Comparison of Fax, Copiers & Scanners

Knowing exactly what devices you require when outfitting your business with the right office equipment is critical. Copiers, fax machines, and scanners all serve important functions in the office, but they may not be required depending on your company’s needs. Comparing these devices to what you require can assist you in determining which equipment will assist you in keeping things running smoothly.

Function
Despite some similarities, copiers, fax machines, and scanners all serve different purposes in the office. Copiers are intended to quickly scan text or images from a piece of paper and reproduce them on a blank sheet of paper. Fax machines scan an image or writing on a piece of paper and send the data digitally to another fax machine, which prints a copy. Scanners read information or images on paper and digitally capture the information as an image file, which can then be altered, stored, or transmitted as needed.

Similarities
There are several similarities between the three devices. All scan data from hard copies and translate it in some way, and all primarily use printed paper as an input source. Scanners and copiers typically employ a flat, glass bed with a scanner and light that passes beneath and scans the source material. Scanners and fax machines both convert the image from the source material into a digital signal and send it to another location. Finally, both the receiving fax machine and a copier generate a duplicate of the original source document.

Differences
Despite their similarities, each machine is unique. Copiers do exactly that: they copy. They can make single copies or batches of copies, but all they do is duplicate the source material. Fax machines almost never make a copy for the sender. The scanned data is intended for another user and is delivered to her via phone line. In contrast to both, the scanner makes no copies and does not transmit the information to another user; the scanner simply captures and digitises the information. Any replication involving a scanner necessitates the use of a printer.

Combination Machines
While standalone copiers, fax machines, and scanners are available, smaller businesses may be better off investing in one of the many “all-in-one” solutions that also function as printers. These multipurpose devices may be slightly more expensive, but they can save money in the long run when compared to the cost of purchasing a copier, scanner, fax machine, and printer separately.