Why Microfiche Scanning is the Smart Move for Modern Businesses and Archives
- Maryna Farrell
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
If your organisation has microfiche archives tucked away in cabinets or storage rooms, you’re not alone. For decades, microfiche was the standard for storing large volumes of records in a compact, cost-effective format — from engineering drawings and payroll records to patient files and legal case notes.
But as digital systems take over, accessing and maintaining microfiche has become increasingly challenging. That’s why many organisations are now turning to professional microfiche scanning to future-proof their archives.
Here’s what you need to know — and why now is the time to digitise.
What is Microfiche?
Microfiche is a flat sheet of photographic film used to store miniaturised images of documents. Each sheet can hold dozens of pages in a tiny space, making it historically popular for:
Engineering plans and technical drawings
Payroll or HR records
Legal and court files
Library and academic archives
Historical or government records
While microfiche solved space problems in the past, its analogue nature creates challenges today.
The Problem with Microfiche Archives
If your records are still on microfiche, you’re facing several risks and inefficiencies:
Limited Access - You need specialised readers to view microfiche — and these machines are now rare and prone to failure.
Degradation Over Time - Microfiche can deteriorate with age, heat, or humidity, making images unreadable.
Slow Retrieval - Locating the right fiche and frame takes time, especially if your archive is poorly indexed.
Compliance Risk - GDPR and sector-specific regulations require fast, reliable access to personal data. Microfiche makes this difficult — especially for Subject Access Requests or audits.
The Benefits of Microfiche Scanning
Converting your microfiche to digital formats offers several immediate advantages:
1. Instant Accessibility
Scanned microfiche can be converted into searchable PDFs using OCR (Optical Character Recognition). Staff can locate the right file in seconds, without leaving their desks.
2. Improved Security & Compliance
Digital files can be stored securely with encryption, backups, and access control. This not only protects sensitive data but also ensures GDPR and audit readiness.
3. Space and Cost Savings
By digitising your microfiche, you can free up entire storage rooms, reduce physical storage costs, and repurpose valuable office space.
4. Long-Term Preservation
Digital files don’t degrade the way physical microfiche does, ensuring your critical historical records are preserved for decades.
5. Faster Business Processes
From responding to legal requests to onboarding new projects, digitised archives speed up your team’s workflows and reduce operational bottlenecks.
How MDSS Makes Microfiche Scanning Simple
At MDSS, we’ve helped legal firms, NHS Trusts, engineering companies, and local authorities bring their microfiche archives into the digital age.
Our process is secure, efficient, and fully compliant:
Secure Collection – We collect your microfiche from anywhere in the UK (a small fee may apply) using tracked vehicles.
Careful Handling & Preparation – Each fiche is inspected, cleaned if necessary, and logged for indexing.
High-Resolution Scanning – We produce sharp, high-quality images in your preferred format (PDF, TIFF, or JPEG).
OCR and Indexing – Files can be made fully searchable and indexed for quick retrieval.
Secure Delivery & Optional Shredding – Digital files are delivered via encrypted transfer, USB, or cloud portal. Physical fiche can be returned, stored securely, or confidentially destroyed.
Thinking About Microfiche Scanning?
If you rely on microfiche archives today, microfiche digitisation is the fastest way to reduce risk, improve efficiency, and protect your organisation’s data.
Whether you have a single cabinet or an entire storeroom of historical records, MDSS can tailor a secure, cost-effective scanning project to your needs.
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