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UK's Allied Images explains ISIS

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If you use electronic document management (EDM) software, you are probably already using ISIS, the Image and Scanner Interface Specification standard, with popular applications like Kofax Ascent.

ISIS is typically used to capture office documents on small format A4 / legal size and or A3 / B-size scanners. Right now, Colortrac is the only large format scanner manufacturer with an ISIS driver. Almost all the other manufacturers supply TWAIN drivers.

Goddess ISIS
ISIS - ancient Egypt's
Goddess, today's Image
and Scanner Interface
Specification Standard.

So, what's the big deal with ISIS?

John Bennet, Marketing Manager of Allied Images, the UK distributor of Colortrac large format scanners, explains what ISIS is and how users benefit from it.

What is ISIS?

The ISIS, (Image and Scanner Interface Specification) Standard, is a modular and extensible interface for the acquisition, viewing, data format conversion, printing and storage of document file sand images. ISIS is the basis of the public domain standard ANSI/AIIM MS61-12996 Applications Programming Interface (API) for Scanners in Document Imaging Systems and issued as ISO 14984.

In real world terms, this means that applications written using the ISIS standard can separate the software and hardware so that changes to the software and the scanner hardware are completely transparent. New improved scanners can be used with existing software without changes and existing scanners can be used with new or improved software without changes. Also, the scanner works at its rated speed or better and is not hampered by the application software.

Why do many software suppliers and scanner manufacturers support ISIS?

Software suppliers and hardware manufacturers use ISIS because it isolates one from changes in the other. Each can develop their individual components as part of an overall application with assurance that the whole will work transparently. Also, different scanning devices with widely differing functionalities can still be used without changes to the application. So, large format scanners, up to A0+, can be used alongside or instead of small format, A4, scanners in the same application.

Why does Colortrac support ISIS?

Colortrac is the only large format scanner supplier to support ISIS. They do so because they recognise the need of the end-user community to have certainty that a large format scanner will work with electronic document capture (EDC) applications such as Kofax Ascent just as easily and seamlessly as a small format scanner. They had the foresight to realise that EDC processes could apply not just to the regular office A4 but to all company documents.

How does an end-user benefit from ISIS?

Firstly, products are more appealing and attractive to new customers as they not forced down a particular hardware route. And, existing customers can change hardware with few problems. It provides reliability that engenders customer satisfaction and loyalty, enhancing the experience they have:

  • peripherals simply work with the ISIS interface,
  • setup problems are greatly reduced,
  • support calls are minimised,
  • reduced administration, development, testing and support costs.

What has the customer experience been like?

Filing Plus Group plc provides document scanning, relocation, archiving, consultancy services and record management solutions for a wide range of clients. Based in the financial heart of London, Filing Plus operate predominantly in the UK, though it has recently completed projects in both Frankfurt and Tokyo and is currently undertaking a series of projects across Europe.

In 2005. when Filing Plus was in its eighth year of business, it invested in a Colortrac SmartLF 4080e large format scanner. It has since replaced this scanner with SmartLF Cx 40 and SmartLF Ci 40 models supplied by Colortrac’s UK distributor Allied Images.

Ryan Heiser, IT Manager and IT Analyst at the Filing Plus Group, explained. "We could not justify the cost of a wide format scanner. We just did not have the volume. However, as demand increased and scanner prices fell, we felt that we should look again. We did our research and found that the Colortrac SmartLF met our needs. Not only that, but Colortrac was the only company that could supply a driver designed to meet the ISIS Image and Scanner Interface Specification for an A0 Scanner. That meant we could integrate the scanner directly with our Kofax Ascent Capture system."

Ryan found the whole experience to be, "…great. The sales and after sales experience was painless and went smoothly. On this front they are in a class of their own. Colortrac’s website was very informative and the reseller even phoned me after installation to make sure we were happy. Since August 2005 we have used it at least three days a week, sometimes more. The SmartLF is sturdy, nice looking, image quality is great and we expect it to pay for itself in just over a year." He concludes, "If you are looking at an entry level A0 scanner I would definitely recommend the SmartLF."

ISIS is an industry standard that ensures reliable interoperability. It helps software and hardware vendors reduce developments costs, drive sales and enhance the customer experience. Users benefit from hardware independence and reduced setup problems. Colortrac has demonstrated its commitment to the standard by providing an interface to Kofax Ascent and other EDC applications for its SmartLF range of large format scanners.

For further information, please contact:

Allied Images
53 Tenter Road
Moulton Park
Northampton NN3 6AX
Tel: 01604 670679
Email: sales@allied-images.com
www.allied-images.com

Industry contributors wanting to supply similar articles should contact The Editor, Scanners4CAD.