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Installation FAQ

 



Q:  Can IMS run on a single PC?
A:  You may choose to run any of the IMS products on a single PC.


Q:  My computer is not too old, would I have to upgrade?
A:  Most computers purchased within the past few years should have no problem running any of the IMS products.  If using IMS-Enterprise 4.0, you could notice performance issues when using the Batch Scan Module, inserting images within a document feature, Import Module, and the Advanced Audit feature.  It all depends on how often these features are used and how heavy the use is.  Consult with your IMS-Authorized Reseller to help you better determine this answer.


Q:  Can I run IMS on my MAC?
A:  IMS works within a Windows platform.  Please consult with your MAC representative about MAC's dual boot feature, allowing you to run Windows simultaneously with MAC's operating system.  MAC users can access IMS using a web viewer if purchased by your company or used with our CLOUD Service.

Q:  If I choose to start with a smaller package, can I upgrade later?
A:  All Imaging Made Simple databases are build upon the same principles and structure.  All products are completely expandable to the next package up, including IMS-Enterprise 4.0.  No conversions are needed and the installation can be performed within a matter of minutes.

Q:  Can IMS run on a single PC?
A:  You may choose to run any of the IMS products on a single PC.


Q:  How many users can access IMS-Enterprise 4.0 at one time?
A:  Unlimited quantities of viewers can be purchased.  You may also want to consider the Web Viewer (view only) allowing unlimited users to view content, without ability to change anything to the database.  You will also want to consult with your IMS-Authorized Reseller about the hardware processing requirements based on your unique needs.



Q:  Do I have to have a scanner?
A:  You do not have to have a scanner if planning to only import electronic files into the database.  Some customers use a 3rd party Service Bureau to do their scanning and send you electronic files, with or without metadata.  Others possibly work in mostly a computer environment without much paper and a select few of our customers only capture data from phone lines or other data streams.

Q:  Am I limited to a specific brand of scanner?
A:  NO.  Any scanner that supports TWAIN technology will do.

Q:  What Operating System is compatible with IMS?
A: Windows XP, Vista, & 7 

Q:  Do I have to use a DBMS (Database Management System)?
A:  You do not have to purchase a DBMS to operate any of the IMS products.  Only IMS-Enterprise allows you to use a 3rd party DBMS.  We strongly encourage you to consider a DBMS like MS SQL, especially if your office has many users and files to manage.  There are many advantages to using a DBMS, most significantly you will increase performance speed of handling large quantities of data and activity.  For a small office, you may even consider the free versions offered by Microsoft, which have a few limitations or speed bumps to consider.  Please consult with your IMS-Authorized Dealer for more details.

Q:  Do I have to purchase the Batch Scan Module?
A:  The Batch Scan Module comes standard on all IMS products, except the Enterprise Edition.  If intending to scan documents you will need either the Batch Scan Module or the Smart Scan View Seat License for the Enterprise Edition.  If your scanning needs are minimum, you could possibly get by without a Batch Scan Module.

Q:  Can I use my copier?
A:  YES.  Many copiers support TWAIN scanning methods.  Most copiers offer push scan technology (typically added expense) allowing to scan to either email or a network folder.  Even more impressive, some copiers can scan directly to IMS, allowing you to answer questions at the copier for auto populating IMS index fields.  Please consult with your IMS-Authorized Reseller for complete details.

Q:  Can IMS limit or completely remove a users ability to only viewing a document?
A:  IMS-Enterprise offers user control features.  Depending on the quantity of users, you may want to consider the IMS-Web Viewer which only allows for search and view.  Either options will prevent a user from making any changes or "writing" to the database.

Q:  What kind of printer do I need?
A:  Any printer compatible with MS Windows will do fine.

Q:  Can IMS fax a document?
A:  A 3rd Party hardware or software would be needed.  You would simply print to a fax driver, which involves an internet service or hardware solution.

Q:  What happens if I have lost my installation CD?
A:  Contact your Reseller for a replacement or download the current version here: http://support.imnt-tech.com/updates

Q:  What happens if I run out of space on my hard drive?
A:  Additional storage locations can be added to the profile using the Managment Interface.



Q:  We just purchased IMS Enterprise.  We have thousands of scanned documents in PDF format on our server.  Is there a way to get these electronic documents and all our other digital files into IMS?
A:  The Import Module can pull all these files into IMS.  There are a couple of features involving Tiff versus PDF, that may need to be considered.  These PDF's can be left as PDF or converted to a Tiff (or other formats types).  Details can be extracted from various areas concerning these electronic files.  This extracted data can be used to auto populate fields within the Profile.  This could save a tremendous amount of time and the entire process could possibly be automated.  One or multiple scripts would need to be written, a service provided by your Authorized IMS-Reseller.


Q:  How many different types of Profiles may I create?
A:  Only IMS Enterprise will allow for UNLIMITED quantities of profiles and index fields.  All other IMS products contain only one Profile and 6-index fields.

Q:  Can I remove an index field at a later date?
A:  YES.  If you remove this field, all data stored under this fields name will be removed.  Be careful to not remove or change the field type without taking serious consideration as to the long-term results.  In some cases you may be able to go back to a previous back-up you have made.  For example:  If you change a date field that used to be manually entered under the character or numeric status, to using the date status type, your search results from that time on will only pull up information created under the date.

Q:  Does IMS support remote log-in or internet access?
A:  Using third party software applications or services, you can access IMS.  Nothing special is required from the IMS side.  You will have to consult with your Information Service Department and/or IMS-Authorized Reseller for help with security and bandwidth needs.  The IMS-Web Viewer could also be a potential solution for your organization if multiple people need access to the database with View Only needs.






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