The digital process is the new system employed by the photocopier industry and consists of a scanning lamp, a set of mirrors, a focusing lens and a CCD array (Charge Couple Device).

The scanning lamp firstly scans a document that is placed onto the copy board; the scanned image reflected by the mirrors passes through the focusing lens onto the CCD. Up to the focusing lens the digital process is very similar to the analogue process, but this is where the similarity ends. The CCD along with an A to D (analogue to digital) converter changes the analogue image into a digital image, which is then stored, adjusted and manipulated. Once the digital image is prepared it is then sent to the L.S.U (Laser Scanner Unit), which writes the image onto the photosensitive drum, this image is later developed into a printed copy.

This system may share some initial similarities with its analogue predecessor, but they are only similarities as even here there are fundamental differences. The digital copier also has a sophisticated monitoring and adjusting system that covers the scanner, photosensitive drum and even the environmental conditions of its surroundings, to produce the best copy. This system requires far less manual adjustment, and it is mechanically simplified, with most adjustments taken care of by the on-board systems on a automatic basis. Other major advantages of the latest digital machines are that they share printer technology and philosophy in their design. This means a shorter paper path (how far the paper has to travel) so less jamming, less mechanical systems for reliability, and more cartridges based components for quicker and easier servicing.

Although the digital copier is much improved, it is still a sophisticated process and will still require technical support from time to time, even if it is over greater copy volumes.