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The challenge is to produce devices that are small enough, easy enough to use, quiet enough and non-intrusive, so that they can be deployed on the counter of a bank, say, without adding to the clutter and disturbance that additional tech can so often produce. At the same time, such devices are being required to handle an ever-increasing range of different types and sizes of document.

The imageFORMULA DR-C240 is a very compact document scanner that is angled on its stand so that when not in use (i.e. with the ADF and output hopper closed) it takes up barely any desk space - but its size belies its abilities. The three basic user buttons (Job Select, Start, and Stop) are all concealed behind the output hopper when not in use, as is the DFR (Document Feed Release) button.

It will comfortably process a vast range of different types of documents from very thin (e.g. till receipts) to passports and similar ID documents. It can handle long documents up to 3000mm in length (e.g. medical printouts) as well as business cards and embossed (e.g. bank) cards up to 1.4mm in thickness. The DR-C240 comes with a custom passport holder; essentially a passport-sized carrier made of robust plastic that fits neatly to the opened passport so it can be fed easily through the ADF. Some rival manufacturers prefer to go for a 'mini-flatbed' approach to passport scanning, but this ADF-friendly concept works better for fast processing of mixed document batches - the passport can be scanned in exactly the same place as the rest of a user's paperwork.

As is usual with Canon scanners, the imageFORMULA DR-C240 comes with comprehensive software out of the box including Kofax VRS, eCopy's PDF Pro and Canon's own CaptureOnTouch 3. Additionally Canon's CapturePerfect software enables advanced processing features including automatic batch separation and zonal OCR. Images can be routed to SharePoint, DropBox, Evernote, OneDrive and GoogleDrive as well as to PC or network destinations, in the file formats appropriate to the scan process (TIF, JPG, PDF - including searchable, or PNG).

With scan speeds of up to 45ppm/90ipm (black and white) and 30ppm/60ipm (colour) the DR-C240 is no slouch despite its diminutive appearance. It is rated for up to 4,000 scans a day which makes it more than adequate for workgroup use and scan resolution goes right up to 600x600dpi.

The 60-sheet ADF feels robust for such a compact scanner, and the feed mechanism itself is designed to withstand heavy duty use, while an ultrasonic double feed sensor makes unexpected stoppages a rarity.

All in all the DR-C240 comes across as something of a dark horse: it initially looks like many other lightweight, small footprint desktop scanners, but in fact is a workgroup workhorse, capable of handling a surprisingly diverse variety of document types with ease.
More info: www.canon.co.uk