Using a duplex scanner can help your ever expanding business in keeping the costs down in these times of recession. These devices can scan as much as 60 pages per minute (both sides). A regular scanner needs almost ten minutes for the same amount of work. The defining feature here is speed. For businesses and organizations with huge data digitizing requirements on a daily basis, a duplex document scanner can become an important source of efficiency in everyday operations. Realizing the need that organizations such as hospitals, legal firms and the like have for a product which allows them to upload the massive amounts of paperwork they handle to computers, leading information technology manufacturers offer several options in the market today. They have a wide array of features, encompassing a range of prices.

When choosing a product, it is imperative that the buyer is clear about what he requires the scanner for. If the primary need is for document scanning only, then a duplex document scanner should more than suffice. The most common type of such machines is the duplex flatbed scanner. It has a flip top which covers the glass surface underneath. The paper is placed on that surface, and scanning begins after the lid is closed. Such scanners are extremely user friendly and can generally scan multiple pages at once. If images, ID cards and the like are to be scanned, then photo scanners are available.

An important feature to consider is document feeding. When large volumes of scanning is required frequently, the man hours wasted in manual paper feeding can prove to be a serious roadblock in the drive for cost saving and efficiency. An adf duplex scanner is the obvious solution to the dilemma. With automatic document feeding, the scanning process is almost entirely automated and optimized. Different models allow you to stack between 30 to a 100 pages.

Portability, decent software support and accessible device to pc interface are crucial factors in determining the type of product. With wireless networking capabilities available on most mid to high range models, even heftier devices can be tolerated, without sacrificing portability. A scanner is not good enough if the included software support does not make the whole process intuitive and hassle free. It should also provide appropriate help in editing the scanned material. A USB interfaced device does not require an external power source as well as providing extreme ease of use and convenience. Hence such products should generally be preferred.

Of course any decision must incorporate your budget constraints. Depending on your needs, the prices can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. There is no doubt that a duplex scanner enhances productivity and reduces costs in the long run for most businesses.