book2net Brings AI and Automation to Archive Digitization
Digitization in archives means more than scanning. It takes a clear workflow, structured metadata and, increasingly, automation. book2net is introducing two new developments for archive digitization: MICROBOX BRIDGE, a scan on demand workflow, and ARGUS, an AI-powered archive scanner.
MICROBOX BRIDGE: Scan on Demand Workflow from Request to Digital Copy
MICROBOX BRIDGE is a web application that manages scanning on demand in archives, from the first request to the finished digital copy. A request for archival material passes through many stations: recording, picking up, checking, scanning, shipping, storing and closing. BRIDGE connects all of them in one system. Every request stays traceable at any time, without technical overhead in daily work.
BRIDGE has two modules. The workflow module is for staff who process requests, check archival materials and monitor scan production. The research portal lets external users place orders directly. Status overviews, a search across all requests and a dashboard with key figures on scan production keep everything in view.
Requests can arrive in three ways: manually via the web interface, by CSV bulk upload, or automatically via API. All of them run through the same digitization workflow.
BRIDGE also widens what an archive can offer. Alongside classic reproduction orders, archives can add simple analyses and content summaries as a service
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ARGUS: AI-Powered Archive Scanner with Handwriting Recognition
ARGUS is the AI-powered archive scanner from book2net, built on an integrated AI module. Every device in the book2net series can be equipped with it. The AI runs locally, with no external cloud and no permanent internet connection.
ARGUS combines AI-powered OCR with handwritten text recognition. It extracts metadata such as names, dates and places, understands structure, context and layout, and proposes descriptions for the finding aid. Results can be handed over as XML, JSON or CSV. The fields and structure follow the archive’s own finding aid and management system.
ARGUS automates the preparatory work, not the professional responsibility. Staff review, correct and approve each result. Data entry becomes review and refinement, and data sovereignty stays fully with the user.
Two Components, One Goal
BRIDGE organizes the digitization workflow. ARGUS reads what the scanner captures. Together they take an archive from the request to a reviewed, usable finding aid.
Both products will be shown at ARCHIVISTICA 2026 in Hof, among other upcoming events. If you can’t make it in person, or simply want to explore both at your own pace, you can find a demo here:
