The scanners are in question today because earlier say 5 years back the users were limited and OMR scanners were the only available solution and so were well known. There were no successful OMR Softwares. The H/w scanners used to cost atleast Rs. 350000/-.

Only big Examination bodies and Govt. organizations were able to afford. Even the test patterns were simple so it was manageable.

Since last 5 years, the softwares have fully dominated and almost eliminated the use of H/w Scanners. With the advent of softwares, a cheap alternative OMR has found market even with smaller organizations. Growth of OMR users market and success of Software are complementary to each other.

Lately most organizations have switched over to OMR based tests and thus a lot of creativity in patterns makes it tricky and frequently needs change.

Today, most Economic China Made Hardware Scanners are available for atleast Rs. 180000/- per scanner. Reasonably acceptable versions reach 250000/- and beyond.

Generally sold standard version of OMR Answer sheet checker as used by most coaching classes or preparatory institutes is just Rs. 30000/-. Additionally an ADF scanner of Rs. 5500/- can be used.

Specific OMR sheets printed in 2 colours on a thick paper using the special web offset technology with exact colour alignment are needed.

Two colours because of colour elimination technology to isolate marks.

In some scanners sheets have to be read twice first slowly passed to check acceptability and then finally for checking.

Thick paper needed for accurate cutting of size and to cater for strength at high rolling speed. Folds have a negative effect of acceptance of sheet and accuracy of result.

Optimal inventory must be maintained because procurement takes time.

In case of multi-location use, sheets to be supplied from central stores

Costs around Rs.1.25 per sheet.

Single black colour sheets easy to laser print, offset print or resograph at local level on normal copier paper available in ready cut dimensions. No wasteage due to colour misalignment.

Bubble marks are isolated and accurately read in single colour.

Sheets are accurately read in one go. Any erroneous or unacceptable sheets are skipped and mentioned precisely in the log file simultaneously.

Normal white copier paper can be used. Scanning is easy and evaluation is fast.

Urgently laser prints can be used.

In case of multi-location use, sheets can be printed at each location.

Costs around Rs. 0.25 per sheet.

Both are exactly and equally accurate

Both are exactly and equally accurate

Single go scanning & evaluation. Thus some models are comparatively faster than software, only if it is done in single pass.

Scanning & evaluation are two separate processes. Scanning takes 5-6 seconds per sheet on smallest/ lowest level of ADF scanner. On faster scanners it takes 1 second per sheet.

Evaluation takes approx. 2 minutes for 100 sheets

Solid state mechanism. Sheets should be physically present at the location of  evaluation.

In any case it needs to be integrated with PC for result printing and integration of results with other database or softwares.

Scanning and Evaluation are two separate processes. Sheets can be scanned and soft copy transported through email or any other means at central evaluation location.

Obviously runs on PC.

For deployment at multiple location equally prized hardwares to be used.

For deployment at multiple locations, economical additional licenses can be used.

H/w scanners operate on PLC based logics and are not as quickly and easily customizable. This is the major reason of failure when recent trends as mainly decided by IITs are really very volatile. Every examination they pose a different logic for judgement and calculation.

Even the software needs to be amended sometimes but very rarely. Even if it is amended, the changes are made quickly and implemented at client end with ease. No personnel to be sent no chip to be changed.

Physical handling, Maintenace & upkeep, updation needs personnel presence.

Mechanical movement defines wear and thus has an age. Sensetive to dirt, dust, heat and moisture.

Softwares obviously can be maintenance and  updated remotely from distant locations.

Ageless.