Frequently Asked Document Management Questions

We’ve accumulated the most common questions new customers have when looking to outsource their document management.

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The number of documents a filing cabinet can hold depends on its drawer dimensions, total drawer count, and the specific make and model. Different cabinet sizes offer varying capacities for storing documents.

Below are some simple calculations to help estimate the number of sheets of paper that fit in common types of filing cabinets.

Filing Cabinet Type Number of Documents
18″ Vertical File Drawer Cabinet 3,200 sheets per drawer
24″ Vertical File Drawer Cabinet 4,200 sheets per drawer
36″ Lateral Drawer Cabinet 6,300 sheets per drawer
48″ Drawer File Cabinet 8,400 sheets per drawer

When documents are stored loosely or in non-standard containers, a quick way to estimate the amount of paper is by using a ruler. The average sheet of paper is 0.05 to 0.10 millimeters thick, so a general estimate is around 175 sheets per inch. For each foot of paper, that’s approximately 2,100 documents. If your documents are tightly packed, it could be closer to 200 sheets per inch, or about 2,400 documents per foot.

Human resources document scanning allows you to convert resumes, cover letters, job applications, and other hiring documents into digital files, creating a streamlined workflow for your HR team. Once digitized, sharing and collaborating on an applicant’s credentials with team members is as simple as sending an email, making the hiring process faster and more efficient.

Yes. SecureScan’s Human Resources scanning service allows you to convert your existing paper records into PDF or TIFF files, making it easy to upload your data into your existing Human Resources Management System. PDF files are compatible with most HRM systems, including Workday, SAP, BambooHR, and ADP.

A standard banker’s box holds around 2,500 documents. With an average cost for document scanning at $0.09 per document, scanning a standard box of records typically costs about $225.

Accounts payable invoice scanning involves converting paper invoices into digital formats using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. This process extracts key data from invoices, such as vendor information, dates, and amounts, facilitating efficient digital management and processing.

OCR, or optical character recognition, is a technology that analyzes printed text and converts it into editable or searchable text. This is especially valuable when scanning invoices for accounts payable, as it allows for the extraction of key fields from each invoice, making the information more usable for business purposes.

Automating this process with OCR minimizes the need for manual data entry, resulting in significant cost savings by reducing labor costs over time.

Estimating the number of microfiche images can be tricky since they’re stored in sheets. A simple way to get a rough count is by using a ruler. Stack your microfiche sheets to about 1 inch thick, count the sheets in that stack, and multiply by the number of images per sheet. This gives a basic estimate to help with planning.

The exact cost of scanning microfiche varies depending on a number of factors including:

  • Number of sheets scanned
  • Type of fiche
  • Final resolution
  • Indexing requirements
  • Whether or not you require OCR
  • Schedule – How fast do you need to scan?

The average cost to scan a single microfiche sheet ranges from $0.75 to $1.25 per sheet for jacket fiche (16mm and 35mm) and $3 to $5 for COM fiche. If you have a roll of microfilm, the cost is typically around $85, depending on the number of images on the roll.

For a more detailed estimate, try our document scanning cost calculator, which factors in additional costs based on your specific requirements.

After scanning, there are several ways to index your microfiche images. Some systems use sequential numbering or other basic numeric references, which can be captured along with each image. Many jackets include labels that can be extracted via OCR, while CAR jackets (Computer Aided Retrieval) use a unique grid-based reference number to identify positions within the jacket. This information can be added as metadata, allowing for quick, text-based search and retrieval of your files.