FAQs

Answers to commonly asked questions about PDS

What are the minimum system requirements for a stand alone PC?

The minimum system requirements for running PDS on your PC is a Pentium processor running at a clock speed of 166 Mhz., 32 MB of RAM, a SVGA monitor and sufficient storage space for your records.

However, for optimum system performance, we recommend a Pentium processor, 64 MB of RAM, a 17" Super VGA monitor, or larger, and sufficient storage space for your records. In either case, you don't need any special hardware to use PDS

What are the minimum requirements for a network client station?

The minimum client station requirements for a network using Windows 95 peer to peer, Windows NT, or Novell network is a Pentium processor running at a clock speed of 166 Mhz., 32 MB RAM (recommended by Microsoft), a SVGA monitor and sufficient storage space for your records on your Windows 95 workstation or the network server.

The optimum client station requirements for a network using Windows 95 peer to peer, Windows NT, or Novell network is a Pentium processor, 64 MB of RAM, a 17" Super VGA monitor, or larger, and sufficient storage space for your records on your Windows 95 workstation or the network server.

Note: No special VGA adapter or other equipment is required to run PDS.

What is the difference between Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and PDS?

Primarily, Geographic Information Systems are designed to allow the user to reference information in a map centric manner. PDS is information centric and it's Geo-Document Interface is designed to easily link with GIS and mapping programs to enhance their utility and permit broader access to information.

What is the difference between an information delivery system like PDS and a database?

PDS is a complete solution designed to integrate images, databases, GIS, word processing files, spreadsheet files, maps and video, and any other electronic information in a user friendly fashion. PDS allows the user to create reports, export information, view 165 image (file) types and organize your computer information, including multiple databases, in a productive and efficient manner.

What can PDS do that I can't do with a database, word processing and GIS program?

PDS integrates full scanning, OCR, electronic image viewing (including engineering formats), full text retrieval, and a custom report generator in a single easy to learn and use package. While databases do allow report generation and financial tracking, they require extensive learning curves on the part of the user and typically require a specialized staff. Currently, we are not aware of any word processing, or GIS product that offers these features.

How much storage space will I need for my documents, databases and maps?

With current compression techniques used in modern imaging systems, your documents, maps and images will take surprisingly little space. As an example, 100,000 8-1/2" x 11" documents, scanned at 200 dpi, would require 2.35 GB of storage space.

What is the difference between a video and a SCSI scanner?

Video scanners require a board, such as the ones manufactured by Kofax Imaging, to be installed in the scanning PC. The video board does the image processing, making fewer demands on the scanning PC. Video scanners typically provide more advanced imaging features and faster scan time than SCSI based scanners.

SCSI based scanners do not require an imaging board, and therefore, require your PC and scanning software to perform all of the document imaging processes.

Generally, video scanners are used for production scanning, while SCSI scanners are used for lighter duty operations.

What is the advantage of using a document processor board for scanning?

Advanced document capture functions, such as bar code recognition, deskewing, forms processing, image compression and other imaging functions have especially high processing requirements. The document processor board excels at these processor intensive tasks. These boards also support full rated speed for most scanners on the market as well as upcoming generations of scanners from leading manufacturers. Both single-sided and dual-sided scanners are supported.

What is the advantage of batch scanning?

Batch scanning emulates an assembly line-type operation, which saves significant labor costs. For example, a scanner that operates at 25 pages per minute can process a 100-page batch in about five minutes, including overhead. In contrast, if you feed the pages in one by one, it takes as much as 10 seconds per page, for a total of 16 minutes of scanning time. This isn't much if you scan only a few pages a day, but if you scan, say, 5,000 pages a day, it adds up: 11 minutes per batch, 550 minutes per day, 260 days per year -- amounts to 2,300 hours a year. At normal clerical labor rates, this can cost as much as $26,000 each year.

Do I have to scan all my document and maps in order to use them in PDS?

No. You can electronically associate (import) any word processing file, spread sheet file, AutoCAD or Intergraph drawing, and photos and video that currently exists on your system into PDS's electronic folders.

What is the difference between PDS and current imaging systems on the market?

PDS is an intelligent system designed specifically to be utilized, without modification, to manage real property information. Systems designed with a broader target market typically described as "enterprise wide solutions" require the user to 1) modify his way of doing business to meet the requirements of the software; or 2) require extensive modifications to the "enterprise wide solution" to meet the user's business needs.