In this step pages are taken from their folders, paperclips and staples are removed, ripped and torn pages taped and document breaks are inserted. 

TADIS recognizes that document preparation is a key element in any conversion process. The old saying "garbage in, garbage out" definitely applies here. Pages that are folded over hide text, ripped pages cause jams and further damage to the document. These are just a few examples of shortcomings that proper document preparation eliminates. There are three primary events that happen in Document Preparation: Separation, Grouping, and Improving Condition.

Separation – Staples, paperclips, rubber bands and tape all provide excellent means for grouping pages together. They also make it impossible for pages to be scanned. In this stage all means of binding pages together are removed. Pages are separated to insure individual feeding and jam free operation.

Grouping – Files hold numerous amounts of paper. Depending on the parameters determined in the Project Evaluation Stage, the entire file could be one document or could be comprised of multiple documents. In this stage the pages in the file are grouped according to the indexing criteria and document breaks are inserted. Also pages with pertinent indexing information become the first page of each document.

Improving Condition – Through normal use and storage documents degrade. Pages are ripped. Documents are inadvertently folded covering important text. Post-it notes are stuck on pages. These are all fixed in this stage. Rips are taped. Folded pages are unfolded and laid flat. Post-it notes are tape to a blank sheet of paper for conversion. If needed,  pages are rotated for proper orientation and stacked neatly and symmetrically.

These steps are the foundation of a good document conversion. Time spent here paying attention to detail eliminates future errors and helps provide the best quality scanning obtainable.