But in fact the i1190WN offers one major advantage over its siblings: it is wireless, so scanning can be easily shared among multiple users (there is still USB and Ethernet connectivity available as well, for maximum flexibility). Scans can be controlled from mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets as well as conventional desktop and laptop PCs.

In keeping with the 'anyone in the office can use it' ethos, setup on the i1190WN is designed to be as straightforward as possible: the network setup process generates an encrypted QR code sheet that can then be printed and scanned - and that's it. For multiple deployments across a network, this approach is a really clever innovation.

The colour LCD control panel display on the device includes a useful guide to who is using the scanner at any given time (e.g. 'Scanner in use by David's Android') which could be handy in multi-user environments during periods of heavy use. This display also shows things like wifi signal strength and number of pages scanned.

TWAIN and ISIS drivers are included of course, so integration with existing applications is seamless, and a web API makes driverless scanning equally straightforward to deploy.

As usual with Kodak Alaris, the i1190WN includes PerfectPage image processing technology (embedded in the hardware in this case) which means the scanner can handle documents of any type, size or condition with practically zero interruptions and operator intervention required - and the image quality is as superb as we have come to expect from Kodak. Kodak Capture Pro software (Limited Edition) is also included with the i1190WN.

Scan speeds are impressive at a rated 40ppm/80ipm duplex (standard colour A4 at 300dpi) - the i1150WN variant delivers a slightly slower 30ppm which is still more than enough for most departmental and office users. The ultrasonic multi-feed detection and Intelligent Document Protection add to the overall feeling of a quality business device that is designed to handle whatever is thrown at it, from business or ID cards through 'normal' documents and forms right up to extra-long documents such as are found in healthcare applications for example. The document feeder can hold up to 75 standard sheets, and the recommended daily volume is a very impressive 5,000 sheets a day.

Overall it is clear that this latest scanner offering from Kodak Alaris continues to build on the company's reputation for highly efficient and easy to use scanning solutions. As wireless connectivity becomes more of a must-have in modern offices as opposed to the perhaps slightly 'gimmicky' perception of even a few years ago, the i1190WN stands out in the crowd.
More info: www.kodakalaris.com/en-gb/b2b