Fujitsu FI-7160 Review | The #1 Small Scanner in 2019

The Fujitsu Fi-7160  is a workgroup scanner that can process around 5000 documents every day. It can scan at 60 pages per minute, which makes it very fast for its low price point.

The specifications of this scanner make it ideal for use in a small office or in a small department of any company. 

Quick Navigation

1. 1. Fujitsu Fi 7160 Alternative
   2. Fujitsu fi-7160 vs IX1500
   3. Fujitsu fi-7160 vs Fujitsu Scansnap ix500
   4. Fujitsu fi-7160 vs Canon DR-M260
   5. Fujitsu fi-7160 vs Fujitsu fi-7140
   6. Fujitsu fi-7160 vs Fujitsu fi-7180

Where to buy the Fujitsu fi-7160

Currently, the best place to buy the Fujitsu fi-7160 scanner is Amazon.

Especially in the marketplace, you will find enough sellers for this product. Most of them will either be Fujitsu dealers or IT re-sellers.

There are a couple of reasons why you should buy the scanner from Amazon:

• The cost of the FI 7160 will be competitive. The more sellers, the lower the price you’ll pay for it.
• Most sellers are Fujitsu dealers or IT re-sellers. They can offer more or less the same support as any offline provider can offer.
• Last but not least, there are not many offline providers for scanners. Actually, I can’t think of another way of buying a scanning machine except going online.

Warranty is another aspect you should take into account. If you can invest, we recommend you buy an extended warranty.

Fujitsu offers SWAP extended warranty for the Fujitsu Fi 7160. When you have problems with your machine, you just notify Fujitsu. They will send you a fully working scanner to replace the broken one.

Fujitsu Fi-7160 specs

This scanner features most of the options and features of more expensive scanning equipment.

I would say that for its price tag, it will deliver far more than you would expect.

• Color Scanning – This scanner works in Bitonal, Grayscale and Color. The best thing about it, Fujitsu offers 6 different tonal modes for Color. The “Bright” feature is great when you have darker images, while the “Normal” and “Automatic” modes are perfect for standard documents. The “Normal” and “Bright” options will work great even when scanning photos.
• Duplex Scanning – The equipment will scan both sides of a sheet through a single pass. It has 2 separate duplex scanning modes, Book and Fanfold. The Book duplex mode is great for portrait documents, while the Fanfold mode will auto rotate landscape documents.
• Scanning Speed – You can scan A4 portrait documents at 60 pages per minute in simplex mode. In duplex mode, you will capture 120 images in the same amount of time. The speed is high enough to process 5000 documents on a daily basis.
• Duty Cycle – Fujitsu claims a duty cycle of 4000 pages each day. Actually, you can easily scan 5000 documents every day.
• Scanning Size – The scanner was built to mainly scan A4 or smaller sheets. You can also scan A3 folded in carrier mode, and the driver will stitch both sides together.
• Scan to PDF is standard, but you can also choose TIFF, Jpeg, or even OCR files. Scanning is possible in single or multi-page format. The OCR might take a long time to process, but it still works.

Fi 7160 Productivity Features

Besides the standard features, this scanner has a couple interesting ones that help you increase productivity.

• Auto rotate – With this feature, the scanner will automatically rotate your scan to correct the orientation. You can’t imagine how well the function works, and the error rate is very low.
• Blank Page Detection – This option lets you automatically detect and skip white pages. The detection function works very well and you can use a special threshold to adjust for different white levels.
• Batch Folder – The fact that you can manually insert the name of your scanning folder at the beginning of each job helps a lot. This might seem obvious, but there is still scanning software that doesn’t offer it.
• Name rule – The naming rule is a great automatization feature for renaming files and folders. It includes variables such as date, time, location or even strings.

How to install the Fujitsu FI 7160 scanner

The first thing you have to do when you want to start using the scanner is to install the drivers and scanning software.

This scanner comes bundled with the following:

• Paperstream IP Driver – Twain and ISIS
• Paperstream Capture – Scanning and capture software
• ScanSnap Manager for fi Series – Application for easy workflow based scanning
• ABBYY FineReader for ScanSnap – Small app for OCR of scanned documents
• Administration Software – Software Operation Panel, Error Recovery Guide, Scanner Central Admin Agent

Fujitsu FI 7160 DRIVER

Fujitsu calls their driver Paperstream IP. It’s like a package of drivers and can support most Fujitsu drivers out there.

The driver package has the following characteristics:

• It comes in TWAIN or ISIS standard. Most customers will use and probably integrate the TWAIN version in their software
• The features are well integrated into the driver and the machine. Therefore, the image processing features are very quick and don’t need a lot of RAM to work properly.
• We love that a lot of the features are integrated into the driver. This means you don’t need to rely on the scanning software and can easily integrate the scanner with your own software.

