Get the largest of the large format scanners

When the size of your scanned documents is unpredictable, you may want to choose a large format scanner with the biggest capacity possible. In some instances a 24 inch by 36 inch, or size D style, will fit most needs, unless your company scans specialty items, such as banners.

I recommend: Colortrac SmartLF Gx 25 Large Format Scanner from Colortrac Ltd is a great size D type scanner. It's best for general engineering applications. The XEScan Solution by Xerox Corporation handles documents up to 42 inches wide, 100 feet long and up to 1/2 inch thick. This copier, scanner and printer handles damaged documents beautifully and reproduces with ease.

Determine if your company needs one of the large format flatbed scanners

When scanning things like art pieces and other documents produced on rigid material, you need a scanner that is capable of handling the job. For artistic applications, you'll also need a quality large format color scanner to reproduce the colors in the art effectively.

I recommend: Flatbed wide format scanners for fine art are available through Super Warehouse, which carries the Epson Expression 10000XL Graphic Arts Scanner with a 12-inch by 17-inch bed and 2400 x 4800 dpi resolution. For larger applications, such as paintings, try the Action Imaging Solutions Colortrac Series available from SCANtopia.

Find the best pricing plan available on large format scanners for your company

When scanning large format media of various sizes, you'll find that when you go big, you go big on price as well. Pricing for large format scanners requires setting aside investment capital, or going into a lease or rental agreement. Unless you are able to do your own service on your large format scanner, or have an inside line on parts, you may want to choose a lease situation over a purchase situation.

I recommend: Refurbished large format scanners can be found through EME Corporation/Large Document Solutions and save you capital over purchasing new equipment. Digital Data Services has leasing options that save your company the large investment of purchasing the scanner.