERVICES

Microfiche, Microfilm and Aperture Card Scanning

Microfiche, aperture cards and microfilm are all types of microforms, a traditional storage tool used to preserve scaled-down reproductions of documents, newspapers, and maps.

We have invested in the latest scanning equipment to transform records hidden away in your archives of microfiche, microfilm, and aperture cards into digital files. This preserves and modernises historical records for easy access, improved searchability, and secure data storage.
01.
COLLECTION
We collect your microform from your office or storage facility through our internally managed tracked vehicle fleet. We can even pack your microform for you, if required.
02.
PREPARATION
Following their arrival at Storetec’s production centre, your microforms are prepared for scanning, this includes the removal of any debris/dust, so cards can be digitised as efficiently as possible.
03.
SCAN AND INDEX
Our experienced scanning operatives digitise your microform using state-of-the-art equipment. Electronic images are indexed and structured to suit your requirements, and OCR is applied for text-searchability.
04.
DELIVERY
Electronic images are returned via a secure download or uploaded into our cloud-based document management system, MDI Cloud, for easy retrieval and management. They can then only be accessed by authorised users.

Microform Scanning Benefits

Enhanced Accessibility
Digitised microforms are accessible any time, eliminating the need for expensive microform readers or equipment. This accessibility promotes efficient data retrieval and research.
Easier Searchability
Digitised microforms can be indexed and tagged with metadata, making it easier to search for specific information within documents. This improves research capabilities and saves time.
Data Preservation
Preserve historical records, newspapers, manuscripts, and other documents, reducing the risk of physical deterioration and ensuring long-term data preservation.
Cost Savings
Reduce the costs associated with maintaining physical microfilm or microfiche collections, including storage, maintenance, and equipment upkeep.
Space Efficiency
Eliminate the need for extensive physical storage space, freeing up valuable office or archival space for other purposes.
Data Sharing
Easily share and distribute documents electronically, facilitating collaboration among teams regardless of geographical location.
SERVICES

Microfiche, Aperture Card, and Microfilm Scanning Services

01. MICROFICHE SCANNING
02. MICROFILM SCANNING
03. APERTURE CARD SCANNING
01. MICROFICHE SCANNING
Traditionally used by councils, architects, and construction firms, there are three typical types of microfiche - 16mm, 35mm, and COMBI fiche. Our microfiche scanner converts microfiche into digital format.
Microfiche, typically 4×6 inches, store a multitude of documents on a single sheet of film. Our microfiche scanning service uses advanced technology to capture and digitise these images, making them easily accessible and searchable. This streamlines document retrieval, saves storage space, and ensures the long-term preservation of valuable records, offering you easy and instant access to your microfiche data.
02. MICROFILM SCANNING
Microfilm is a reel or sheet of film containing reduced-size images of documents which have been placed onto there to save space. There are 2 types of microfilm - 16mm and 35mm reels with each type used to store different images sizes.
Our microfilm scanning services utilise state-of-the-art technology to convert these images into digital format. This process enhances accessibility, eliminates the need for physical storage, and preserves historical records. With digitised microfilm, you can easily search, retrieve, and share valuable information, and have convenient access and long-term preservation of historical documents.
03. APERTURE CARD SCANNING
Aperture cards are rectangular cards with a central cutout to hold microfilm or microfiche, which generally contain archiving engineering drawings, technical diagrams, and other documents stored for long-term preservation.
Our experienced scanning operatives can scan your aperture cards using our specialist scanning equipment. The card often contains indexing information, such as document titles, dates, or reference numbers, to aid in locating specific images.
04. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
We can capture key data from your invoices and input it directly into your finance system for a complete end-to-end solution.
Invoice Processing
Want to learn more?
Explore our Invoice Processing page to learn more about how we can help you streamline your invoice processing.
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MICROFORM OPTIONS

What type of microform do I have?

