Abstract: A plurality of node index records are created in a database containing stored scanned image data and related index files. The node index records are batched in accordance with a hierarchy of documents from which they were derived. The index node records are stored in a work queue which is divided into stages. The first stage of the work queue includes a system administrator connected to the database which identifies a work flow comprising several processes to be carried out on the node index records and related image files. A plurality of workstations networked to the database carry out the work flow process and upon completion of each process, restores the index node records to a lower stage of the work queue where subsequent processes are carried out by the networked computer workstations.