Our digital transformation and document scanning service converts bulky paper documents into a convenient, space-saving electronic archive. Our document-management software then lets you retrieve files in seconds.

Sometimes, for one reason or another, you need to keep a hard copy of a document. The rest of the time, an electronic archive brings many benefits to a business. Our document scanning service is cost efficient, it takes up very little space, and it makes organising and retrieving files quick and easy.

As document scanning specialists, SDS provides comprehensive electronic archiving solutions for a wide range of public and private-sector organisations. Our scanning bureau is equipped with the latest industry-leading scanning equipment, which produces clear, high-quality digital reproductions of your documents. Our document management software then lets you retrieve files in seconds.


How it works

We collect documents from your site and transport them to our secure depot to be converted into digital files. If you need a file urgently at this point, we’ll locate it, scan it and email it to you, or arrange to return the hard copy. Alternatively, 'SDS Box', our document management system lets you scan documents straight into our system from your site or office.

Once the documents have been scanned, digital files are returned via a password-protected disk, hard drive or securely hosted online, meaning you can access the information at any time, from anywhere in the world as part of our digital scanning service.

If required, we will safely destroy the original documents and issue a certificate of destruction. Alternatively, we will keep the original paper documents in our secure archive.


A complete service

With offices in Nottingham, London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh, we can collect documents in their existing format from anywhere in the UK and run regular collection services from all major cities. No matter where your organisation is based, our comprehensive document scanning services can support you.

No job is too large or small, simple or complex, we can scan large backlogs of documents and make them available online or via an external media device. Or you can scan paper records into the system from your own office using SDS Box, our secure document management software. Whether you need archived documents to be scanned in bulk, or same-day scanning of new documents as part of your workflow, our experienced project team will work with you to meet your requirements and budget.


Why choose our Document Scanning Service?

One supplier for your document management needs –We can handle your paper documentation from the beginning to the end of its life cycle. We provide Shredding, Storage, Scanning and Recycling.

A family run company you can trust – Our document scanning procedure ensures complete confidentiality, with a fully vetted team, tracked files and secure facilitites.

Enjoy total control – Our SDS Document Management Software is a cloud-based system that makes it easy to create, access and share your protected documents from any device.

We will never compromise – We are proud to meet the highest standards of compliance for our industry.


Document Scanning FAQs:

Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions that clients ask about our document scanning services. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for here, don’t worry – just get in touch.

What sort of document scanning equipment do you use?

Whilst smaller scanning companies often rely on desktop scanners, we use the latest high-volume production scanners for faster, more efficient processing and significantly clearer, enhanced images.

Utilising state-of-the-art optical character recognition (OCR) technology, we’re able to extract data, barcodes or handwriting. Our image enhancement process also ensures unrivalled image quality, allowing us to remove speckles, hole punch marks and other unwanted features as standard.

For more information, take a look at our technology documentation.

Which types of documents do you scan?

Our equipment is capable of scanning documents of any size ranging from till receipts right up to A0 pages. Types of paperwork we scan include general office documents, invoices and purchase orders, company accounts, surveys and questionnaires, name and address reply slips, coupons, cheques, receipts, courier documents, photographs and letters.

How can I access my files once they have been scanned?

We offer a comprehensive range of options when it comes to accessing your files as part of our digital scanning service, ensuring that the entire process is as easy and convenient as possible.

Once your documents have been scanned and converted into a digital format, you’ll be able to access them via email, online network server, USB drive, mailbox, secure FTP or direct to you (SMB or FTP).

Is it possible to scan in my own documents?

Yes – you can scan in your own documents using ‘SDS Box’ (our bespoke document management system). This platform allows you to scan documents straight into our system from your site or office, making it ideal for uploading important documentation in between scheduled collections.

How much does document scanning cost?

The price of document scanning depends on which service you opt for and how many files you need digitising. For large-scale, recurring projects, our bulk document scanning service is the most cost-effective option; if your business needs a smaller volume of documents scanning, we also offer a scan on-demand package that works on a pay-as-you-go basis.

To find out how much your document scanning project would cost, contact us today.

"SDS have provided a reliable, fail proof, business disaster recovery plan for student documents and other important archives. I was worried the cost would be out of our comfort zone but actually with a business plan put in place, the cost was manageable and is now much more effective. SDS have given us the ability to convert paper documents to electronic files, making our storage and accessibility much more manageable, convenient and cost effective. Shredall SDS Group have provided us with many options to digitize, store and confidentially destroy our rooms full of archive storage. Documents never get misplaced like they used to and rooms that were full of archive boxes are now used as classrooms and a staffroom.”
Education Director of Services - Birmingham Secondary School