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Fujitsu fi-7180

Editorial Type: Review     Date: 01-2014    Views: 6737   







With the newly-released fi-7000 series of devices, PFU Fujitsu is building on its reputation for advanced paper handling, data extraction and image enhancement

The fi-7160 model is a 60ppm scanner (fi-7260 is essentially the same device with built-in flatbed), while the fi-7180 is being trumpeted by PFU as 'the fastest device in its class' at 80ppm (again the fi-7280 is a flatbed-plus version). We took a look at the fi-7180 shortly after launch at the end of 2013. As well as being faster, the new devices boast a shorter warmup time, decreasing time to first scan, along with a larger input hopper (80 sheets) and USB 3.0 support.

Hardware-wise, the fi-7180 boasts several tweaks that we have come to expect from the developers at PFU who seem to be constantly tinkering with their technology to make things that little bit quicker, more efficient, more reliable. Acoustic sensors (iSOP, or Intelligent Sonic Paper Protection) give greatly improved detection of stapled or otherwise joined documents, stopping the scan process when anything irregular is detected. There is also improved handling of 'skew reduction', which makes life much easier when scanning mixed document batches.

More interesting still is the new PaperStream IP driver (supporting ISIS and TWAIN) and PaperStream Capture, which combine to offer easy access to advanced image processing functions and batch scanning control from within the scanner itself. By siting the image processing and enhancement on the hardware side, Fujitsu promises much faster display of images as they are scanned. There is effectively no delay at all between a page going through the hopper and seeing that page displayed on-screen. According to PFU themselves, the PaperStream IP approach can be faster than using board-accelerated devices of similar specifications. Users may see less need for additional tools such as VRS when they see how much enhancement can be done within the scan process itself.

When creating new batch scan profiles for document types, the fi-7180 has been designed to be as intuitive to use as possible for non-DM literate administrators. There is a simple 6-step guided process for any new use case, and users require no in-depth understanding of the technology behind the scanner. The software includes simple tools for highlighting multi-feeds or image issues to the user by showing the affected image within a different coloured 'frame' on screen, so that scans that require additional action are immediately noticed and acted upon.

But Fujitsu goes one step further still in its quest for user-friendliness. As we have seen with other Fujitsu releases in recent months, the fi-7180 and family also includes the option to default to 'ScanSnap mode', so that users can use one device for their line-of-business batch scan requirements and their more ad-hoc office jobs, without having the hassle of complex setups.
More info: www.pfu.fujitsu.com/en/

VERDICT
Compared to the models they replace (fi-6140 etc.), the fi-7180 and the rest of the new range are capable of faster scanning, better paper and exception handling and hugely improved image enhancement - for knowledge workers in need of reliable but fast desktop scanning, there isn't much out there that can compete.

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