Michelle:
Yes, the record storage business in in peril. But it comes from more than
scanning. The use of electronic systems for accounting and business
operations is, I believe, a bigger one.
In my area of the country scanning is a commodity, very price competitive,
and only a few folks are making money at it. You need to understand the
processes and keep your expenses low. Off-shore companies are exerting
price pressure when the document (or its image) can be shipped to lower
labor markets. Service bureaus are shutting down all over (a good way to
get used equipment and experienced staff, BTW!)
The first step might be to ask your clients about their current and planned
use of imaging. You need that data to convince your management and to judge
the potential. If you do decide to start scanning, I would suggest that you
consider starting small, perhaps with a value added image/e-mail delivery
alternative and learn the ropes. Maybe the 2nd step after be to outsource
the image storage and provide access as a service?
Good luck.
Bernard Chester, CDIA+, EDP, ICP, AIIM MIT
Principal
IMERGE Consulting, Pacific Northwest Office
7683 SE 27 Street, #316
Mercer Island, WA 98040
(office) 206-230-9253
(cell) 206-979-7389
mailto:[log in to unmask]
web: http://www.imergeconsult.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Records Management Program [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Michelle Zemanick
Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2006 6:28 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: seeking additional info on scanning
Thank you to those who have responded to my previous email on "scanning
services". I am seeking additional comments on my topic of scanning. My
original question in a nut-shell was: Would you recommend implementing
scanning services for a company of our type?
However in order to receive accurate information, I feel I must elaborate
on our company background. I am currently the 3rd generation working for
our family business which began operation back in 1947 as a
transportation/warehousing company (we are an agent of United Van Lines) .
We have diversified into many different fields, one being the off-site
record storage center. We obviously had the space within our warehouse
estimating over 300,000 sq ft. which has given us the flexibility to grow
as our RS cliental expanded.
What began as solely an "inactive" storage facility, has blossomed into a
full service business including 200,000 boxes, file/box retrievals, full
time courier service etc. We have implemented bar code tracking capabilities
and have extensive fire and security control systems in place. Our
warehouse is modern,secure,safe and environmentally friendly for all record
storage requirements.
Our problem? We have yet to introduce scanning services to our customers.
Higher management (whom are not directly involved in record storage) does
not understand the need and demand for scanning. I have visited a couple of
the companies who sell the hardware/software for the product I am interested
in-and have created a detailed report elaborating on the benefits of this
investment.
My question: With the background of our company, would you recommend
expanding into the scanning world? My goal is to protect the future of the
record storage center.
Thank you to all whom respond.
Sincerely,
Michelle Zemanick
ROGERS Service Group
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