16mm Microfiche
16mm microfiche typically contains A3/A4 size documents and the frame is 6X4 inches.
35MM Microfiche
Typically contain documents which range from A3, A2, A1 and A0 in size, such as large-format drawings or plans.
COMBI Microfiche
COMBI microfiche contains a combination of standard and large format drawings.
16mm Microfilm Reels
Typically holds up to 2,400 documents between A4-A3 in size.
35mm Microfilm Reels
Typically hold up to 600 images between A2-A0 in size.
Aperture Card
Small and rectangular, typically measuring 3×5 inches, with a cutout in the centre that contains a microfilm image or data.
DOCUMENT SCANNING

OCR Document Scanning

OCR (Optical Character Recognition) document scanning is a process that involves scanning physical documents, such as paper files or printed text, and using OCR technology to convert the scanned images into machine-readable text. This allows the content within the documents to be recognised and made searchable. OCR document scanning offers several benefits, including improved searchability, reduced manual data entry, enhanced data accuracy, and the ability to work and often edit with digital versions of documents.
FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why Storetec?

    We pride ourselves on our certified approach, conducting regular audits to meet ISO, BS10008, and Cyber Essentials Plus requirements. Our experienced team, with a solution-focused culture, ensure the best outcomes for our clients. Our state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge equipment enable tailored, efficient solutions. These combined have earned us the title of BPO/Outsourcing/Bureau Business of the Year at the Document Manager Awards for the past nine years, showcasing our dedication to excellence.

  • What is microform scanning?

    Microform scanning is the process of converting microfilm, microfiche, or aperture card documents into digital formats. Microfilm, microfiche, and aperture cards are miniature photographic copies of documents, often used for long-term archival storage.

  • Why is microform scanning necessary?

    Microform scanning is necessary to preserve and modernise access to valuable historical or archival documents that are stored on microfilm, microfiche, or aperture cards. Digitising them makes the content more accessible and searchable.

  • What types of microforms can be scanned?
  • How is microform scanning done?

    Storetec use a specialised microfiche scanner to capture high-resolution images of each frame on the microfilm, microfiche, or aperture cards. These images are then converted into digital files.

  • Can microform scanning include OCR (Optical Character Recognition)?

    Yes, OCR can be applied to the scanned images to convert them into searchable and machine-readable text, making it easier to find specific information within the digitised microforms.

  • What are the benefits of microform scanning?

    Microform scanning offers benefits such as improved accessibility, preservation of fragile originals, efficient storage, enhanced searchability, and the ability to share and distribute digital copies.

  • What is the difference between aperture card and microfiche?

    Aperture cards and microfiche are both microforms used for document storage but differ in format and usage. Aperture cards are punched cards with a microfilm chip, commonly used for engineering drawings and large-format documents, and integrate well with data processing systems. In contrast, microfiche is a flat sheet of film containing multiple micro-images in a grid, ideal for storing periodicals and archival records. Aperture cards are stored in card trays, while microfiche is stored in sleeves or filing cabinets. Each requires specialised equipment for viewing and digitisation, with aperture cards suited for automated retrieval and microfiche offering compact, easily duplicated storage.

  • What is the difference between microfiche and microfilm?

    Microfiche and microfilm are both used for miniaturised document storage but differ in format. Microfiche is a flat sheet of film with multiple images arranged in a grid, stored in sleeves or filing cabinets, and used for periodicals and records. Microfilm is a continuous roll of film stored on spools, ideal for archiving large volumes like newspapers and legal records. Microfiche is suited for discrete document collections, while microfilm is better for sequential and extensive data storage.

WE BELIEVE OUR AWARDS ARE A TESTAMENT TO THE QUALITY SERVICES WE PROVIDE OUR CLIENTS.

Over the years we’ve been nominated for and won numerous awards at the annual Document Manager Awards Ceremony including BPO/Outsourcing/Bureau Business of the Year for nine years, and Storage Product of the Year in 2023.
ACROSS THE UK

Local document scanning services

Discover the convenience and efficiency of our local document scanning services. We understand the importance of digitising your documents accurately and securely. With our state-of-the-art technology and experienced team, we ensure a seamless transition from physical to digital.
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RELATED CASE STUDIES

Microfilm Scanning Helps Solicitors Save Time and Money
District Council Reduced Costs with our Microfiche Services
How Microfilm Scanning Improved This Housing Association’s Service