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Microfilm Scanning

Quick & convenient access to microfilm records as a secure PDF

We will collect and convert your archives of microfilm into electronic records you can access for decades to come.

  • Instant, remote access
  • Free consultation
  • Free up office space
  • ISO 27001 & 9001 accredited
  • Preserve historical records
  • Award-winning services

How does microfilm scanning work?

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1 - Collection

We will pack and collect the microfilm from your office through our internally managed fleet of tracked vehicles. For large-scale projects, a collection schedule will be arranged to suit your diary.

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2 - Scanning

On arrival, all archive boxes are booked onto our internal tracking system and transferred to production where each microfilm is digitised into your preferred format (e.g. PDF). 

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3 - Delivery

The electronic records are uploaded to the cloud, enabling flexible, remote access and effective document management. Alternatively, you can choose access via SFTP or an encrypted hard-drive. 

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4 - Shredding

Finally, we can arrange for the physical microfiche to be securely shredded. Alternatively, for your peace of mind we can store the archive or arrange their physical return to your office. 

Do you need our services? Contact us today on 0800 612 4065

What type of microfilm do I have?

Microfilm is shrunken pages of information which have been placed onto a film reel to save space. There are 2 types of microfilm- 16mm and 35mm reels with each type used to store different images sizes.

16mm Microfilm reels

  • Typically holds up to 2,400 documents between A4-A3 in size.

35mm Microfilm reels

  • Typically hold up to 600 images between A2-A0 in size.

Microfilm scanning benefits

Protect your records from loss & damage

Microfilm are extremely susceptible to heat, humidity, fire and water damage. Just a few scratches could result in the information contained being damaged for lost forever. With our scanning solution, you can have the peace of mind knowing digital backups are safely stored in a cloud-based document management system. 

Reduce costs

The price of microfilm readers and printers can be far more extortionate than the actual need for it. Scanning your microfiche eliminates the need to invest in expensive reading equipment. Once your records are digital, they can be easily shared and transferred with a number of employees who require access.

Free up your office space

Scanning your microfilm into a digital format frees up office space, which in turn will save your business money. You can use this to funnel into more important parts of your business.

Microfilm conversion

Microfilm dates as far back as 1851 however it wasn't until 1896 when this type of microform was used in practice. 'The New York Times' was the first famous brand to use microform for newspaper preservation on film. Following this, the American Library Association officially endorsed microfilms as a method of information storage. Harvard University Library, having researched the potential of the data storage application, was the first major institution to use microfilm to preserve broadsheets two years later.

Although at the time microfilm was the solution to overflowing archive's, in today's digital era, this has almost become redundant with all documents turning to document scanning companies such as Storetec for a digital solution for a faster, safer and more secure way to access information.

Only today do we recognise the disadvantages of microfilm storage methods. It was perceived that types of microform could last up to 500 years. We know today that different types of microform can be destroyed or damaged by heat, fire and water meaning they are not an effective method of storage.

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Microfilm scanning services near me

If you're seeking a secure and experienced microfilm scanning provider, look no further!

With a dedicated logistics team, we can collect your archive of microfilm from any office location or third-party storage provider across the UK or Worldwide. Our weekly collection points include London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Bristol, Newcastle, Southampton, Oxford and Wolverhampton.

If you have offices outside of the EU, we will create a tailored collection schedule utilising air freight and shipping as the main mode of transportation.

Award-winning microfilm scanning services

Our microfilm scanning services have been recognised globally, and we have been nominated for and won various awards over the years. We are proud to have been named by the Document Manager Magazine as BPO/Outsourcing/Bureau Business of the Year in 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Our cloud-based document management system FreeDocs also won Compliance Product of the Year 2020.

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Why Storetec

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Accreditations

All records are digitised in full compliance with British Standard BS 10008 for the 'Evidential Weight and Legal Admissibility' of electronic documentation. Our scanning operations are regularly audited, and we're accredited to several world-recognised frameworks, including ISO 27001 for Information Security.

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Experience

With decades of experience in the document management industry, we're experts when it comes to digitising documents. Over the years we've invested in the latest scanning equipment enabling us to digitise a range of documents for some of the most well-known organisations across the world.

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Security

Our state-of-the-art scanning bureau has been designed to meet the highest standards of document management, security and protection. In addition, all Storetec staff have been fully DBS checked and have signed non-disclosure agreements for your peace of mind. 

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Ready to get started? Receive your free quote today

Connected Services

Specialist Storage
Specialist Storage

Looking for a physical archive storage solution for your microfilm? We can store your microforms in specialist climate & humidity monitored storage facilities. 

FreeDocs Document Management
FreeDocs Document Management

Benefit from enhanced security and advanced searching capabilities by accessing your digitised microfilm on FreeDocs!

Microfiche Scanning
Microfiche Scanning

We can digitise any type of microform you have including microfiche, aperture cards, negatives and x-rays! Read more about our microfiche scanning services today. 

Related Case Studies

How we helped West Lindsey District Council free up office space, reduce costs and access their information from home
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How we helped West Lindsey District Council free up office space, reduce costs and access their information from home

Our microfiche scanning service allowed the council to easily access their documents without the need to attend the office, freed up the space the microfilm reader and cabinets took up and reduced costs because they no longer need to maintain the equipment. READ MORE >

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Thanks to Storetec, one of the largest housing associations in the UK can now give faster, better service to its tenants. READ MORE >

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Thanks to our microfilm scanning, scan on demand and online hosting services, this law firm can now store and access its client matter files much quicker, easier and safer. READ MORE >