Review: Fujitsu fi-7300NX

Editorial Type: Review Date: 2018-09-01 Views: 2,505 Tags: Document, Fujitsu, fi-7300NX PDF Version:
Fujitsu's latest network scanner is so new to the UK market that the only way we could review one was on the premises of Fujitsu partner Document Logistix, who are already able to offer full integration with the latest version of their Document Manager 5 software

This meant that, as well as seeing the scanner itself in action with real-world applications, we were also able to assess its appeal to potential SIs and partners. The team at Document Logistix were full of praise for how easy the new device had been to configure for ad-hoc and batch scanning alike.

Described by Fujitsu as a 'gateway to flexible centralised capture', the fi-7300NX is ideal for applications where users are loth to deploy a scanner that needs a dedicated PC, for reasons of cost or space. In fact up to 1,000 devices can be managed centrally using Fujitsu's PaperStream NX Manager, making it simple and fast to deploy or update large numbers of machines in remote locations.

Hardware-wise the fi-7300NX has much in common internally with Fujitsu's top selling scanner, so it is no surprise to see performance is comparably impressive (60ppm, 120ipm for A4 300dpi portrait scans, with a typical daily duty cycle of 4,000 sheets). The ADF holds up to 80 sheets and - again like other recent Fujitsu models - there is a Manual Feed Mode switch that lets users convert the scanner instantly to handle non-standard document types such as cards, filled envelopes and the like.

A good sized colour touch screen controls access to the scan options defined by the user, and access to the scanner itself can be by PIN or password entry, or by the built-in NFC reader for organisations using smart ID cards.

Configuration via PaperStream NX Manager is remarkably straightforward and can be as simple as how it connects to the network and how to identify the device once connected. It is even possible to connect using smartphone tethering where network access is limited. Three API options (REST, Authentication, Connector) and the included PaperStream NX Manager SDK make for simple and efficient integration with line-of-business applications and client systems and setting up job/user profiles.

The flexibility of a scanner that doesn't need its own PC is something that partners like Document Logistix are keen to exploit, citing how easy it is to simply 'walk in with the scanner, drop it in, turn it on and away you go'. Potential use cases include remote or field staff who need to scan Proof of Delivery notes or contracts, Health & Safety staff filing reports and forms from different sites, student enrolment onboarding at educational institutions and even law enforcement personnel.

Fujitsu is running webinars and events over the coming months to promote the message to the channel of the opportunities afforded by the fi-7300NX in terms of ease of deployment for the partner, as well as reduced hardware and infrastructure costs for the end user.
More info: www.fujitsu.com/uk/scanners

VERDICT

Built on the pedigree of the fi-7160, itself one of Fujitsu's most popular and best-selling scanners, the fi-7300NX offers unparalleled flexibility and ease of configuration, while reducing hardware/infrastructure costs.