The Benefits of Converting Microfilm and Microfiche to Digital Files

Is converting microfilm and microfiche to digital really worth it?

These days almost everything has gone digital, and with good reason. When tasked with the job of scanning documents, you may be wondering why it’s necessary. After all, these files are already in a physical format, so what’s the harm in leaving them be? The truth is the benefits of converting microfilm and microfiche to digital files are plentiful for a number of reasons. 

While microfilm and microfiche might not take up as much space as large prints and files, they still require much more space than a digital file. If you have your work saved in physical form only, you are also taking a risk. Scanned documents are less susceptible to damage than their physical counterparts. This means they’ll be around for years (or even decades) to come. Additionally, converting to digital files makes them much easier to store and access than physical microfilm and microfiche files. 

There are numerous benefits beyond what we just mentioned, and today we will look at some of them so you can decide if converting your microfilm and microfiche to digital files is worth it.  Read on to learn more about the benefits of document scanning for microfilm and microfiche, then see how B-CAD can help! 

Benefits of Converting Your Files to Digital

For some of us change can be difficult, especially when it requires learning a new form of technology. If one thing is certain, it is that we are not going backwards anytime soon, so learning to accept and take advantage of new technologies is the best way to go. Fortunately, we don’t have to do it alone. While utilizing new programs and equipment is easier than ever before, there are plenty of done-for-you services that save tons of time and frustration. Now let’s dive deeper into the benefits of converting your files to digital.

  • Easy storage: Once your documents have been scanned, they can be stored on your computer, in the cloud, or wherever is most convenient for you. This frees up physical space in your office or home, and makes it easy to access your documents from anywhere in the world. 
  • Longevity: Scanned documents will last much longer than physical documents, in some cases up to 100 years. This means you won’t have to worry about losing important information due to age or wear and tear. 
  • Security: Storing your documents digitally also makes them more secure. They can’t be lost or stolen, and you can password protect them to ensure that only authorized individuals have access. 
  • Disaster protection: In the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophic event, scanned documents can be easily backed up and restored. Physical documents are much more difficult (and often impossible) to replace. 
  • Enhanced search-ability: Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of document scanning is that it makes your documents searchable. This means you’ll never have to sift through piles of paper looking for a specific piece of information again. Simply enter a keyword into your search engine of choice, and voila! The document you’re looking for will appear right before your eyes. 
  • Flexibility & collaboration: Once they’ve been scanned, your documents can be shared electronically with clients, colleagues, and others who need access. This makes it easy to collaborate on projects, regardless of location; all you need is an internet connection! 
  • Versatility: You can view scanned documents on a variety of devices including computers, smartphones, and tablets for added convenience. 

Additional Benefits of Converting Your Microfilm & Microfiche

One of the best benefits of converting your files to digital is that you can easily protect them legally. Gone are the days of needing to send in physical copies for legal registration. With digital files, there is no risk in losing or damaging your files in the legal protection process. You can also duplicate, edit, and change the size with digital in a manner of seconds. The benefits are endless! Let our team of experts help you convert your microfilm and microfiche into digital files in no time. 

Conclusion: 

Clearly, there are many good reasons to scan your microfilm and microfiche rather than storing them in their physical form. Document scanning offers enhanced security, longevity, search-ability, flexibility, and more so why not give it a try? You can of course hang on to your physical microfilms and microfiches, but converting to digital just might give you the freedom you’ve been looking for in managing and storing your files. Contact our team of experts today and find out more about how to convert your files to digital.