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Scanning News: New Canon Scanner for Small Businesses!
November 4, 2021 1:03 am Leave a Comment
Has your small business been looking for a scanner? Have you found that many makes and models simply don’t fulfill the unique needs of a smaller company? Worry no more– Canon has a new machine that will finally put scanning within reach.

Has your small business been looking for a scanner? Have you found that many makes and models simply don’t fulfill the unique needs of a smaller company? Worry no more–Canon has a new machine that will finally put scanning within reach.

Canon Scanning

Canon scanners are already fast, efficient, effective, and flexible–but now the manufacturer has taken things to the next level. Canon recently introduced the imageFORMULA DR-C225 II Small Business Edition Powered by Receipt Bank. It’s not just a scanner–it’s a package that includes Receipt Bank software designed to help simplify and streamline your workflows.

This new machine makes scanning more accessible than ever. Fast, budget-friendly, and full of features added with small businesses in mind–like a space-saving design, automation options, and more–this scanner will change the way you see your company’s documents.

Benefits of Scanning

When you add the imageFORMULA DR-C225 II Small Business Edition Powered by Receipt Bank to your fleet, your small business will start seeing benefits right away. Here are just a few things you can expect:

Cost savings

When you scan documents, you can save, share, store, and update them digitally. That means you won’t have to pay to use the printer quite as often–and you can start phasing out those file cabinets and physical storage costs, too.

Better organization

Scanning gives you a “second chance” when it comes to file organization. As you scan each document, you’ll be able to stick to an organizational framework complete with naming conventions, password protection for certain files, and more.

Environmental friendliness

This model meets ENERGY STAR guidelines and complies with multiple other environmentally friendly guidelines. It also helps your workflows treat Mother Nature a little better by reducing your reliance on paper and ink.

In conclusion, this Canon scanner is designed just right for small businesses. It comes with built-in efficiency software and a long list of benefits, making it the perfect fit for your fleet.

Want to learn more about Canon scanners? Interested in scanning solutions? Contact us today!
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Scanning
October 5, 2021 12:19 am Leave a Comment
If you’ve got scanning questions, we’ve got answers! Here’s everything you ever wanted to know about scanning (and why it’s great news for your business and your budget).

If you’ve got scanning questions, we’ve got answers! Here’s everything you ever wanted to know about scanning (and why it’s great news for your business and your budget).

Scanning FAQs

Although document scanning is a simple solution compared to other tools out there, it does come with some big questions. Here are a few FAQs, answered!

How do you calculate the cost of scanning?

Scanning is a budget-friendly solution, but it doesn’t come with a flat fee. Here are some things to consider when calculating the cost of scanning:
- how many documents you scan,
- how long the process takes,
- whether your employees need scanning training,
- and more.
Every scanning job comes with a different cost–but the good news is that scanning files is much cheaper than trying to store and organize physical documents.

Is scanning secure?

The truth is that scanning is only as secure as your organization is. If you’ve got good security solutions in place–like a document management system, multi-factor authentication for document access, and more–then you’re in the clear!

Can scanned files be edited?

A scanned file’s properties depend on the type of scanner you use. For example, simple scanners only create an image of your document–just like taking a picture–which means you can’t edit your content. Smarter scanners, on the other hand, come with optical character recognition (OCR) that reads typed or handwritten content, translates it into a language computers can understand, and gives you the power to search and edit it.

How do you choose the best scanner?

Choosing the best Canon scanner is a very personal business. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- how often you need to scan,
- how much paper you need to scan,
- how quickly you need to scan,
- what you want to do with your files once they’re digitized,
- what your budget is,
- which existing systems and devices you want to use with your scanner,
- and more.
Conclusion

Scanning may be stress-free and straightforward, but it still poses a few important questions. The important thing to remember is that scanning is budget-friendly, capable of being adapted to your company’s needs, and easy to learn. You’ll be a scanning pro in no time.

Want to learn more about scanning? Contact us today to get started!
Simple Scanning for Small Businesses
August 9, 2021 5:59 pm Leave a Comment
Just because your business is small doesn’t mean your stacks of paper are small too! If you’ve been looking for ways to digitize those documents, but aren’t sure where to begin, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know to keep scanning simple for your small business!

Just because your business is small doesn’t mean your stacks of paper are small too! If you’ve been looking for ways to digitize those documents, but aren’t sure where to begin, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know to keep scanning simple for your small business!

How to Start Scanning

Document Scanning isn’t necessarily difficult, but it can be intimidating. After all, you’ve probably got a lot of documents to scan–which means that organizing, securing, and storing those files could be a lot of work, even once they’re digitized.