The FI 7160 bundled software

The scanner comes bundled with a lot of software.

The most important is the Paperstream Capture scanning software. The strong points are the following:

• First of all the scanning software is free. Yes, it only works with a Fujitsu scanner, but you don’t have to spend money on it.
• Compared to the Kofax Express it definitely has fewer features. But, for average users, the Paperstream Capture provides enough processing power.
• You can do a preliminary indexation of your documents directly in the scanning software. This can be done using the naming rule from the software.
• There are various options for scanning destinations and you can choose a batch folder when you start the scanning.

Scansnap Manager is a small scanning app that comes with the cheaper Fujitsu Scanners. It’s a very simple app and only has a couple of features.

It’s really nice if you don’t need advanced document scanning, as it works really quickly. It has scanning shortcuts that you can modify and you can scan by virtually just one click.

Scansnap users really love it, so Fujitsu has decided to bundle it with more expensive scanners. It also integrates with the Abby Fine Reader for Scansnap, so you can directly create searchable files from your scans.

FI 7160 maintenance and administration software

The administration software that is bundled with the scanner can really help you.

Software Operation Panel will tell you just about anything that is of interest regarding the scanner. First of all, you can check the total volume of scans.

Second of all, you can see how many pages have been scanned since the last cleaning cycle or since consumables replacement.

You can enable or disable multifeed, configure the page edge filter, drop-out color or even enable the pre-pick option. These will override the driver, so make sure you know what you are doing.

The error recovery guide is especially useful when doing first level debugging and troubleshooting. When you will be talking with Fujitsu support, they will ask you to open it and assist them in their process.

It doesn’t have an active role, but it really helps when you are talking with Fujitsu support.

Scanner Central Admin Agent is an interesting proposition. For most of us, it will never be of help. The best thing about it is that it allows to import and export profiles to other machines.

This software has been created mainly for system administrators. They will use it to quickly deploy a new scanner on site. This way you won’t waste time configuring drivers and profiles by hand.

You will export and import them onto the new system, and it will be done with little to no effort at all.

Fujitsu Fi 7160 Alternative

There are a couple of alternatives for the Fujitsu Fi 7160, and here we will list the most important ones. Some of them come from the same manufacturer, Fujitsu, others come from Canon for example. 

Fujitsu fi-7160 vs IX1500

	Fujitsu fi-7160	Fujitsu Scansnap IX1500
Optical Resolution	1200 dpi	600 dpi
Sensor type	CCD	CIS
Long Document	220 in	118.11 in
Connectivity	USB 3.0	USB 3.1, WiFi
Images per minute	60	30
Sheets per minute	120	60
ADF Size	80 sheets	50 sheets
Document Thickness	7.2 to 112 lb.	5.4 to 56 lb
Daily Duty Cycle	4,000 sheets	400 sheets
Dimensions	12 x 6 x 6 inches	11 x 6 x 6 inches
Weight	9.2 lbs	1.4 lbs
MultiStream	Yes	No
Streaks Correction	Yes	No
Hole Punch Removal	Yes	No
Document Separation	Yes	No
Barcode Recognition	Yes	No
Zonal OCR	Yes	No
Price	Check price on Amazon	Check price on Amazon

If we look at capture area, these devices have the power to capture the same area of Fujitsu Scansnap IX1500.

The Fujitsu fi-7160 scans with a CCD sensor, and the Fujitsu Scansnap IX1500 has a CIS sensor. As we often see it the CCD one offers a more accurate color reproduction , and it’s true for our case.

On the issue of which one of these document scanners can scan super-long documents, it’s the Fujitsu fi-7160 which shows up as a clear winner in this respect. It’s able to scan sheets of paper of up to 220 in in length, meanwhile it’s competitor is only able to digitize documents of up to 118.11 in.

If we have a look at network connection options, one finds USB 3.0 on the Fujitsu fi-7160 and USB 3.1, WiFi on Fujitsu Scansnap IX1500.

When comparing actual digitization speed the Fujitsu fi-7160 will get up to 60 PPM. On the other hand the Fujitsu Scansnap IX1500 will reach 30 PPM.

