What you get with MDSS Microfiche Scanning:
Microfiche scanning for standard, jacket, and COM fiche formats
High-resolution output (up to 600 DPI) for crisp, readable digital files
Searchable PDF and TIFF output with embedded OCR text layer
Custom indexing and file naming to your reference or cataloguing system
Handles fiche in any condition — aged, scratched, or degraded sheets
Image enhancement for low-contrast or faded microfiche collections
GDPR-compliant throughout with full chain-of-custody documentation
UK-wide collection using secure, tracked transport
ISO-accredited service with specialist microfiche scanning technicians
Completed files delivered via encrypted transfer, USB, or secure cloud portal
Microfiche Scanning from MDSS
Microfiche — the flat, transparent sheet format that stores dozens of document images on a single card — was widely adopted by financial institutions, government departments, libraries, legal firms, and property registries throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Enormous volumes of records were captured on fiche during this period, and many organisations still hold these collections today.
The problem is access. Microfiche readers have become obsolete, difficult to service, and expensive to replace. The collections themselves are fragile and deteriorating. Organisations that hold microfiche archives are increasingly unable to retrieve the information they contain — often at exactly the moment they need it for a compliance audit, legal disclosure, or operational requirement.
MDSS provides professional microfiche scanning that converts your fiche archive into high-resolution, fully searchable digital files. We handle all standard fiche formats and manage the entire process from collection at your site through to delivery of indexed, format-matched digital output.
Microfiche Formats We Scan
- Standard microfiche (98-frame and 60-frame configurations)
- Jacket microfiche (film strips mounted in plastic carriers)
- COM fiche (Computer Output Microfiche — generated directly from mainframe data)
- Step-and-repeat fiche in a range of reduction ratios
- Colour microfiche where applicable
If your collection includes a format not listed here, contact us and we will assess capability before the project begins.
The Scanning Process
- Collection — Fiche sheets are collected from your site, carefully packaged, logged on departure, and transported via secure tracked vehicle.
- Assessment — We inspect the collection for condition, fiche type, and reduction ratio to confirm the correct scanning setup before work begins.
- Scanning — Each sheet is scanned frame by frame using dedicated microfiche scanning equipment at your specified resolution. OCR is applied for full text searchability.
- Quality Control — Every frame is reviewed for sharpness and completeness. Faded, scratched, or low-contrast images are enhanced before final output is produced.
- Delivery — Completed files are delivered in your specified format, named and indexed to your reference system. Original fiche sheets are returned, stored, or securely destroyed on request.
Financial and Legal Archive Fiche
Specialist digitisation of financial records, account histories, and legal documents held on microfiche — with compliance-ready output and audit trail documentation.
- Certificate of destruction issued for fiche sheets destroyed post-scanning
- Covers bank statements, mortgage records, and account ledgers on COM fiche
- Output to PDF/A for long-term archival compliance
- Legal files, deeds, and case records on standard or jacket microfiche
- Full Data Processing Agreement provided as standard for regulated industries
Local Authority and Public Sector Fiche
Digitisation of planning records, electoral registers, land records, and public archive fiche collections held by councils and government bodies.
- Output suitable for integration with modern council document management systems
- Planning applications, approvals, and historical land use records
- Electoral roll and public register collections
- Environmental health, licensing, and enforcement records
- Indexing to match existing planning or land reference systems
Library and Archive Fiche Collections
Digitisation of periodical, newspaper, and academic record collections held on microfiche by libraries, universities, and heritage organisations.
- Newspaper and journal collections indexed by date, title, and edition
- Metadata extraction and catalogue integration support available
- Academic records, admissions, and institutional archive fiche
- Heritage collections requiring careful handling and image enhancement
- Output formats suitable for both public access and long-term preservation
Secure storage, scanning, and shredding — all in one place
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Microfilm is a continuous roll of film, similar to photographic film, wound onto a reel or cartridge. Microfiche is a flat, transparent sheet — typically 105mm × 148mm — containing a grid of document images. Both formats were used for document preservation, but microfiche is generally easier to index and retrieve from because each sheet contains a discrete set of images rather than a continuous roll.
Microfiche is produced at various reduction ratios — typically between 24x and 48x for standard fiche. We assess the reduction ratio of your collection during pre-scan assessment to ensure we apply the correct scanning setup and produce output at the equivalent of full document size.
Yes. Aged fiche with yellowing, scratching, or reduced contrast is common in legacy collections. Our technicians apply image enhancement to recover the maximum usable detail from degraded sheets. For very heavily damaged fiche, we will advise on expected output quality before the project begins.
This depends on fiche type and reduction ratio. Standard 98-frame fiche contains — as the name suggests — 98 document images per sheet. COM fiche can contain up to 270 frames per sheet. For your collection, we will assess sheet type during pre-scan review and confirm total image volumes before the project begins.
Yes. MDSS operates as a data processor under UK GDPR. We provide a Data Processing Agreement as standard, maintain a full chain-of-custody log, and apply appropriate controls to the collection, scanning, transfer, and disposal of your fiche sheets. For organisations in regulated industries — finance, legal, healthcare — we can provide additional compliance documentation on request.
Additional Document Scanning Solutions
Bulk Document Scanning
High-volume document scanning, handled from collection to delivery. Secure, GDPR-compliant, and tailored to your indexing requirements — whatever the scale.
Microfilm Scanning
Professional microfilm scanning that converts 16mm and 35mm rolls into high-resolution digital files — fully searchable, indexed, and accessible without specialist equipment.
Large Format Scanning
Large format scanning for engineering drawings, architectural plans, and oversized documents — high-resolution digital output with expert handling and custom indexing.
Aperture Card Scanning
Professional aperture card scanning that converts legacy engineering drawings into high-resolution digital files — accurate, searchable, and ready for modern document systems.
Scan on Demand
Request any stored document and receive a high-resolution digital copy within hours – no physical retrieval, no delay, no disruption to your stored archive.
MDSS Flex
Document storage and scanning without long-term contracts or minimum commitments – MDSS Flex gives you professional records management on a fully flexible basis.
Scanning Hub
Scanning Hub Everything you need to know about document scanning and digitisation — from large-format drawings and bulk archive conversion, to scan-on-demand access and integrating digital files with your existing systems
MDSS Insights
Practical guides and expert insights on managing, protecting, and disposing of business information. Helping organisations stay compliant while improving document management processes.
We can also help with…
Document Storage
Professional off-site document storage for businesses. Secure, GDPR-compliant, and fully managed with fast retrieval, confidential shredding, and scan-on-demand built in.
Document Shredding
GDPR-compliant confidential shredding for businesses. Secure destruction of sensitive documents with a certificate of destruction issued as standard — one-off or ongoing.
Talk to our team
Whether you need to store a single archive room or manage records across multiple sites, we will give you a straight answer and a clear quote — no obligation, no jargon.
You’re in safe hands
