Chicago, IL

Microfilm Scanning Chicago, IL

Microfilm Scanning Services Chicago, IL. HITS provides comprehensive archival and digitization services to help you organize, consolidate, and preserve your important data. Microfilm, once a popular storage method, is now outdated, which is why it's vital to secure your text and images on microfiche and microcards. Contact us for a quote or call 314-837-4000 to learn more about our Chicago, IL, microfilm scanning and other document services.


Microfilm Scanning Services Chicago, IL


Industries That Need Microfilm Scanning Services in Chicago, IL

Microfilm scanning services have revolutionized document management by transforming archived records into accessible digital formats. Industries that depend on preserving important documents benefit from streamlined processes, improved security measures, and the assurance of long-term accessibility. This technology supports a wide range of applications, from historical archiving to modernizing workflows. Common sectors include:

  • Legal and Government Agencies: Agencies rely on microfilm scanning to digitize critical records, including tax forms, deeds, and legal documents. This ensures secure, long-term preservation and improves access to these files while protecting them from potential risks like environmental damage or disasters, ensuring compliance with retention policies.
  • Libraries and Archives: Microfilm scanning is an invaluable tool for libraries and archives seeking to digitize their collections of rare books, newspapers, and artifacts. The process preserves fragile originals, prevents wear and tear, and enables institutions to share their treasures widely. Furthermore, digital archives save substantial physical storage space, benefiting both small and large facilities.
  • Corporations and Businesses: Companies rely on microfilm scanning to digitize critical business records like payroll, HR documents, tax information, and financial reports. This transition helps streamline compliance, protects sensitive information, and improves internal workflows.
  • Educational Institutions: Universities, colleges, and schools use microfilm scanning to digitize student records, research archives, and administrative documents. This ensures secure storage, easier retrieval, and better support for both academic and operational needs.
  • Healthcare Providers: Historically, hospitals and clinics relied on microfilm to store critical documents like patient files and insurance forms securely. Digitization streamlines data management while maintaining HIPAA compliance. Explore STR8VIEW® for healthcare storage solutions.
  • Financial Institutions: For banks and insurers, microfilm scanning transforms physical archives of contracts and transaction histories into accessible digital formats. This shift lowers storage costs and enables quicker retrieval, leading to improved customer interactions and operational efficiency.

Whether preserving valuable records or boosting productivity with quick access to data, microfilm scanning services are an essential solution for the digital age.

We offer a variety of services for Chicago, IL, organizations, including:

What is Microfilm? | Chicago, IL, Microfilm Scanning

Microfilm refers to the practice of preserving documents in a miniature photographic format on rolls of film or microfiche sheets. Originating in the early 1900s, it offered an innovative way to save space while ensuring the longevity of critical records.

It became widely used for archiving important materials, particularly by libraries, government agencies, and businesses that needed to store large volumes of records without sacrificing valuable space. Over the years, microfilm has been utilized to preserve a wide range of documents, including newspapers, books, legal records, corporate documents, and other archival materials that need to be preserved for historical or compliance reasons.

Although digital solutions have largely overtaken microfilm in archival practices, it remains a dependable choice for many organizations. Microfilm's durability against environmental changes like temperature fluctuations and magnetic interference makes it ideal for long-term storage. Yet, as businesses and institutions adopt more digital processes, converting microfilm to digital documents is becoming an increasingly vital part of streamlining operations.

  • 35mm Microfilm: Frequently used to store large documents such as newspapers, technical drawings, blueprints, and historical records. This format is ideal for preserving detailed imagery, making it well-suited for archiving large-scale files.
  • 16mm Microfilm: Historically used for storing smaller, "loose" documents like business records, invoices, and reports. It provides a compact solution for storing documents while maintaining legibility and ease of access when digitized.
  • Microfiche: A flat sheet of film with multiple images arranged in a grid layout. It is typically used for archiving essential records such as legal documents and bank information, offering an efficient way to preserve numerous documents in a compact space.
  • Aperture Cards: A punch card with microfilm frames mounted onto it, typically used for storing engineering drawings, schematics, and blueprints. This format makes it easier to manage and index technical documents for quick access.
  • Roll Film: Microfilm stored on continuous rolls, capable of holding thousands of sequential images. Ideal for archiving extensive collections of related documents, roll film provides an efficient solution for storing and retrieving large quantities of information.
  • Cartridge-Based Microfilm: Stored in protective cartridges for easy handling and secure storage. This format is widely used in libraries and archives to preserve collections in an organized, stable manner, ensuring long-term accessibility.

While digital storage offers faster retrieval and enhanced search features, microfilm remains a trusted and durable medium for long-term preservation. HITS specializes in converting large volumes of microfilm records into digital files, making your collection more accessible. Contact our team today for a quote and additional information on our services.

Microfilm Scanning Services in Chicago, IL

Microfilm and microfiche have long been reliable for archiving information, but digital conversion is key in today’s world. Microfilm conversion and digitization turn film reels into simple, searchable digital files. Similarly, microfiche conversion and digitization make card-based records easier to store and use in a modern digital environment.

Microfilm scanning is a careful and thorough process designed to maintain document integrity while ensuring long-term preservation. Below are several essential steps HITS follows to guarantee data security and efficient management:

  1. Assessment: The process starts with a detailed evaluation of the microfilm to assess its condition, type, and any specific characteristics. This step helps determine the most suitable scanning equipment and techniques. For fragile or deteriorating microfilm, specialized handling procedures are implemented to avoid any damage during the scanning process.
  2. Preparation: The microfilm is carefully cleaned to remove dust, debris, and other contaminants that could degrade image quality. It is then organized, and any physical issues like tears or scratches are thoroughly inspected to ensure the film is in optimal condition for scanning.
  3. Scanning: The microfilm is scanned at a high resolution to capture all visual details. Most scanning processes integrate Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, which converts text into searchable, editable digital formats. This ensures that the final digital files are not only detailed but also easily searchable for specific information.
  4. Quality Control: Every image is carefully reviewed for clarity, accuracy, and proper alignment. Any discrepancies are corrected to ensure the final files meet the highest standards. Indexing is also performed to ensure documents are organized efficiently and easily searchable.
  5. Output Options and Deliverables: The completed files are provided in the format that best suits the client's preferences, such as PDF, TIFF, or JPEG (JPG), which can be indexed and searched efficiently on your chosen device.

The microfilm scanning process involves critical steps to convert physical documents into reliable, high-quality digital assets. By following a structured, expert workflow, organizations can preserve their records for generations, while improving accessibility and efficiency in document management.

Why HITS for Microfilm Scanning in Chicago, IL?

With over 25 years of experience in the information management industry, HITS serves various sectors, including public, private, and federal organizations. We ensure compliance with key regulations, such as the FTC and ISO 9000. We focus on protecting and preserving your data in easily accessible formats for future use. Reach out to contact us for a quote or give us a call at 314-837-4000 to learn more about our microfilm scanning services in Chicago, IL.