Read the full review of the Fujitsu Scansnap IX1500

Fujitsu Fi-7610 vs Scansnap ix500

	Fujitsu fi-7160	Scansnap ix500
Optical Resolution	1200 dpi	600 dpi
Sensor type	CCD	CIS
Long Document	220 in	118.11 in
Connectivity	USB 3.0	USB 3.1, WiFi
Images per minute	60	30
Sheets per minute	120	60
ADF Size	80 sheets	50 sheets
Document Thickness	7.2 to 112 lb.	5.4 to 56 lb
Daily Duty Cycle	4,000 sheets	400 sheets
Dimensions	12 x 6 x 6 inches	11 x 6 x 6 inches
Weight	9.2 lbs	1.4 lbs
MultiStream	Yes	No
Streaks Correction	Yes	No
Hole Punch Removal	Yes	No
Document Separation	Yes	No
Barcode Recognition	Yes	No
Zonal OCR	Yes	No
Scanning area	8.27 in x 11.69 in	A4 – 216 x 360 mm (8.5 x 14.17 in.)
Sensor type	CCD	CIS
Connectivity	USB 3.0	Wireless and USB 2.0, 3.0
Images per minute	60	25 PPM
Sheets per minute	120	25 IPM
ADF Size	80 sheets	50 sheets
Document Thickness	7.2 to 112 lb.	40 to 209 g/m2 (11 to 56 lb)
Daily Duty Cycle	4,000 sheets	400 sheets
MultiStream	Yes	No
Hole Punch Removal	Yes	No
Document Separation	Yes	No
Barcode Recognition	Yes	No
Zonal OCR	Yes	No
Price	Check price on Amazon	Check price on Amazon

But which machine can scan a larger area? The Scansnap ix500. It can capture a surface of A4 – 216 x 360 mm (8.5 x 14.17 in.) meanwhile the other one is only able to capture a surface of 8.27 in x 11.69 in.

The Fujitsu fi-7160 functions with a CCD sensor, and the Scansnap ix500 has a CIS sensor. As we often see it the CCD equipment offers a wider color gamut , and it’s the case here.

We like the long paper setting, and the Scansnap ix500 converts paper up to 863 mm or 34 in. (Duplex), 1,726 mm or 68 in. (Simplex) in length. Meanwhile, Fujitsu fi-7160 will process documents around 220 in.

If you have a look at connectivity options, we will find USB 3.0 on the Fujitsu fi-7160 and Wireless and USB 2.0, 3.0 on Scansnap ix500.

When it comes actual scanning speed the Fujitsu fi-7160 will get up to 60 PPM. On the other hand the Scansnap ix500 will get to 25 PPM.

Read the full review of the Scansnap ix500

Fujitsu fi-7160 vs Canon DR-M260

	Fujitsu fi-7160	Canon DR-M260
Optical Resolution	1200 dpi	600 dpi
Sensor type	CCD	CIS
Long Document	220 in	118.11 in
Connectivity	USB 3.0	USB 3.1, WiFi
Images per minute	60	30
Sheets per minute	120	60
ADF Size	80 sheets	50 sheets
Document Thickness	7.2 to 112 lb.	5.4 to 56 lb
Daily Duty Cycle	4,000 sheets	400 sheets
Dimensions	12 x 6 x 6 inches	11 x 6 x 6 inches
Weight	9.2 lbs	1.4 lbs
MultiStream	Yes	No
Streaks Correction	Yes	No
Hole Punch Removal	Yes	No
Document Separation	Yes	No
Barcode Recognition	Yes	No
Zonal OCR	Yes	No
Scanning area	8.27 in x 11.69 in	A4 – 216 x 360 mm (8.5 x 14.17 in.)
Sensor type	CCD	CIS
Connectivity	USB 3.0	Wireless and USB 2.0, 3.0
Images per minute	60	25 PPM
Sheets per minute	120	25 IPM
ADF Size	80 sheets	50 sheets
Document Thickness	7.2 to 112 lb.	40 to 209 g/m2 (11 to 56 lb)
Daily Duty Cycle	4,000 sheets	400 sheets
MultiStream	Yes	No
Hole Punch Removal	Yes	No
Document Separation	Yes	No
Barcode Recognition	Yes	No
Zonal OCR	Yes	No
Optical Resolution	1200 dpi	600 dpi
Sensor type	CCD	CIS
Connectivity	USB 3.0	USB 3.1
Document Thickness	7.2 to 112 lb.	7 to 110 lb.
Daily Duty Cycle	4,000 sheets	7,500 sheets
Dimensions	12 x 6 x 6 inches	11 x 7 x 7 inches
Weight	9.2 lbs	11.5 lbs
Streaks Correction	Yes	No
Price	Check price on Amazon	Check price on Amazon

Both the Fujitsu fi-7160 and the Canon DR-M260 are equal in capture area, both can scan an area of 8.27 in x 11.69 in.

Most often a scanner with ADF that features a CCD sensor, will provide the most reliable digitization results. In this situation, the Fujitsu fi-7160 functions with a CCD sensor, and the Canon DR-M260 is delivered with a CIS sensor.

For connectivity, the Fujitsu fi-7160 features USB 3.0 while Canon DR-M260 has USB 3.1.

Such devices, the Fujitsu fi-7160 and Canon DR-M260 will work at identical PPM which is 60 pages .

