Do You Really Need Aperture Cards?

December 17th, 2015

In today’s fast-paced business environment, companies are constantly seeking ways to streamline internal processes and improve profitability. As a result, many are re-evaluating traditional methods of storing technical data, such as aperture cards. These cards have been used for decades to store engineering drawings and blueprints, but with the emergence of more technologically advanced options, it begs the question: are these cards still relevant in the digital age?

At Pearl Scan, we provide a comprehensive aperture card scanning service, which involves extracting all of the information from the cards and producing high-quality images of the drawings. We can even optimise images that are aged or of poor quality, using sophisticated image enhancement tools to obtain the best image possible. Here are some reasons why you should consider digitising your aperture card archive:

Eliminate the Need for Scanning Equipment
Aperture cards come with their own card readers, many of which are old and prone to malfunctioning. By digitising your aperture card archive, you can remove the need for this equipment altogether, saving on consumables and maintenance costs. This makes the process of accessing and managing technical drawings much more efficient and cost-effective.

Fast Access to Information
When technical drawings are stored in physical format, searching through hundreds of aperture cards to locate a specific file can be a daunting task. However, when these documents are digitised, they become fully searchable, allowing users to locate and view historic files with just a few taps or clicks. This can significantly improve the speed at which technical data can be accessed and processed.

Futureproof Your Business
Investing in solutions that will see your business through the next decade or two is crucial in today’s ever-changing business landscape. Digitised documents are the future, as the world has already started to move towards a digital-first approach to information management. While the process of digitising may take time, it is a necessary step in futureproofing your business.

Improved Accessibility
To view an aperture card, you need the card itself and a compatible reader-printer. But if the files are digitised and uploaded to a cloud server, they can be accessed from anywhere with just a laptop, tablet or PC. This could give a large workforce access to a vast catalogue of files that can be referred to at any point, rather than needing to go through the lengthy process of finding the card, scanning it and viewing the contents. This makes it easier for employees to access the information they need, when they need it.

Enhanced Security
Digitising your aperture card archive can also enhance security. Physical aperture cards are vulnerable to theft, damage, and loss. However, when these documents are digitised and stored in the cloud, they are much more secure. You can control who has access to the files, and there is no risk of them being lost or damaged due to physical factors.

Space Saving
Aperture cards take up physical space, which can be costly for businesses in terms of rent, maintenance and storage. Digitising your aperture card archive can free up valuable physical space, which can be better utilised for other purposes.

Cost Saving
The cost of maintaining aperture card readers and equipment can add up over time. By digitising your aperture card archive, you can save on these costs and also benefit from improved efficiency in the management of technical data. This can lead to significant cost savings over time, which can be reinvested in other areas of the business.

In conclusion, digitising your aperture card archive can provide numerous benefits for businesses, including improved efficiency, enhanced security, and cost savings. With the help of Pearl Scan’s expert aperture card scanning service, you can make the transition to a digital-first approach to technical data management with ease.