We’ve accumulated the most common questions new customers have when looking to outsource their document management.
Speak With UsThe most common type of microform is microfiche—flat strips of microfilm images stored in a clear Mylar sleeve or “jacket.” Jacket fiche comes primarily in two formats, 16mm and 35mm, and each sheet is about 4×6 inches.
COM fiche (Computer Output Microforms) are produced by printing computer-generated data directly onto film, creating the equivalent of hundreds of miniaturized documents arranged in a grid. COM fiche comes in two formats, 24x and 48x, referring to the reduction ratio (1/24th or 1/48th). Each COM fiche, about 105×148 mm, can hold up to 300 images due to its high reduction rate.
Microfilm or roll film is wound onto reels and can hold either 16mm or 35mm film, with 35mm more commonly used for large documents.
Here’s a simplified overview of our microfiche scanning process:
Microforms are scaled-down reproductions of paper or film documents, created to store large volumes of data in a compact space. Typically, microform images are reduced to about 4% of their original size (1/25), with some formats using reductions up to 1/48.
Microform images are almost always film negatives, preserving the original content in a miniature, easily storable format.
Although microfiche and microfilm can have a shelf life of up to 500 years, this estimate assumes ideal storage conditions, which are rarely achieved. In practice, film often begins to decay much sooner, especially when handled frequently.
To check for signs of decay, look for:
If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to digitize your film as soon as possible to preserve the information before further deterioration.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law enacted in 1974 to protect the privacy of personally identifiable information in students’ education records. FERPA grants parents and students control over the disclosure of these records.
FERPA, sometimes called the Buckley Amendment, provides four key rights:
The right to access their records held by an educational institution.
The right to request amendments to those records.
The right to consent to disclosure of their records.
The right to file a complaint with the FERPA Office.
Read more about FERPA requirements.
FERPA applies to any educational institution that receives funding from the U.S. Department of Education. If an institution does not comply with FERPA, the government may take action under 34 CFR §99.67(a), including:
Yes, our on-site team adheres to strict protocols to ensure all scanning procedures fully comply with state and federal data privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Yes! Our standard document scanning service includes secure transportation of your documents to and from our facility for scanning. We also offer packing and preparation services for those who prefer white glove service, as well as shredding services for clients who choose not to have their documents returned.
Mailroom automation is a process where all inbound physical mail is sent to a central location, where it’s opened, categorized, scanned, and then digitally distributed to the appropriate recipients.
SecureScan provides secure curbside shredding services to businesses throughout the Capital Region and nearby areas, including Clifton Park, Cohoes, Latham, Menands, Rensselaer, Rotterdam, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Troy.