Luckily, you don’t have to put scanning off for another day. Instead, roll up your sleeves and get scanning by taking it one step at a time!

Step One: Make a list.

Your first step should always be making a list. Why? Well, the truth is that files are a lot easier to manage when you know what you’re working with–so instead of jumping in blind, make sure you know what you’ve got.

Step Two: Organize.

Now that you have your list, it’s time to organize it. That’s right–you’ll be organized before you even start scanning. This makes it easier to keep those files in line once they’re digitized.

Here are a few ways to organize files:
- by type,
- by date,
- by keywords,
- by content,
- or by frequency of use.
Remember, as you’re organizing, you can shred files you don’t need–that way, you won’t have to waste time scanning them.

Step Three: Assemble your team.

Small businesses can hardly afford the luxury of a dedicated scanning team, but you do have hardworking employees who want to help streamline workflows–so put them to good use. Assemble a team and delegate responsibilities, so no one feels overwhelmed.

Step Four: Take your time.

You’re ready to start scanning! Go ahead and jump in–but remember, you don’t need to do everything at once. Take your time, be savvy, and don’t let the little things slow you down.

Conclusion

Although scanning can be a big job for small businesses, it’s also a worthy one. If you’ve hesitated to begin scanning because you aren’t sure how to jump in, remember to make a list, get organized, assemble a strong team, and, of course, take your time. Soon you’ll be a scanning pro!

Looking for Canon scanners that fit small businesses? We’re here to help. Contact us today!
Scanning Secrets: 3 Simple Approaches
June 9, 2021 7:12 pm Leave a Comment
Want to learn not one, not two, but three easy ways to scan files, depending on your needs and budget? Read on to find out more about this well-kept scanning secret!

Want to learn not one, not two, but three easy ways to scan files, depending on your needs and budget? Read on to find out more about this well-kept scanning secret!

The Truth, Unveiled

You may think that owning a huge machine is the only way to get your scanning done–but that’s not the case. In truth, there are actually three ways to scan documents, which means that, no matter what, there’s a solution to fit your company, your needs, and your budget. Let’s take a closer look!

Approach #1: Multifunction printers

Budget: Multifunction printers (MFPs) are best for companies with a sizable print budget. They pay for themselves over time, but they aren’t a good fit if you don’t plan to use them long-term.

Efficiency: MFPs work hard. They’re fast, accurate, and capable of scanning high volumes in short periods of time.

Features: Multifunction printers scan, yes, but they also print, copy, and fax. Some of them even come with finishing options and additional features, like scanning directly to your email.

Approach #2: Scanners

Budget: Standalone scanners are more affordable, but they also don’t have the multitasking power of an MFP.

Efficiency: Canon Scanners are simple, straightforward, and effective. They’re best for moderately sized jobs and can get the job done quickly and accurately.

Features: There are different “levels” of scanners. Some are basic, literally just scanning your files, while others will read and interpret characters, images, and more to create fully searchable documents on your computer.

Approach #3: Apps

Budget: By far the cheapest and simplest option, apps work with your smartphone to digitize files quickly–but sometimes accuracy is less reliable.

Efficiency: Remember, you get what you pay for. While apps are a good choice for small scanning jobs, they aren’t very efficient and can slow down the process if you have more than a few documents.

Features: The good news is that you have lots of options when it comes to apps, and you can use smartphones or other mobile devices that you already own.

Want to learn more about scanning? Wondering which scanning approach is best for you? Contact us today!
Scanning Tips: Is a Scanner Upgrade Worth It?
May 3, 2021 6:00 am Leave a Comment
“Upgrade” can be a scary word, especially when it comes to tried-and-true office equipment. However, the truth is that most things are easier with a faster, smarter, more reliable machine–and scanning is no exception. Read on to decide for yourself whether a Canon scanner upgrade is really worth it!

Why Upgrade?

Most companies flinch just thinking about upgrades. They can be expensive, frustrating, and stressful–but the good news is that they don’t have to be, especially when you do your research and choose a machine that is going to help rather than hurt your business.

When it comes to scanning, this is especially true. Here are a few good reasons to add shiny new scanners to your fleet!

#1: Cost

New scanners come with a price tag, but believe it or not, you usually end up paying less for a new machine than you would for maintenance and repairs on your old one. (Plus, when you take advantage of trade-in offers, you can make a deal your budget will thank you for!)

