What is the recommended approach for using the E514DW scanner through Linux?

Dell's colour multi-function printers support scan-to-pdf on SMB shares. That option doesn't seem available on this model.

I searched for a sane-backend that might work with the device - the sane-devel mailing list  doesn't have a response for this - with last question about the device posted Jan. 9th, 2016.

I tried calling support - after bouncing around a few times to find the right person, all I got was that there's an internal article stating they are aware of the problem, but are unable to offer a solution.

Has anyone managed to get the scanner working (network or USB)? Any recommendations for comparable sane-backends that might fit the bill?