Digital Product Analysis & Reviews
by Remington May
A check scanner is a complex, computerized machines that are used by banks to quickly and efficiently extract data from checks. These scanners are able to scan through the lines of a check and convert it into an electronic format. With this format, banks can use software programs to do things such as track what checks were written on which day or when they were deposited, which may be helpful for businesses or other entities that have large sums of money coming in.
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Most scanners also have the ability to detect fraud based on things like signature authenticity and fraudulent activity at an ATM. This protects the institutions that use these machines from things like check fraud.
Quick, easy and accurate-they are the three magic words in this fast-paced world. In the business sector, they determine the level of productivity.
Among the numerous hi-tech gadgets available in the modern offices today to make our work life more convenient, one noteworthy machine would be a check scanner.
Retails, small businesses, banks and financial institutions are opting for check scanners more and more as time progresses. Check scanners can scan checks and other financial documents like pay-slips and receipts, within minutes, and transfer the numerical data into digital and editable formats.
Just plug in the USB and you are ready to go, such is the convenience of modern check scanners! No more reading from one check at a time, because check scanners can read 50-100 documents per minute, with bull's eye accuracy.
Looking to purchase one for your office? This article will guide you to purchase the best check scanner there is.
If a financial institution or a business manages its transactions with its customers mainly through checks, the maintenance of the whole system becomes quite costly.
Imagine having to read the numerical data from each check and manually feeding the data into the computer, a process which lowers productivity drastically.
To minimize this problem, scanners by Digital Check play a big role. It is the one of the finest check scanners for use in small businesses. It has the well-known Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) technology which scans the numerical data of the check and transfers the information into the receiving company's database.
This scanner has been designed especially for remote deposits of check, which frees the depositor from physically having to be present at a bank for depositing his check. Besides MICR, it has also Optical Character Recognition feature in it which converts the printed text into an editable digitized format.
CheXpress CX30 scanners are includes a metal-base plate, assembled and tested exclusively before being released into the markets. It also has Special Document Handling feature which makes it very convenient to read data from non-conforming images like checks with a poor-quality print and money orders.
Its high-speed feed-and-return duplex scanning feature makes it highly user-friendly. You just need to place a check in the feeder, which automatically slides into the machine and comes back within a fraction of a second, all scanned and ready. Within minutes, you will be able to scan piles of checks.
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Remote deposit is a new and popular way of depositing and encashing checks, which saves the customer from having to physically go to a bank and deposit the check. Simply scan the check in a check scanner, and send the image to your bank.
Scanners by Panini are one such invention. They are the guide of financial institutions especially when it comes to image-based check truncation which is useful in remote banking. The scanner can also scan non-check documents like utility bills, pay slips, vouchers, lottery tickets and coupons.
The scanner has a highly ergonomic auto single-feed mechanism, and has been enriched with the addition of Panini ScanStation and thermal printer.
With this scanner you would not need to feed one check at a time-simply stack all your checks, place it in the feeder, and forget about it. The machine will automatically pull each check, scan it, take the second one, and so on.
The scanner has MICR and OCR technology which enables the machine to scan printed text and ink, and produce editable digitized information.
If there is ever a paper jam, the whole machine can be conveniently disassembled and the problem located. It has an in-built roller design which ensures smooth movement of papers of different sizes. The roller heads are easily replaceable.
The scanner also has a double document detection capability which signals the operator as soon as two documents pass into the machine by mistake, and in this way inaccuracies can be avoided and corrected.
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Check scanners use magnetic ink character recognition technology to convert printed numerical data to digital information, which you can archive into a database for future reference. Gone are the days of having to manually input the check amounts into software or filing the checks in never-ending cabinet stacks.
Image Formula CR50 by Canon is a scanner that is widely used by customers, banks and financial institutions for remote banking services. They are specially designed for front-counter dealings for quick and easy check reading. They are also ideal for a low-volume remittance processing.