#2: Compatibility

Technology is a fast-moving game, and if your hardware can’t keep up, your software is likely to leave it in the dust. Upgraded scanners are compatible with all the latest apps, tools, and solutions, which makes your work life a whole lot easier.

#3: Security

Your existing scanner might not be showing its age, but it’s still vulnerable–especially to certain types of digital attacks. Newer machines, on the other hand, come with built-in features to protect your data and your company from the digital bad guys.

#4: Reliability

If you feel like you’re minutes away from scanner failure at any given time, an upgrade is probably your best bet. After all, a scanner you can’t count on is no scanner at all!

#5: Features, features, features

New machines come with all the bells and whistles–and scanners are no exception. Want optical character recognition, email compatibility, automation, and more? An upgrade is just what you’re looking for.

So, is a scanner upgrade worth it? Contact us today for help with this and all your scanning needs!
Scanning Solutions for Restaurants
February 28, 2020 5:18 pm Leave a Comment
Have you ever heard about an exciting efficiency solution, only to shrug it off because it’s branded as an “office solution” and probably won’t adapt to your restaurant’s unique needs? Look no further: scanning is here to save the day.

Why Scan?

At first glance, scanning solutions and restaurant business models don’t seem like the most obvious fit. After all, scanners seem to belong in bustling office buildings, tucked cozily into cubicles–so what good can they do in the restaurant scene?

The truth is that document scanning solutions are so flexible, powerful, and efficient that they can benefit companies in every industry–including your restaurant.

Sound too good to be true? Here are a few reasons why scanning is a perfect fit for the restaurant world.
- #1: Stop stacking.
Do you find yourself continually stacking papers around your workspace? Do files, folders, resumes, invoices, and other documents end up getting in the way when you’re trying to do something more important? Scanning solutions allow you to take control of your papers, turning all those stacks into orderly, secure digital documents that will never be in your way.
- #2: Get organized.
Chances are, your restaurant doesn’t have room for a whole fleet of file cabinets. Scanning helps you get organized the smart way–by giving you the tools to create consistent naming conventions, sort files by keyword or date, and even control who has access to what.
- #3: Worry less.
Scanned documents are easy to secure, track, and share–and automated tools help eliminate human error throughout the whole process. In the end, you’re left with organized, efficient documents, more free space, and a lot less stress–that way, you can focus on what really matters instead of panicking over paperwork.

Canon scanning solutions are a perfect fit for restaurants. Contact us today to see for yourself!
Navigating the Paper Trail with Document Management
October 5, 2018 5:42 pm Leave a Comment
Paperwork can be tough to track throughout a business office. Every company features a unique paper trail that documents go through that is dependent on their technology and organization practices. Whether it be papers moving from a file cabinet to a desk, from a desk to a digital document, or from one employee to the next, following the paper trail can be challenging.

Document management is an efficient way to best keep track of the paper trail to ensure that documents are organized, shared, and secure. Here is how document management helps you keep track of business documents and data:

Workflows

A workflow is a path that a document goes on to reach a specific destination. Automated solutions allow companies to use powerful software to share documents and eliminate paperwork messes. These solutions:
- Automate document processes
- Add easy, yet secure rule-based sharing and monitoring
- Increase officewide productivity and raise accountability
- Help distribute work evenly
Document management software will help relieve the growing number of paper that your office deals with and turn your workflow into a secure, sharing machine.

Capturing

Canon scanners are an essential part of document management being effective. Here are some guidelines for creating a scanning plan in your office:
- Lessen manual document scanning by capturing only necessary information from a document
- Automatically assign specific documents to categorize in different folders
- Refine images and add enhancements to scanned documents
- Turn all incoming documents to digital files
- Set up workflow distribution based on document processing activities
Security

Are your documents secure when they go through your scanner? A document management provider can help you make sure that the right hardware and software is in place to protect your networks and devices from potential hackers.

To learn more about how document management helps you stay on the paper trail, contact MMIT Business Solutions Group today!
Overwhelmed by Paper? Try Scanning Instead
April 4, 2018 9:46 pm Leave a Comment
Even if your company is a startup that’s been in business for just a year or two, you may already be over your head in documents. Businesses run on information, and if most of your documents are in hard copy formats, it won’t take long to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume.

The truth is, in 2018, there’s no reason to let paper take over your life. Twenty-first-century records management solutions don’t center around paper—they center around scanners, electronic images, and virtual storage spaces.

