Case Study: City of Waltham Scanning Project

From Physical Files to Searchable Digital Archives

The City of Waltham’s Water and Sewer Division was facing a major challenge: their historical records were stored in less-than-optimal conditions, making retrieval time-consuming and inefficient. Donnegan Systems partnered with the city to transform their records management process by digitizing over a century’s worth of documentation.

Using specialized equipment and a preservation-first approach, Donnegan Systems scanned and organized fragile materials—some dating back to the 1800s. From notebooks to oversized blueprints, each document was carefully processed and indexed for instant access, helping Waltham modernize how critical infrastructure data is stored and retrieved.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Preservation of Fragile Historical Documents
Delicate materials dating back to the 1800s were carefully scanned using preservation-grade equipment to ensure their integrity for future generations.

Searchable Digital Access
Through OCR technology and structured indexing, all files were transformed into searchable digital archives, dramatically improving information retrieval times.

Customized Integration with City Systems
The digitized records were tailored to integrate seamlessly with Waltham’s existing workflows, minimizing disruption and enabling immediate use.

End-to-End Project Support
From planning through scanning and final delivery, Donnegan provided hands-on consultation and secure handling to ensure a smooth and successful transformation.

PROJECT DETAILS

From oversized blueprints to bound field books, our equipment and expertise allowed us to handle a wide range of document types with care and precision.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
Every scanned file was processed with OCR, turning static images into fully searchable documents that allow staff to quickly locate keywords and critical data.

Specialized Book & Notebook Scanning
Delicate bound materials, including field notebooks and engineering logbooks, were scanned using equipment designed to preserve their condition while capturing every detail.

Blueprint & Oversized Document Handling
Large-format documents like engineering blueprints and sewer line maps were digitized with precision, maintaining scale and clarity for continued operational use.

PROJECT DETAILS