Scanning operator

Scanning operators tend scanners. They feed print materials into the machine and set controls on the machine or on a controlling computer to obtain the highest resolution scan.

The following job titles also refer to scanning operator:

scanning machine operator
scanning specialist
document scanning specialist
document scanner
scanning clerk
scanner operator
scanner tender
scanning machine tender
scanner worker
document scanning operator
scanner technician
scanning technician
scanner specialist

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a scanning operator.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Scanning operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to scanning operator.

reprographics technician
digital printer
prepress operator
gravure press operator
offset printer

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of scanning operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of scanning operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

print studio supervisor
metrology technician
3D printing technician
air pollution analyst
commissioning technician

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of scanning operator.

• Reprography: The process of reproducing, reprinting, or copying graphic material especially by mechanical or electronic means such as photography or xerography.
• Imaging techniques: The principles, advantages, and disadvantages of various diagnostic and interventional imaging methods.
• Printing techniques: The techniques and processes to reproduce text and images using a master form or template such as letterpress printing, gravure, and laser printing.

These skills are necessary for the role of scanning operator.

• Prepare documents for scanning: Prepare documents for scanning by determining logical breaks and unitization of hard copy documents and assembling and reassembling these afterwards.
• Handle scanning material safely: Load and handle the material to be scanned safely and make sure that the scanning equipment is clean.
• Create digital files: Create digital files in the computer system after quality checking printing or scanned documents for malfunctions.
• Create digital images: Create and process two-dimensional and three-dimensional digital images depicting animated objects or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modelling programs.
• Set scanner controls: Use a mouse, keyboard or other controls to set up the scanner precisely.
• Calibrate electronic instruments: Correct and adjust the reliability of an electronic instrument by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results. This is done in regular intervals which are set by the manufacturer and using calibration devices.
• Follow safety precautions in printing: Apply safety and health principles, policies and institutional regulations of working in printing production. Protect oneself and others against such hazards as chemicals used in printing, invasive allergens, heat, and disease causing agents.
• Produce scanned images: Produce scanned images that satisfy different categories and are free of potential defects.
• Check for flaws in scanned material: Check for colour consistency and possible flaws in the scanned material.
• Operate scanner: Set up and operate scanner equipment and its hard- and software.
• Write calibration report: Report on the instrument calibration measurements and results. A calibration report includes the objectives and approach of the test, descriptions of tested instruments or products, test procedures, and test results.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of scanning operator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Digital printing: The technique that allows printing a digital-based image directly onto a variety of materials, mostly using inkjet or laser printer.
• Printing on large scale machines: Methods, processes, and restrictions related to printing on machines that produce large quantities and sizes of graphic print materials.
• Types of paper: The different criteria used to determine differences in paper types such as coarseness and thickness, and the different fabrication methods and wood types from which the types of paper stem.
• Maintenance of printing machines: Upkeep procedures and technical working of machines that produce printed graphical material.
• Copyright legislation: Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of scanning operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Follow a brief: Interpret and meet requirements and expectations, as discussed and agreed upon with the customers.
• Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
• Digitise documents: Load analog documents by converting them into a digital format, using specialised hardware and software.
• Maintain system logs: Maintain system logs or manuals to document equipment testing and operation.
• Meet deadlines: Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.
• Perform image editing: Edit various types of images such as analogue and digital photographs or illustrations.
• Inspect printing output: Verify that the printing output is satisfactory using various methods such as visual verification, use of spectrophotometers or densitometers. The problems that might occur include misregisters or colour variation.
• Process printing input: Accept and pre-process input documents and orders to be used for print production.
• Lay out digital written content: Lay out pages by selecting sizes, styles and entering text and graphics into computer systems.
• Cut page edges: Fit the cutting template, set the guillotine, load pages and trim the edges to obtain the desired shape while keeping production quality and quantity.
• Perforate printed media: Use tools to create small holes or series of holes in printed material in order to allow easy separation from designated sections of the printed output.
• Use Microsoft Office: Possess the ability to work with the standard programs contained in Microsoft Office at a capable level. Create a document and do basic formatting, insert page breaks, create headers or footers, and insert graphics, create automatically generated tables of contents and merge form letters from a database of addresses (usually in Excel). Create auto-calculating spreadsheets, create images, and sort and filter data tables.

7321 – Pre-press technicians

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References

1. Scanning operator – ESCO