Here’s how your company can benefit by choosing digital document management over paper-based systems.
1. Improved office productivity — How many hours have you and your staff wasted searching for information? If you’re anything like the average office, each of you devotes about 2.5 hours each day to the task. If you’d rather spend those hours growing your business rather than searching through filing cabinets, you’re not alone. Scanning the documents that enter your business and routing them digitally to a document management system is the best way to circumvent the problem of time wasted because of paper storage solutions.
2. Lower operating costs — You didn’t start your business to spend all of your revenues on inefficient office processes and paper chases. With a document scanning solution, you’ll spend less on printing and copying, storage space, and the labor costs associated with searching for and managing paper documents.
3. Automatic safeguards — What is your business continuity plan if a natural disaster strikes or a hacker gains access to your network? Scanning your company’s collective knowledge into a document management system means it’s backed up, secure, and accessible, no matter what happens or where you happen to be.
Are you ready to eliminate the hold paper has on your business with a Canon document scanning solution? Contact us at MMIT to learn how today.
Banish Paper Clutter with Scanning
March 8, 2018 5:29 pm Leave a Comment
“Don’t own so much clutter that you will be relieved to see your house catch fire.” —Wendell Berry

Burning down your office may be one way to deal with clutter, but we don’t recommend it. If you’re having trouble keeping your daily business processes on track, maybe clutter is derailing your good intentions. Here’s what we suggest to get things moving in the right direction.

Make time for decluttering.

Growing a business takes time, and there’s little of it left over for attacking office clutter. The payoff can be huge, however, and ignoring the problem only makes things worse. Fortunately, you don’t need to take a week off to begin making progress.
- Declutter for 20 minutes each morning and afternoon. Use a timer to stay on track.
- When you leave the office in the evening, grab ten things to toss or give away.
- Finish every decluttering session by deciding what to do with each item, then follow through to avoid making new piles.
- Make a pact not to bring new things into your office without letting something else go.
Try document scanning.

Paper may be critical to your daily processes, but allowing it to get out of control can have a devastating impact on your business. Scanning your documents into a document management solution gives you a tool to control paper instead of letting it control you. Here are the core benefits of scanning:
- Find it fast. Lost paperwork is no joke. Scanning your information into a document management system means it’s always in the same place.
- Save money. Digital documents don’t require the same resources as hard copies. If you can bypass the printing process, that’s more money to grow your business.
- Reclaim your office space. Paper places too many demands on your office space. Kick paper out the door with document scanning.
An organized office is the first step to productivity. To learn more about the benefits of scanning or our inventory of Canon scanners, get in touch with us at MMIT today!

Canon Des Moines
3 Reasons Why You Need a Multifunction Printer
February 19, 2018 6:58 pm Leave a Comment
If you’ve ever hit a wall while trying to finish a critical project, you know how a series of minor hassles can add up to some serious roadblocks.

A long line at the printer.

A report that’s ready to mail, but the post office is closed.

The copier is out of toner again.

These events may be regular occurrences in the average business office, but they can also be a source of major inefficiencies. They can make or break a deal or cause a critical project to flounder. That’s unfortunate because the solution isn’t that hard to find.

Your New Workflow Partner

Hiring more people to order toner, run to the post office, or make copies isn’t the solution to your inefficiency problem, so what is? For many organizations just like yours, a multifunction printer eliminates a host of productivity bottlenecks. Here’s why your office may need one, too.

1. Eliminate obstacles.

A multifunction printer does a lot more than just print documents. Most MFPs allow users to copy, print, scan and fax from one centralized location. Instead of running from one workstation to the next, your team can complete several tasks at once. And instead of mailing that critical report, your team member can scan and email it directly to the recipient.

2. Use less space.

A centralized multifunction printer eliminates your need for a fleet of isolated technologies. Instead of finding room for a printer, copier, Canon scanner, and fax machine, you can replace them all with one space-saving device.

3. Access documents from anywhere.

Multifunction printers can be your gateway to cloud computing and electronic document management systems. Your remote workers can get secure access to your documents from any location at any time of day.

We’ve only begun to list the benefits of a multifunction printer. To find out more, get in touch with us at MMIT today!

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Prepare for the Worst with Document Scanning
February 8, 2018 4:35 pm Leave a Comment
There are plenty of great reasons for your business to adopt a document scanning solution. For starters, you can use your multifunction printers or Canon scanners to:
- Scan and convert documents to a variety of formats, including Word, Excel, Searchable PDF, PowerPoint, etc.
- Scan to existing folders on your network
- Scan to cloud storage repositories like Google Drive, Evernote, Dropbox, and Picasa
- Scan to document management systems
The benefits of scanning are substantial, with improved productivity, less time spent on paper-based processes, and fewer errors caused by manual data entry. But there’s another, perhaps even more important reason to begin scanning your documents.

