In today’s digital world, documents and images are constantly being converted into electronic files through scanning. While most basic scanners can only scan one side of a page at a time (simplex scanning), many modern scanners offer the ability to scan both sides of a page in one pass (duplex scanning). But is the added functionality of duplex scanning actually worth the additional cost? In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons of duplex scanning to help you decide if upgrading to a duplex scanner is right for your needs.
What is Duplex Scanning?
Duplex scanning, also known as two-sided or double-sided scanning, allows you to scan both sides of a document in one pass. This saves a tremendous amount of time compared to simplex scanners that can only scan one side at a time. Here’s a quick overview of how duplex scanning works:
- The document is fed into an automatic document feeder (ADF) that flips the page over after scanning the first side.
- Light from the scanner illuminates the page and the image is captured using a CCD or CIS device.
- The data from both scanned sides is combined into a single digital file.
- The image can be output as a single or multi-page file format like PDF, TIFF, or JPEG.
This automated process makes digitizing double-sided documents much faster than a simplex scanner. However, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Duplex scanners generally have a higher cost.
- Thicker paper stock may jam more easily.
- Some models may have slower scanning speeds.
- Manual duplexing is required for books or odd-sized originals.
The Pros of Duplex Scanning
Upgrading from a simplex to duplex scanner brings several advantages that can improve efficiency and productivity:
Faster Scanning Speeds
The most obvious benefit of duplex scanning is the ability to digitize both sides of a document simultaneously. This cuts the scanning time roughly in half compared to a simplex scanner. For large projects, this time savings really starts to add up.
Increased Efficiency
With a simplex scanner, an employee has to stand and manually take each page out and flip it over between scans. Duplex scanning is much more efficient since pages move through the ADF automatically without user intervention. Employees can spend that time on more value-added tasks.
Fewer Scanner Jams
Flipping pages by hand can often lead to misfeeds, multi-feeds, and other scan errors. The automated ADF and page flipping mechanism of a duplex scanner leads to fewer opportunities for pages to jam up or get crumpled.
Lower Labor Costs
The increased throughput and efficiency enabled by duplex scanning means fewer employees may be required for large digitization projects. Time that would be spent manually scanning can now be reallocated to other business needs.
Smaller File Sizes
For multi-page documents, duplex scanning creates smaller file sizes compared to simplex. Combining both sides into a single file means you only have one set of metadata per document rather than metadata for each individual page.
Enhanced Text Searchability
Since the content from both pages is contained in the same document, text search works across the full text of each sheet. With simplex scans, content on the back sides can’t be searched unless the pages are merged manually.
The Cons of Duplex Scanning
Despite the numerous benefits, there are also a few potential downsides to consider with duplex scanning:
Higher Cost
In general, a duplex scanner will cost $100-$300 more than a comparably equipped simplex model. While the long-term ROI is usually favorable, the upfront cost may be prohibitive for businesses on a tight budget.
Slower Scanning of Thick Paper Stocks
The ADFs on some lower-end duplex scanners can only handle thinner paper stocks reliably. Feeding thick papers, cardboard, or laminated items may require reducing the scan speed.
Manual Duplexing Still Required Sometimes
Any documents too large, thick, or fragile to feed through the ADF will still need to be scanned in simplex mode. The same manual intervention will be needed to scan both sides.
Potential for More Paper Jams
While duplex scanning minimizes jams compared to manual feeding, passing pages through the ADF can still sometimes lead to misfeeds or multi-sheet feeds. Straightening out jams leads to lost productivity.
ADF Maintenance Required
Parts like rollers and separators wear out over time with heavy use. Duplex scanners require diligent maintenance to keep the ADF picking and feeding properly.
Not Ideal for Irregularly Shaped Items
Only documents in standard page sizes and thicknesses will feed through the ADF reliably. Scanning receipts, business cards, or other oddly-shaped paper requires a flatbed scanner.
When Does Duplex Scanning Make Sense?
Duplex scanners bring the most return on investment in these scenarios:
- Digitizing large volumes of double-sided documents
- Scanning multi-page reports or contracts into searchable files
- Frequently converting paper forms and records into electronic documents
- Reducing document handling time for increased productivity
- Lowering labor costs by reducing staff needed to scan large projects
Businesses that only occasionally need to scan a couple pages here and there likely won’t benefit enough from duplex scanning to justify the added expense of a duplex scanner. But any organization with frequent high-volume scanning needs can achieve major time and cost savings.
Duplex Scanning Features to Look For
If you decide that duplex scanning is right for your business needs, here are some key features to look for when selecting a duplex scanner:
- Fast scan speeds – Look for duplex scan rates of at least 30-40 pages per minute at 300 dpi for black and white.
- High daily duty cycle – Choose a model rated for your average daily scan volume to maximize durability.
- ADF capacity – Look for an ADF that can hold 50+ sheets to minimize reloading.
- Double-feed detection – This helps prevent missing pages by flagging when multiple sheets feed.
- Paper thickness settings – Allows reliable feeding of thicker documents like file folders.
- Ultrasonic double-feed detection – Uses sound waves to detect any missed double-feeds.
Also consider connectivity options like wired vs wireless networking based on your office setup. Reputable scanner brands to look at include Fujitsu, Xerox, Canon, Epson, and Brother.
Top Duplex Document Scanners
Here is a comparison of some well-reviewed duplex scanners to consider across different price ranges:
| Scanner Model | Speed | ADF Capacity | Daily Duty Cycle | Connectivity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500 | 30 ppm | 50 sheets | 6,000 pages | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB | $495 |
| Brother ADS-1700W | 40 ppm | 50 sheets | 3,000 pages | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB | $249 |
| Canon imageFORMULA R40 | 40 ppm | 60 sheets | 6,000 pages | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB | $329 |
| Epson WorkForce ES-50 | 25 ppm | 50 sheets | 1,500 pages | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB | $199 |
| Xerox Duplex Portable Scanner | 8 ppm | 20 sheets | 500 pages | USB | $215 |
Bottom Line
Duplex scanning delivers considerable time savings that can really add up when digitizing large volumes of double-sided documents. While the upfront investment is higher than a simplex scanner, the long-term savings in labor, efficiency, and accuracy make it worth considering for many businesses. Just make sure to realistically assess your average daily scan volumes and paper types to choose a duplex scanner well suited to your needs.
With faster speeds, automation, and reliability, duplex scanners can help streamline document management workflows. But the key advantage remains eliminating the manual effort of flipping pages, allowing employees to focus on more value-added tasks. For any organization still relying on simplex scanners, upgrading to duplex can provide a smart competitive edge.
