Electronic Document Imaging Systems: Design, Evaluation, and Implementation
This textbook survey of electronic document imaging is written from the standpoint of the application specialist who must understand the technology"s appropriateness for specific business situations. The book deals with computer-based information systems that convert documents to electronic, digitally-coded images for retrieval, display, printing or other purposes. Emphasis is on clear definitions of terminology and concepts, descriptions of specific system components and delineation of systems design issues which affect the selection and evaluation of hardware and software in specific business situations. Chapter one defines essential terms and delineates the scope of electronic imaging technology, differentiating the systems discussed in this book from other document management technologies eg facsimile which do not offer a completely computerized approach. It covers the history of electronic document imaging and discuses the most common motives for implementation of electronic document imaging systems and their advantages. The second chapter discusses input procedures and devices in electronic document imaging implementations. Chapter three covers image storage concepts, devices and media. It delineates factors which determine image storage requirements for specific types of documents and looks at the characteristics, advantages and limitations of optical storage peripherals and media for electronic document imaging implementations. Similar treatment is provided for magnetic storage devices and media. In the fourth chapter retrieval procedures and equipment are dealt with. It outlines retrieval capabilities supported by electronic document imaging systems, describes retrieval workstation components and covers microfilm output and image transmission options. The final chapter examines issues and concerns associated with electronic document imaging technology. It considers record management problems, the legal status of electronic document images, costs and integration of electronic document imaging with other document storage and retrieval technologies.