HP N9120 manual Evaluating scanning features, Evaluating the capture software

EVALUATING THE SCANNER FUNCTIONALITY (continued)

Evaluating scanning features

As you answer the following questions, consider the end-user’s needs. With the use of document scanners - formerly limited primarily to scan technicians - now encompassing individuals in a variety of business environments, ease of use becomes a particularly important factor.

Does the device have a set of useful features?

Does it have productivity features such as switchable backgrounds, double-feed detection, imprinters, etc.?

What productivity software is included? Does it include Kofax VRS?

How easy is it to learn and remember how to accomplish tasks? Do you need to open different software to accomplish different tasks, or to see what settings to use?

Consider how well the feature set meets the needs of customers (business users and users in large enterprise organisations).

How well does the product design fit its intended market?

Does the device support a variety of paper types, weights, and sizes?

How easy is it to select a specific application to send scanned documents, or to change selections or scan settings?

How easy is it to create copies with a default printer?

Evaluating the capture software

As you evaluate the scanning software interface, consider the following:

Is the software easy to install and use?

How easy is it to perform basic tasks such as scanning documents and saving to PDF, making a copy, and scanning to email?

Does the software provide a quick, easy path from capturing a document to archiving it, or sharing it in an electronic format?

How easy is it to change default settings or select a different application to send scanned documents?

Evaluating scanning performance

Scanners are often ranked by the number of pages per minute (ppm) scanned. This indicator, somewhat like horsepower in a car review, gives some guidance but does not tell the entire story. Scanning speeds are only one part of the time it takes to get a document into a scanned file for archiving or sharing. The combination of scan features, such as the time it takes to achieve common scanning tasks, software interface, paper handling capabilities and overall ease of use, including training, must fit your needs to make your project a success - regardless of the scanner’s speed rating. Also consider which ISV applications the scanner works with.

As you perform each scan job, note the length of time it takes to complete each scan. Consider the time to achieve a complete task, not just the scan.

The task buttons on the HP Scanjet N9120 control panel can help save time and increase productivity with the capability to start common scan tasks simply with the press of a button.

HP Scanjet N9120 Reviewers’ Guide 14