We use IBM's Content Manager for iSeries and are very well pleased and we use Kofax's Ascent Capture as our primary front end (scanning and indexing). <p>We have used these products (or their predecessors) for over 10 years and have almost 31 million documents in the repository. <p>I can go into greater detail if you are interested. <p>Joe

We have been doing imaging for over 6 years. In our opinion, there <BR>
are three (3) good packages available. IBM's Content Manager, <BR>
RealVison and Vanguard. I don't remember what happened to Magellan, <BR>
but they didn't pass our requirement tests. None are inexpensive and <BR>
neither is Kofax Ascent. We started out with IBM and Acsent then <BR>
switched gears due to the cost and support. We sat down designed <BR>
and wrote our own code for displaying images and switched to Pixel Translations QuickScan Pro. We have found there support is second <BR>
to none and the product is not only excellent, it's also inexpensive when compared to the others.

I am not well versed on the ongoing cost for using CM for iSeries (my boss deals with that), but I do know that the pricing structure changed recently and we now have a lot more at our disposal than we once did (i.e. OnDemand).

Thanks, guys. <p>What I'm looking for is a bare-bone package which would enable us to scan documents -- claim forms, let's say -- into our iSeries, associating them with a customer number, and pull them up from a green screen. I'm thinking maybe three scanning stations and an IBM Optical jukebox to store the scanned images. I've been told I won't be able to do this for under $35,000. But I've looked up the price of IBM Content Manager, and it looks like I could get the Express version for $2,000. So does the $35,000 price sound right to you?

Christopher, <p>A few questions/comments - <p>How many claim forms do you plan to scan on a monthly basis? This would affect the cost of your Ascent Capture software because it is based on images scanned per month. It would also have a direct bearing on the cost of your scanner. Our primary scanning station scans 7,000 - 10,000 documents per day and is a Bell & Howell 8080D - I think the cost of this scanner alone was around $25,000 - and that was several years ago. We have never had a problem with the scanner. Period. <p>How many users would be viewing documents? That directly impacts the cost of CM for iSeries. <p>Finally, I can tell you that it is not difficult to interface the green screen to the CM client. We have several applications that do this. <p>Oh, one more thing. What type of claim forms are they (i.e are they single or multi page documents)? Depending on the answer to this, you might could get away with scanning them to the ifs and then indexing through a green screen and bypass Kofax completely. We do this with some faxed images, but it is only practical for one page documents. <p>HTH, <p>Joe

Christopher - <p>IBM used to charge $2,000 per user with a base charge of $15-18k for <BR>
Content Manager. If you just want to do some high speed scanning and <BR>
upload it to the IFS you can find a number adequate PC scanning packages like we did with QuickScan Pro. I agree with Joe that it is not that difficult to develop software to index and display images on green screens (3489s). We did find, however, that scanning directly into the IFS was too slow. But then we don't have a new Power5 box either. I would like to know how many documents you're talking about also. We do about 100k per month.

Check this out - <a href="http://www-306.ibm.com/software/info/ecatalog/en_US/products/I108679E70767Y98.html">http://www-306.ibm.com/software/info/ecatalog/en_US/products/I108679E70767Y98.html</a> <p>Not real sure how to interpret the pricing structure......... <p>This may also help - <BR>
<a href="http://www-306.ibm.com/fcgi-bin/common/ssi/ssialias?infotype=an&subtype=ca&appname=CM&htmlfid=897/ENUS205-064">http://www-306.ibm.com/fcgi-bin/common/ssi/ssialias?infotype=an&subtype=ca&appname=CM&htmlfid=897/ENUS205-064</a> <p>Joe

Thanks again for the feedback. It was helpful. Right now I'm just testing the waters and don't have firm answers to some of your questions. But you're right, I misinterpreted the pricing of Content Manager -- it's much more expensive than I thought. I'm going to continue to collect information on this and I'll let you know how it works out.

Chris: <p>I recommend you check out a company called RealVision for your document imaging. They have been in the document imaging arena since 1988 - their product was designed exclusively for the AS400 / iSeries market. Pricing for their product is based on your AS400 processor and is a one-time fee (plus annual maintenance) - there are no additional charges for number of users of number of documents stored, as with other imaging software.

Chris: <p>Do you know about RJS Software and their Image Server product? <BR>
This product allows you to scan images and store them on the iseries (IFS), index the images, and view them using a browser. <p>Their web site is www.rjssoftware.com

I concur with William Joy assessment of Real Vision Software (RVI). I just purchased RVI and am in the process of installing it at our company.

you certainly can get it done under 35K. If you are willing to use a PC product that will integrate with your iSeries application. We are using Digitech Systems PaperVision Enterprise for our insurance clients, and it works extremely well. if you would like more information on it let me know. ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) <p>Max

Christopher, <p>I am with RJS Software, one of the top 4 document management providers on the iSeries. We typically have a ease of implementation, support, upgrade and pricing structure that our customers can relate to easily. I'd be interested in talking with you to see if there may be a fit between our companies for imaging. We also offer a scanning client for capturing your claim forms. We would definitely be able to accomodate your needs for under 35k. If you'd like to set up a personal demo of our solution...please contact me. <p>Bill Whalen <BR>
RJS Software <BR>
888-RJSSOFT

Had anyone had any good experiences with a document scanning/imaging package they are willing to share? I'm currently looking for one for my company. <p>Thanks.

Quadrant Software has workflow and imaging solutions that integrate seamlessly with various business applications such as JD Edwards, SSA PRMS, Infor, and many others. We specialize in Paperless Process Management (PPM) solutions that essentially help companies become paperless while significantly improving the workflow process. Additionally, companies can automate various tasks such as three-way matching purchase orders, PODs, and invoices, document approval, information delivery, and reminders. For more information, visit www.quadrantsoftware.com.