Posts Tagged ‘microfiche’
Mekel Scanner Production
is Right on Time
First the bad news. “Remember how you couldn’t get toilet paper a year ago? It is the same with microchips right now.” Now the good news. “Our production for this year is on track and we’re still working on standard delivery time – in some cases, one day.” Both quotes are attributed to Crowley’s U.S. director of manufacturing, electrical engineer Jeff Helm, as he responds to questions about the worldwide shortage of manufacturing parts and its effect on Crowley’s Mekel…
From Gunsight Cameras to Microfilm Scanners to Whatever’s Next: Mekel Technology plays on for nearly 50 years
You’re channel surfing and a movie catches your attention. You’ve missed the beginning but you pick up enough to be thoroughly engaged and end up watching the whole thing. Ever happen? That’s a good analogy for my journey with Mekel Technology (Mekel). I’ve worked at The Crowley Company for over a decade and know a fair amount about our Mekel product line, but I missed the beginning. With the advent of Mekel 2.0, the latest iteration of Mekel Technology scanner…
Digitized Court Records Increase Efficiency and Access
Court trials have long been a topic of public fascination in America starting with the first recorded murder trial on U.S. soil in 1800 and, more recently, in true crime documentaries like Making a Murderer and The Staircase (my most recent Netflix binge watch). While internally debating the guilt or innocence of Michael Peterson, it reminded me that digitized court records such as licenses, dockets, deeds, wills, laws, case dispositions, subpoenas and other information are crucial in accurately creating a usable record of history…
The Marine and the Microfiche: Preserving 20 Years of Service
After one conversation with retired United States Marine Corps (USMC) Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Wilk, it was evident that his time in the military was filled with valuable life lessons and experiences. These experiences will be passed down for generations through his impressive storytelling skills (to which I bear witness), but also through the preservation of his military records from microfiche. This Veteran’s Day we take the time to shine a light on Wilk’s service and the journey to digitize his…
Clarity Matters: UScan+ HD, A High Res Look at Image Quality
As a culture, we value high definition (HD) image resolution. An anthropological study has yet to be done on the societal importance of advanced image quality (I think) but the fact remains that HD is now a common feature in several industries worldwide. Products ranging from televisions to sunglasses are equipped with high-resolution options. Consumers demand information immediately and in outstanding quality. Call it another brick in the wall of our societies’ obsession with perfection but the higher the resolution, the…
Scanner Comparisons Lead to Measurable ROI
Two weeks ago, I read an insightful blog post by ECM Connection executive editor Ken Congdon. The topic was how to manage end-of-life scanning hardware. It was written on the premise that as technology advances, older scanners – which are still productive but are no longer produced – may outlive their spare parts inventory and maintenance options. The article contained three main bits of advice: don’t roll the dice; plan for the inevitable; and consider leasing and outsourcing as a viable option….
Patron vs. Production Scanners: Which Type do You Need?
Our favorite kinds of blogs to write are those sparked by user feedback. Last week, we received an email from a client who had purchased Mekel Technology microfilm and microfiche scanners over 12 years ago and is now looking to purchase a new unit (a testament to the Mekels’ long life span; typical industry turnover is estimated at 3-5 years). He saw that we also offer the UScan+ Universal Film (UF) series scanner and wanted to know if that model…
Quantum Happiness
Last week we received the kind of email every business wants to receive: a glowing review, a good tip and an idea for further engagement – the trifecta of customer response. A State Archivist wrote: “After framing the first fiche…in QuantumProcess, I used “Progogate this page” and since they [the images] were all shot the same, it took very minor tweaking to get the rest perfect. These machines are more flexible than I ever imagined. Is there an official forum…
Selling to the Competition
I recently interviewed a client for an upcoming case study on Mekel Technology microfilm and microfiche scanners. The client represents a service bureau and asked a question we hear often, “We’re Crowley competitors. How do you represent us and yourselves at the same time?” Good question. Crowley has several divisions: research and development; manufacturing; hardware sales; technical support and Crowley Imaging, our own service bureau. In addition to selling to service bureaus, with which we compete, we also manufacture…