The scanner is compact, only 12.6" long, and fits in one corner of a busy office desk. It has multi-feed options and accepts all sized-documents for scanning purposes. It has an advanced paper handling mechanism and the paper trays are expandable. It has a 50 sheet feed capacity.
Canon CR50 bears a scanning speed of 50 to 80 checks per minute, with 1 ejection pocket which collects all papers after scanning is done. It has auto-duplex scanning feature and six types of scanning modes.
It is equipped with MICR and OCR technologies for easy reading of printed texts and quick conversion to digital and editable formats.
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Companies try hard to maximize profits and minimize operating costs, but paperwork inhibits that efficiency. A lot of paperwork or checks means more hours spent on filing them which requires manpower.
Additionally, manual feeds of data are often inaccurate. Thus companies suffer higher labor and compensations costs.
Digital Check TS240 scanners are perfect for solving such problems. They are large batch high-speed scanners, which can be connected to inkjet cartridges as well. Powered by USB, this scanner comes equipped with MICR technology for effective reading of checks and other such documents.
The scanner has an LED light indicator, which is red at standby, green when it has been acquired by the application, and amber when documents have been fed into the entry pocket of the machine. If there is any error during the scanning cycle, the LED will flash red which is easily detectable by the operator.
It has special document handling feature which can do special image thresholding, special MICR, special double-feed and special fraud and alert notifications. The structure can be easily disassembled for correcting paper jams. Machine can be upgraded to 50, 75 and 100 documents per minute scanning speeds.
The scanner's Best Read system captures 4 images of the scan and chooses the finest one. It produces the highest CAR (numerical check amount) LAR (check amount in words) readings. Its Digital Check feature repairs the most difficult-to-read images by easy click-and-drag procedure.
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Checks scanned and sent to banks promises a much safer transaction for both the parties. Banks can match the check information against databases of other banks and easily detect fraud if there is any. Additionally, e-checks require digital signatures and encryptions which maximizes security.
Canon CRL1 scanners are some of the finest ones for use at retails, businesses and banks. Its Fine Text Filtering feature coupled with OCR scanning technology ensure the generation of error-free images for high-functionality.
It does this by removing patterns and backgrounds around the documents, enhancing edges around the image thus producing sharper images with almost zero distortions.
The scanner offers an impressive scanning resolution of 300 dpi, which generate important numerical data with premium clarity. MOCR (MICR + OCR) teams up with IQA software to produce images which meets Check 21 standards.
Canon CRL1 has a lower footprint and compact, thus fitting almost anywhere. It has 50 page auto-feeder, USB connectivity, and its structure is highly accessible for repair and maintenance.
With an amazing scanning speed of 45 checks per minute, it also comes equipped with IR sensors for fraud alert and an eject pocket where all documents collect after scanning is done.
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You should choose a check scanner depending upon the demand for scanning in your office, retail or bank. The number of checks a company exchanges greatly depends upon the type of business it conducts. Small business, say, needs to process only a couple-dozen checks a day.
On the other hand large corporations, banks and financial institutions may receive thousands of checks per day. Modern scanners come with different processing speeds. They have different scanning speeds, varying auto-feed capacities, large expandable entry pockets and duplex features-all working together to increase the productivity of the entire process.
Good scanners come completely equipped with single and multiple-feed options which can scan 1 document/second to 100 documents per minute.
Scanners these days have a feature called auto-duplex feed-and-return mechanism which enables the document to slide in, get scanned, and slide out within milliseconds, ready for the next feed. These single-feed scanners are great for small businesses.
Certain scanners are upgradable to around 75 to 100 scans per minute, without having to bring any change in the size of the machine. Most multiple-feed scanners have exit pockets where the scanned documents keep collecting. Contemporary scanners are very easy to operate.
The scanners today have a very accessible structure, which can easily be disassembled with just a click for regular repair and maintenance. Such accessible, ergonomic structures prevent disruptions like paper jams, which promote quick processing speeds, thus increasing your productivity at work.