The Disaster That Could Be Headed Your Way

There’s no doubt that scanning delivers substantial productivity gains, but another often overlooked benefit is its role in your disaster recovery plan. Here’s what we mean.

There’s one thing every disaster has in common with the rest—they rarely announce their arrival. Early warning systems give a few days’ notice at best, which is hardly enough even to begin the kind of disaster preparations that make a real difference.

Without resorting to scare tactics, planning for the inevitability of a catastrophic event is better than worrying or worse, shrugging it off. Disasters come in many forms, and your office doesn’t need to be in a hurricane zone to experience the devastation a broken water pipe can cause in just a few hours.

Scanning and backing up your documents is your company’s best bet for survival following a major disaster. Your tangible assets are insured and can be replaced, but your collective knowledge and documents cannot. With upwards of 60% of companies closing within two years of a catastrophic event, a disaster recovery plan is critical to your survival.

Are you ready for an unforeseen disaster? Don’t plan to be the next statistic—plan to be the next survivor instead. Contact us at MMIT Business Solutions to find out more today!
Scanning Your Archived Records? Here’s Where to Begin.
December 6, 2017 3:36 pm Leave a Comment
Does your organization have years of archived files in backrooms or off-site storage facilities? Maintaining these records is an ongoing challenge and one that may not be a high priority when you’ve got a business to operate.

To determine whether it’s time to do something about your archived documents, ask yourself the following questions.
1. How accessible are your archived records when you need them?
2. If given the task, could your staff locate a document in a reasonable amount of time?
3. Have you ever given up a search because an archived document search was finally abandoned?
4. Did consequences ensue after a document could not be located?
5. Have you ever turned down a client’s request for records because it was too inconvenient or costly to search for them?
It’s Time for a Change

If you answered in the affirmative to any of the above questions, it’s time to consider scanning your archived records. Ignoring the issue indefinitely just exacerbates the problem, and while scanning years of backlogged files may seem daunting or perhaps even impossible, it’s better to begin now. Here’s how to start turning your stored documents into an asset instead of a liability.

1. Work in stages.

Finding the resources to scan years of old records is often problematic. The best way to proceed is to begin scanning small batches in stages. Even though the process will be slower than you’d like, you’ll still be working toward your goal. Our selection of desktop Canon scanners can help.

2. Don’t add to the problem.

Scanning the documents that come through your door is critical if you want to continue making progress. By scanning new records into your document management system, you’ll be taking positive steps toward a fully digitized office and records.

Ready to learn more? Get in touch with us at MMIT Business Solutions to discover scanning equipment, apps, and other document solutions to help your business move forward.

Canon Des Moines
Scanning Benefits for HR Departments
October 4, 2017 6:28 pm Leave a Comment
Human Resources departments are inundated with new documents filled with sensitive information. Compliance regulations govern not only how this data is stored, but who can access it and how long it must be retained.

When HR departments rely on paper documents and paper-centric processes, maintaining compliance is next to impossible. Forward-thinking companies are transforming HR’s paper dependency with document scanning. Here’s why you’ll want to do the same.

HR & Scanning

Managing HR documents is a tremendous burden, both on staff and on your company. HR departments spend much of their time shuffling papers and hoping not to miss anything. In the meantime, upper management is very aware of the risks to the entire company if something goes wrong. Switching to digital processes is one way to reduce both the time involved and the risks. Here are the most sought-after benefits:

Improved Access

Scanning and then storing digitized documents in the cloud or in-house storage repositories provides easier access for authorized personnel. Not only are documents faster to locate, but permission controls also keep them out of the hands of unauthorized personnel.

Automate Your Workflows

Paper-based processes are always a source of productivity bottlenecks. Document scanning with our selection of Canon scanners puts data directly where it needs to go for state-of-the-art process automation.
- Route employment applications directly to hiring personnel and processes.
- Speed up benefit requests.
- Alert staff members of actionable events.
- Quickly check on processes for fast status updates.
- Avoid missed deadlines by automatically moving time-sensitive documents through established approval processes.
- Eliminate costly and time-consuming errors caused by manual data entry.
- Mitigate compliance risks.
- Be better prepared for audits.
Scanning is a perfect solution for saving time and money while improving compliance processes. To find out more about scanning and other document solutions, get in touch with us at MMIT Business Solutions Group today!

Canon Des Moines