This scanner might be used to create an alternate workflow with distribution of a document occurring prior to indexing. COLD is a popular way of storing data from voluminous computer outputs. Rather than using paper, the computer prints directly onto a laser or magneto-optical disk. COLD data has the advantage of being searchable because it is a data file, not an image. This feature makes the imaging software become document management software.
Indexing is usually the next step in the image managing process.
Since images are not searchable data files, an index record must be created to be associated with each document. Usually these are key word indexes or subject, date and file number identifiers. These files are only as accurate as the scanning is good, as the scanning is interpreted by the OCR software. After an image is captured and indexed, it must be stored. This stored data can easily be altered.