The SmartSource Pro Elite Plus offers the versatility of both USB and standard Ethernet connections. It allows you to start with a standard USB scanner and easily transition to network scanning whenever needed. This multi-feed check scanner is designed to deliver higher speeds and greater capacity, making it ideal for high-volume teller capture environments.
By default, the Pro Elite Plus functions as a typical check scanner, connecting via a standard USB connection to the teller workstation, which is the setup commonly used in most branches today.
For branches operating thin-client workstations and virtual environments, specialized scanners with onboard intelligence are required. The Pro Elite Plus offers this functionality as well. A simple firmware update activates this built-in capability, allowing the scanner to communicate over an Ethernet connection.
A convertible USB / Ethernet scanner offers flexibility for banks or credit unions considering a transition to a thin-client network environment in the future. While not yet set up, many financial institutions delay equipment replacements until after transitioning to a networked environment or updating IT infrastructure alongside new scanner purchases. With the Pro Elite Plus, equipment replacement becomes seamless; simply switch modes, and continue operations.
Moreover, in USB mode, the Pro Elite Plus functions like a standard SmartSource Elite series device. This compatibility ensures smooth integration with existing scanners, allowing it to operate seamlessly alongside them.
Network-ready check scanners are equipped with a compact CPU and additional memory, essentially resembling a small computer akin to a set-top streaming device like Roku or Chromecast. While not as powerful as desktop PCs, it efficiently manages scanner operations and tasks such as image compression autonomously, irrespective of the host machine. This feature makes it well-suited for thin-client workstations commonly used in networked environments, minimizing driver or operating-system conflicts.
To delve deeper into the functionality of scanners in modern networked bank branches, click on the following link.
The Pro Elite Plus primarily operates with its onboard computing functions disabled by default, functioning akin to a USB-attached check scanner. However, it possesses the necessary hardware to function as a network scanner, requiring only a one-time (FREE) firmware update to activate network mode.
When you’re prepared to fully utilize the Pro Elite Plus’ network capabilities, simply toggle the mode — no need to invest in an entirely new scanner!
In the diagram below, the crucial aspect to note is the second column, particularly regarding your teller workstations’ capability to process images.
Thin-client workstations lack the processing capacity, necessitating an alternative entity to handle this task. Consequently, image compression must occur either onboard the scanner or on the remote server:
In a thin-client network setup, the teller workstation essentially serves as a conduit to the server hosting the teller application. In simpler terms, this means that either the raw image-capture data must traverse the network or the image requires compression and optimization before transmission.
Directly sending raw data to the server poses a challenge due to the substantial file size of each scanned check, typically 2-3 MB. Consequently, a fully operational teller scanner can produce over half a gigabyte of data per minute. Such a volume could easily saturate network bandwidth and lead to congestion.
Onboard compression alleviates this issue by reducing each image to a compact 10-20 KB black-and-white file, significantly smaller than the raw format. This intelligent approach ensures optimal network performance and ample breathing room for your network infrastructure.
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