Read the full review of the Canon DR-M260

Fujitsu fi-7160 vs Fujitsu fi-7140

	Fujitsu fi-7160	Fujitsu fi-7140
Optical Resolution	1200 dpi	600 dpi
Sensor type	CCD	CIS
Long Document	220 in	118.11 in
Connectivity	USB 3.0	USB 3.1, WiFi
Images per minute	60	30
Sheets per minute	120	60
ADF Size	80 sheets	50 sheets
Document Thickness	7.2 to 112 lb.	5.4 to 56 lb
Daily Duty Cycle	4,000 sheets	400 sheets
Dimensions	12 x 6 x 6 inches	11 x 6 x 6 inches
Weight	9.2 lbs	1.4 lbs
MultiStream	Yes	No
Streaks Correction	Yes	No
Hole Punch Removal	Yes	No
Document Separation	Yes	No
Barcode Recognition	Yes	No
Zonal OCR	Yes	No
Scanning area	8.27 in x 11.69 in	A4 – 216 x 360 mm (8.5 x 14.17 in.)
Sensor type	CCD	CIS
Connectivity	USB 3.0	Wireless and USB 2.0, 3.0
Images per minute	60	25 PPM
Sheets per minute	120	25 IPM
ADF Size	80 sheets	50 sheets
Document Thickness	7.2 to 112 lb.	40 to 209 g/m2 (11 to 56 lb)
Daily Duty Cycle	4,000 sheets	400 sheets
MultiStream	Yes	No
Hole Punch Removal	Yes	No
Document Separation	Yes	No
Barcode Recognition	Yes	No
Zonal OCR	Yes	No
Optical Resolution	1200 dpi	600 dpi
Sensor type	CCD	CIS
Connectivity	USB 3.0	USB 3.1
Document Thickness	7.2 to 112 lb.	7 to 110 lb.
Daily Duty Cycle	4,000 sheets	7,500 sheets
Dimensions	12 x 6 x 6 inches	11 x 7 x 7 inches
Weight	9.2 lbs	11.5 lbs
Streaks Correction	Yes	No
Connectivity	USB 3.0	USB 2.0
Images per minute	60	40
Sheets per minute	120	80
Daily Duty Cycle	4,000 sheets	3,000 sheets
Price	Check price on Amazon	Check price on Amazon

The scanning area seems to be the same for both devices at 8.27 in x 11.69 in.

Let’s say you are comparing the sensors, you should know both equipment are using CCD technology.

When scanning long documents, you will see that the Fujitsu fi-7160 and the Fujitsu fi-7140, are equal at 220 in.

If we look at connectivity options, you will find USB 3.0 on the Fujitsu fi-7160 and USB 2.0 on Fujitsu fi-7140.

The Fujitsu fi-7160 has the advantage on actual scanning speed. The ADF scanner is able to scan at 60 PPM. The other scanning machine has the power to only reach 40 PPM

Read the full review of the Fujitsu fi-7140

Fujitsu fi-7160 vs Fujitsu fi-7180

	Fujitsu fi-7160	Fujitsu fi-7180
Optical Resolution	1200 dpi	600 dpi
Sensor type	CCD	CIS
Long Document	220 in	118.11 in
Connectivity	USB 3.0	USB 3.1, WiFi
Images per minute	60	30
Sheets per minute	120	60
ADF Size	80 sheets	50 sheets
Document Thickness	7.2 to 112 lb.	5.4 to 56 lb
Daily Duty Cycle	4,000 sheets	400 sheets
Dimensions	12 x 6 x 6 inches	11 x 6 x 6 inches
Weight	9.2 lbs	1.4 lbs
MultiStream	Yes	No
Streaks Correction	Yes	No
Hole Punch Removal	Yes	No
Document Separation	Yes	No
Barcode Recognition	Yes	No
Zonal OCR	Yes	No
Scanning area	8.27 in x 11.69 in	A4 – 216 x 360 mm (8.5 x 14.17 in.)
Sensor type	CCD	CIS
Connectivity	USB 3.0	Wireless and USB 2.0, 3.0
Images per minute	60	25 PPM
Sheets per minute	120	25 IPM
ADF Size	80 sheets	50 sheets
Document Thickness	7.2 to 112 lb.	40 to 209 g/m2 (11 to 56 lb)
Daily Duty Cycle	4,000 sheets	400 sheets
MultiStream	Yes	No
Hole Punch Removal	Yes	No
Document Separation	Yes	No
Barcode Recognition	Yes	No
Zonal OCR	Yes	No
Optical Resolution	1200 dpi	600 dpi
Sensor type	CCD	CIS
Connectivity	USB 3.0	USB 3.1
Document Thickness	7.2 to 112 lb.	7 to 110 lb.
Daily Duty Cycle	4,000 sheets	7,500 sheets
Price	Check the price on Amazon	Check the price on Amazon