Abstract: Documents to be scanned to create an electronic digital data record are printed with a machine-readable graphic code in which is embedded document-identifying information, such as the type of document and a characteristic identifying parameter with which the document is associated. Using the information provided in the graphic code, the scanned documents are automatically indexed according to document type and characteristic identifying parameter and are thereafter electronically stored in a memory area corresponding to the associated characteristic identifying parameter. When the document is first printed a record is made of the document so that when the documents are scanned, confirmation can be made that every document that is printed with a graphic code is subsequently scanned or otherwise accounted for. The electronically-stored documents can thereafter be easily and accurately accessed electronically.