Look for MICR and OCR features in check scanners. MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition which enables the scanner to read the numerical data on checks, such as the account number, the amount number, routing numbers and such.
OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition which reads all printed or handwritten text on the checks or such documents, such as the amount of the check in words or the sender's signature.
MICR and OCR, often termed as MOCR in combination, reads the entire check, digitizes the information, and converts into editable formats in your computer.
You may then archive the digital information, share it with other departments via email or simply print them for filing or future reference. Resolutions offered by modern check scanners are usually 300 dpi, which is enough for producing super-clear images for transaction purposes.
Good Some scannerscome with Fine Text Filtering features which edit the scanned image by removing any pattern or color distortions, thus creating more sharp images.
The best scanner for checks should have some kind of a fraud detection mechanism, keeping in mind the number of fake checks being generated by scammers and fraudulent individuals.
Scanners also come equipped with UV and IR light sensors for detecting any kind of fraudulent activities during transactions. UV sensors can read through documents with high frequency light, and IR sensors can read bank documents with low frequency light.
Photocopied checks will reflect UV light which can be easily detected by the UV sensors and fraud can be discovered within minutes. IR sensors can see right through a bank document.
Do all banks allow customers to scan and deposit a check? One would hope so, but unfortunately that is not always the case. There are many financial institutions where customers cannot process checks through these means, which leaves them high and dry without much recourse. If you have a bank account that won't accept scanned checks, then you will need to take it into the bank and do it the old-fashioned way.
If your bank accepts this type of service, then there is nothing holding you back from doing so. It is typically an easy process that can be done from home without much hassle. You will still have to bring the check into a branch to initiate the deposit, but after that it can be done entirely online with little effort. The first step in this process is to locate your scanner and get started on scanning in your check.
Check scanners are relatively cost-effective; you won't have to spend a fortune on them. The cost varies from unit to unit. Most check scanners come in the range of 300 to 500 dollars. However, it can go as high as $2,500, depending on the features and durability.
Digital scanners are somewhat costlier than manual units due to the fact that they can scan the signature with utmost precision, and they can directly deposit the electronic checks.
Yes, that is possible. You can scan a check to turn it into an electronic payment effortlessly with a high-quality check scanner, and you can send the information of the payment to the bank electronically. The paid amount will be debited into your account immediately after the bank verifies the payment.
A scanner creates a digital image and gathers the checking account information of the provider. However, you can only scan MICR checks because the scanners have a MICR recognition technology that reads the checks' MICR line.
Check scanners have become paramount in banks and financial institutions in the modern times, especially when you think in terms of productivity. They are fast and convenient, and generate 100% accurate outputs, which manual input can barely promise.
The best check scanners in the markets are even equipped with IR and UV sensors which detect fraud, something which is rampant in the recent times, despite such tight securities.
Renowned manufacturers like Epson, Canon, Digital Check, Panini and SmartSource have brought forward some check scanners which hold a lot of promise. Check out some of them for yourself and make the right decision.
Epson A41A268031 TM-S2000 Desktop Check Scanner, 110DPM, USB, 1 Pocket, Dark Gray - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Canon Image Formula CR-120N Check Transport Document Scanner, Black (2693C001) - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
MagTek MICRSafe Check Reader - 3 Track MSR, USB Keyboard Wedge, Includes Cable and Power - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Digital Check TS240-50IJ Check Scanner - 50 DPM, with Inkjet - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
BURROUGHS Elite Check Scanner - 155DPM, 100 Feed Includes Endorser and OCR - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Digital Check CheXpress Scanner WITHOUT Inkjet Printer - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
1. Digital Check CheXpress - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
2. Digital Check TS240 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
3. Digital Check CX30 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
4. Panini VX 5050IJ - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
8. Canon CR190i II - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
About Remington May
Remington May is a digital product blogger who loves to write about the latest and greatest in the tech world. She's always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to make her life easier, and she loves to share her findings with her readers. When she's not blogging or spending time with her family, Remington enjoys hiking and exploring new places.
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