Archive for the ‘Digitization Products’ Category
Evaluating the zeta Book Scanner: A Student’s Study
November for Crowley Conversions is all about measurable results. Last week, we compared the Mekel Technology microfilm and microfiche scanners to competitive models and found measurable ROI. This week, we’re reviewing a blog written by Sascha Foerster. In it, he compares the Zeutschel zeta book copy and scan system to other methods used to scan a historic file collection. From German Post-War studies to German engineering As background, Foerster is a doctoral candidate at the University of Bonn’s Center for…
Scanner Comparisons Lead to Measurable ROI
Two weeks ago, I read an insightful blog post by ECM Connection executive editor Ken Congdon. The topic was how to manage end-of-life scanning hardware. It was written on the premise that as technology advances, older scanners – which are still productive but are no longer produced – may outlive their spare parts inventory and maintenance options. The article contained three main bits of advice: don’t roll the dice; plan for the inevitable; and consider leasing and outsourcing as a viable option….
Patron vs. Production Scanners: Which Type do You Need?
Our favorite kinds of blogs to write are those sparked by user feedback. Last week, we received an email from a client who had purchased Mekel Technology microfilm and microfiche scanners over 12 years ago and is now looking to purchase a new unit (a testament to the Mekels’ long life span; typical industry turnover is estimated at 3-5 years). He saw that we also offer the UScan+ Universal Film (UF) series scanner and wanted to know if that model…
Split-Coast Debut: Unveiling the InoTec 8X1 Across the U.S.
October is officially here and we are just a few short weeks away from the U.S. debut of the InoTec SCAMAX 8×1-series ultra high-performance document scanner. After making its first appearance at CeBIT in Germany, InoTec’s home country, the 8×1-series is now making its way to the U.S. As InoTec’s exclusive North American distributor, we want to give our continent a proper introduction to the 8×1, so we are planning not one, but two debut events. Why the Hype? The…
Microform Reader Printers: Vintage Viewing Technology
We recently spoke to a Crowley Digitization Services client who had a microform reader printer at home for the sole recreational purpose of reading old/out-of-print science fiction on microfiche. (For the layperson, a reader printer is a device used to magnify and view microfilm, microfiche, or other types of microform.) As we typically work in the corporate/public domain, this personal use intrigued us. How many others use microform at home? For what purpose? Where do they get the media? And the…
Anticipating ARMA
The InoTec SCAMAX 8×1 Debuts At Crowley, we can’t wait for October 25th. That’s the day we get our hands on the SCAMAX® 8×1 Ultra High-Performance Document Scanner and get to dig in deep. “I’ve always been impressed with the throughput and sorting of the InoTec document scanners, especially the 400-series,” says Crowley Vice President Matt McCabe. “But I operated the 8×1 in Germany earlier this year and cannot wait to bring it to the North American market. It’s an incredible…
Broadening Reach with Resellers
From its humble beginnings as a one-person firm started by Jerry Crowley in 1980, The Crowley Company has grown in many ways and yet remains a small business at heart. Now with divisions in Frederick, MD, Basingstoke, UK, and San Dimas and Newbury Park, CA, Crowley has sprawled out across the map with expanding staff, brands and services. Today led by brothers Chris and Pat Crowley, the company remains a family business and preserves this mentality in the way it…
Quantum Happiness
Last week we received the kind of email every business wants to receive: a glowing review, a good tip and an idea for further engagement – the trifecta of customer response. A State Archivist wrote: “After framing the first fiche…in QuantumProcess, I used “Progogate this page” and since they [the images] were all shot the same, it took very minor tweaking to get the rest perfect. These machines are more flexible than I ever imagined. Is there an official forum…
From Scanning to Salmon: Installing an InoTec in Alaska
In April, we discussed technical support services and celebrated the 50th state milestone of Crowley technician Steve Sheckels. Today, we take a look into the life of another Sheckels brother, Kris. You may remember Kris as the imaging specialist who scanned the Rosenberg diary under armed guard. Now a Crowley Imaging service bureau project manager, Kris used to also be a traveling technician. This past week, he took a step into his past life and flew cross-country to Bethel, Alaska…
Selling to the Competition
I recently interviewed a client for an upcoming case study on Mekel Technology microfilm and microfiche scanners. The client represents a service bureau and asked a question we hear often, “We’re Crowley competitors. How do you represent us and yourselves at the same time?” Good question. Crowley has several divisions: research and development; manufacturing; hardware sales; technical support and Crowley Imaging, our own service bureau. In addition to selling to service bureaus, with which we compete, we also manufacture…