Microfilm Scanning Service – Innovative Document Imaging
Microfilm scanning is the process of converting microfilm or microfiche—a type of flat film containing miniature photographs of documents—into digital formats. This process preserves important historical, legal, or institutional documents and enables easier access, sharing, and archiving without degradation of the original data.
The resulting digital files are often indexed and searchable, making retrieval fast and efficient compared to traditional methods of reading microfilm through analog viewers.
MIcrofilm Scanning Solves the problems that come with hardcopy collections.
Physical Deterioration & Preservation
- Digitally scanning your microfilm is one of the smartest moves organizations and institutions can make to preserve valuable records while improving accessibility and efficiency. Microfilm, while durable, is still susceptible to environmental damage like humidity, mold, and physical deterioration over time. Digital scanning ensures that your documents are stored in formats that can be backed up, duplicated, and protected indefinitely—far outlasting even the best-stored reels of film.
Limited Accessibility
- Once scanned, microfilm documents can be processed with Optical Character Recognition (OCR), making them text-searchable. This means users can quickly locate the exact page, name, or data point they need without manually scrolling through reels—saving countless hours and significantly improving research workflows.
Storage Constraints
- Microfilm requires physical storage, often in specialized climate-controlled environments. By converting microfilm to digital formats, organizations can eliminate bulky cabinets and storage rooms, freeing up valuable office or archive space that can be repurposed for more productive uses.
Disaster Recovery & Backup
- In today’s world, disaster recovery and backup capabilities are non-negotiable. Natural disasters, fires, or equipment failures can wipe out entire physical archives. Digital formats can be securely backed up to the cloud or off-site servers, ensuring that no matter what happens, your historical records remain safe and recoverable.
Modern Standards Compliance
- Many industries, including government, healthcare, legal, and education, have shifted to digital-first documentation and require digital access for audits, records management, or legal compliance. Digitally scanned microfilm can be seamlessly integrated into document management systems (DMS) and accessed remotely, meeting both regulatory and operational expectations.
Innovative Document Imaging’s microfilin scanning services preserve and enhance collections of any industry and size.
Microfilm was first introduced in the early 20th century and became widely used in the 1930s. Libraries, government agencies, and businesses quickly adopted it as a solution for storing vast amounts of information in a compact format.
Our IDI Process
Our IDI Process
What you can expect when you connect with IDI for your records preservation needs:
Security Standards
SAS-70
SSAE-16
SSAE-18
FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance
HIPAA Compliant Record Scanning
While microfilm is a durable preservation format, it still degrades over time. Digitally scanning your microfilm ensures your records are future-proof, easily accessible, and protected against physical damage.
Costs vary depending on volume and film condition, but scanning is a one-time investment that saves money long-term by reducing storage costs and improving efficiency.
Yes! Most modern scanning solutions include Optical Character Recognition (OCR), allowing documents to be indexed and searched by keywords—saving time and improving access.
Timelines depend on the size and condition of your collection, but most scanning providers can give estimates based on a sample reel or fiche.
Nearly all formats—including 16mm, 35mm rolls, microfiche, and aperture cards—can be digitized with today’s technology.