Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Okay,
I now have to deal with a couple of hundred business cards. I have a scanner connected to the machine, so I don`t need a specialty business card reader. I just want a simple way to scan a card, capture the image into a database that also allows me to manually type in categories (more than 1), and some info from the card.

Yes, there are text-reading programs, and if one of them works great, that`s terrifc. But it`s just as easy to type in the stuff (except for phone numbers and email). The key here is that I want to be able to have the text index for searching, but also the actual image of the card in the same window so I can make sure of things.

What`s everyone using for this?

I bought "Card Scan" a while back, went to a trade show and 350 cards after 4 days.... took me a couple of hours to scan `em all in and then you can correct any errors as it displays the image of the card too.

Not a perfect product as there are one or two things it gets wrong but overall easy to use and quick.

 

Yah, I`ve seen those, but I`m looking for a database that works with an already installed other scanner. Card Scan is a scanner that includes its own database. In other words, Card Scan is a hardware solution, and I`m looking for just a software solution.

I also tried Card Scan a few years back and was actually fairly impressed at how well the OCR function worked. But, the last thing I needed was another application to use on a daily basis, so I exported the files into MS Outlook and ditched Card Scan.

Speaking of MS Outlook:

Craig, have you thought about using Outlook Contacts as your database?  You could scan the business cards in as small JPEG files and then paste them into the "notes" area in Contacts. By doing this, you would have the contact info and the image of the business card displayed on the same screen.

I`m guessing that Outlook  might get a little sluggish if you had several hundred graphic files but it might be worth a try.

 

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Michael A. Silva
Silva Consultants

www.silvaconsultants.com

If I want to create a JPG then cut and paste it, that`s fine. I`ve got a couple of ways to do that, as well as various image databases.

What I`m actually looking for is a business-card or contact database that doesn`t come bundled with a scanner. I`m looking for a TWAIN-compliant application, where after it`s installed, I can choose "New Record," then simply hit "Scan" and it`ll bring the image right into the database.

I have not tried it, but Business Cards appears to be what you are looking for. Be sure to click on `overview` and `features` on the right  to get a better idea of the product.

I went through everything on the site, because it looks really good. But, no apparent way to scan in the business card image.

The problem I`m worried about is that although I can do manual data entry into all sorts of contact managers (e.g., Lotus Organizer), I worry that I`ll make a phone number mistake, or URL mistake. I also don`t want to type in everything on the business card. For example, there may be several locations listed on a card.

I could type in the main company name, address, URL, phone, Fax, and email, but I want the original image in case I need to see it. My goal is to throw away the paper business card itself, after capturing the data and the image.

Craig,

Act by Sage, uses a card scanning system that integrates with there software. Hope that helps.

Erin

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Our Goal Is Your Success!
Founder Girls with Goals

I think all that card scanning software is Cool, but there`s nothing better than using a contact management system. Craig, Outlook Contacts (2007) is buggy at this point "Whats new it`s microsoft".. but you can try using something like ACT..
 that`s good software if you ask me...



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Edgar Monroy
Web Developer / Owner / Consultant
When starting your own business the need to "know-how" is greater than money!
http://www.nuevolution.net

I actually have "Lotus Organizer" so I can do this if I want to type in all the info myself. I`ve looked at Act (by Sage), and have been thinking about it. I didn`t know they had the scan option, so that makes it an even more attractive idea. Thanks Erin.

I`m not a fan of Outlook, so try to avoid it as much as possible. I guess I thought there was something small, fast, and even with "search as you type" capabilities. Looks like.....not. :-)