[Appraising the storing of X-ray images].

We compared the cost to store X-ray films among storing them by themselves, utilizing rental stock, converting to microfilm and entering images into optical file system. We used microcomputer and spread sheet system on it for this comparison. Storing X-ray films by themselves is the most inexpensive, but the cost is depend on the price of land. Rental stock is the second. If the price of land is high, microfilm is most inexpensive. Optical file system is much expensive. It is not suit to store X-ray images which are already being stored as X-ray films. Beside of the cost, we should also estimate the factors as accessibility to image, easiness of use the systems etc.

Economics of image and document handling: the changing role of micrographics.

The various tasks associated with image and document handling are analyzed with respect to properties of competing technologies and media, such as micrographics, video technologies and interactive computer systems with magnetic or optical data disks. It is shown how changing economic parameters modify the spectrum of advantageous applications of micrographics. The benefits of integrating micrographics components into various types of computer-aided systems are emphasized.

How to determine cost savings for a records/files management program.

This article provides some guidelines for distinguishing between feelings and facts in order to determine the cost savings potential for a particular system, first to convince oneself of the "rightness" of the new approach and second, to convince other decision makers in the organization of the true benefits, including economic benefits of the change.

Illinois economics and micrographics.

This paper covers the operational and financial details of the first Illinois computer-output microfische installation. Fiscal 1981 costs and output are compared against earlier data highlight the economics of micrographics in effecting cost savings against an ever-increasing need for computer data output to assist management information needs. Typical user data is shown and monthly report forms covering source document microfilming, photographic processing and laboratory services are presented. Operational costs are compared and the cost per microfiche copy and per original silver negative are developed. The semantics of "savings" versus "cost avoidance" is explored.

Microfiche and automated indexing applications for regulatory submissions to the Food and Drug Administration.

In today's conservative climate, with cost-cutting consciousness, gradual steps should be taken to "marry" micrographics with new technologies. When managers have thorough knowledge and understanding of the regulatory requirements of the federal government, they can proceed to review, analyze and update documentation with indexing and decide the appropriate format of data, as well as the vehicles best suited for the user's needs, integrating micrographics and automated indexing. It is important that industry and regulatory agencies work together. For five years, Merck has been involved in refining microfiche specifications for submissions to various Bureaus at the Food and Drug Administration, originally for the Bureau of Drugs and currently for the Bureau of Foods and the Bureau of Veterinary Medicine. In these pilot projects, Merck has shared its know-how with other pharmaceutical companies in published articles, one-day seminars and several speeches at conferences of national organizations such as the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PMA) and the Association of Records Managers and Administrators (ARMA). In April 1979, a presentation was made before the Garden State Chapter of the National Micrographics Association (NMA).