With the decision of an individual or a company to outsource scanning, converting a bunch of physical backfiles to digital ones, the next question would be where to start when choosing a Los Angeles document scanning service provider.
This question is rather tricky to ask and so read on to learn more about essential things about Los Angeles document scanning and confidently ask service providers for more information.
Please note that scanning and imaging are often used synonymously.
Los Angeles Document Scanning Technologies
The first thing a prospective client will need to know is the basics of imaging or scanning technology and its corresponding software. A lot of Los Angeles document scanning service providers will help as it is a rather simple, although unpopular, process.
Clients that have a background idea of the technology will make grasping the whole scope of the project much faster.
Realize Company Goals before Los Angeles Document Scanning Services Commence
A prospective company client should take a good look into the organizational priorities, objectives, and goals before employing the services of a Los Angeles document scanning provider. Some of this important information may essentially include:
- The company’s schedule for retention of documents or how documents need to be kept
- The number of people or users who need access to the records
- How records are stored, provided, and backed up
- If some training and a form of orientation is necessary
- If a test run should be done to benchmark the procedure
- How long the imaging conversion will take
- If the records are easily accessible when they are at the service provider
- How security and privacy requirements on the records are maintained
- Any special requirements for discussion
Clients with answers to these data beforehand will allow their Los Angeles document scanning service provider to recommend a tailor-fitted solution for the client company’s culture and budget. Apart from these, it will ensure that everyone is on the same page before signing a binding contract for the scanning project.
Tips to Select a Los Angeles Document Scanning Service Provider
A client company should evaluate at least 2 Los Angeles document scanning service providers. Reliable companies are easy to spot through the internet through search engines or organization websites. Clients may visit a business website to see if a Los Angeles document scanning service provider is a reputable business firm. Online reviews from previous clients can also be easily found online if there are any. Businesses, Los Angeles document scanning service providers no different, are also making use of various social media platforms for marketing. Clients may also check if they are active there
If a client company has a great relationship with other same-sized companies within that company’s industry or trade, the client company may reach out to these contacts and inquire about any Los Angeles document scanning service provider they have worked with before or for any recommendations.
Visit the Los Angeles Document Scanning Service Provider Facilities
For clients looking to find a reputable Los Angeles document scanning service provider, it would be highly recommended to visit and take a tour at that scanning firm’s facility as it is a reflection of the quality, management, and processthey provide. Clients will have to see for themselves how the scanning firm handles the records and substantially gauge their expertise and attitude as service providers.
With the ongoing pandemic, request a tour only if local health guidelines permit. When this is not possible, clients may ask for additional references from the Los Angeles document scanning service provider such as a company video that shows their processes. Clients may also call the scanning firm and ask to talk to the Production Manager.
Proper evaluation should be followed when touring the Los Angeles document scanning service provider facility. Clients should document the following:
- How productions run
- What equipment is used and why
- What the facility’s general appearance on the inside and out is
- The overall employee work environment
- The degree of care in handling clients’ jobs
- The use of the latest industry norms and trends, and other applicable national standards
Ensure that the production process is clear to the client and that they ask about it when unable to visit the location physically.
The Expertise and Experience of a Los Angeles Document Scanning Service Provider
The client can find out the level of expertise and experience based on this fact. Also, a Los Angeles document scanning service provider should employ trained operators and capable supervisors for its processes. The scanning firm’s staff should be equipped with enough knowledge to face any issues or problems that can arise from the scanning project.
When a company delivers professional Los Angeles document scanning services, it should follow that its staff consultants be experienced in systems designed as well as trained and certified in the document management software they are using.
The Cost and Location of Los Angeles Document Scanning Services
Clients get what they pay for from Los Angeles document scanning service providers. Ad as such, clients have to beware of scanning firms that offer an unusually low cost for their services. This can be a sign that the scanning firm may be frantic for business and maybe unstable financially. It can also sometimes mean that the scanning firm could be cutting corners to undercut competitors.
A Los Angeles document scanning service provider should not overcharge companies either. Document scanning services may take many hours of work but a quote that is based on a fair market value should be the basis of their work. The agreement should clearly state all charges so that when the final bill comes, there will be no surprises.
Ideally, when a client company is located in Los Angeles, they should choose a document scanning firm that is close to their location also. This is preferred to take the costs of transportation and turnaround time into consideration. Choosing a Los Angeles document scanning service provider that is reputable and nearest the company is only reasonable.
Choosing a reputable service provider afterward does not free the client company of responsibility. Companies still need to remember that as they are the owner of the files, they are ultimately responsible for the quality and the system on how to eventually manage these records. But a good Los Angeles document scanning service provider will walk clients through multiple solutions if they find themselves unsure of how to move forward with records keeping.
