When it comes to digitization, the tools you choose make a difference. The more accessible and efficient your digital workflow management systems are, the more likely they are to be successful. So, if you’re looking for technology to help you save time scanning and filing documents, it pays to find a solution that ticks the right boxes – and doesn’t do too much. Below, we compare the features and functionality of some of the most popular document scanning software options to help you find out which is best for you. Let’s get started!
What is Document Scanning Software?
Document scanning software is any kind of digital tool or application that allows users to convert physical paper documents to digital formats, such as PDFs, images, or text files. It’s often one part of a larger electronic document management system.
Using document scanning and filing software is fairly simple. First, a user scans a document using a scanner, camera, or another capturing method. Next, the scanning software processes the image and transforms it into a digital copy that can be saved as a specific file type.
During the scanning process, the software may also be able to improve the clarity of the image, recognize and log text or metadata, and organize files based on their contents.
Why Use Document Scanning and Storage Software?
Digitization has become a prerequisite to success in the modern work world. Document scanning software is one of many tech solutions that aim to help businesses and teams reduce their reliance on paper and save time while completing more tasks.
Because scanning software can take care of most of the work behind document management – like naming files based on their contents, for example, or sorting them appropriately – for you, it can streamline workflows in an instant.
When you can successfully automate document management and archiving, you more easily maintain compliance, meet customer requests, and focus your attention on the big-picture tasks that you do best.
What is the Best Software for Document Scanning Management?
If you’re on the hunt for the best document scanning software for your organization, it helps to know what to look for – and what to avoid. To shed some light on what you might want to prioritize in a software selection, let’s compare some of the top options on the market.
1. CDP (Laserfiche)
CDP uses Laserfiche, a leading document management software, to help you create, edit, scan, and sort files without a hassle. Laserfiche is recognized as one of the best document and scanning software options for enterprise organizations and large teams, but its powerful features can suit businesses of any size. With Laserfiche, users can take advantage of batch scanning, automated indexing and archiving, advanced search capabilities, and more.
2. Adobe Scan
One of the best-known scanning tools on the web is Adobe Scan, an application that lets users scan documents using their mobile phone’s camera.
Cloud storage integration with other Adobe software and services is a big selling point of this option, but, on the flip side, its more advanced features do require an Adobe subscription.
The app features essential capabilities like automatic text recognition and basic editing, like cropping. While this free option might work on occasion, its limited options for quality exports and paywall-locked advanced features mean that it might not be the best fit for high volumes of documents.
3. PaperScan
A popular choice for document scanning is the appropriately named PaperScan, a software available for Windows.
PaperScan offers a free and paid version of its program, with the free version being best suited for personal use. A paid subscription will earn you access to more features, but many users note that the platform feels clunky and outdated. Plus, this scanning tool won’t be accessible from all devices.
4. Abbyy FineReader
One of the more sophisticated scanning software options out there is Abbyy FineReader, which is often cited as a good choice for digitizing complex documents.
FineReader has been recognized for its ability to precisely recognize and digitize text, but its power also comes with a high price tag. The platform’s advanced functionalities can also be difficult for users to navigate, meaning that this software may also come with a steep learning curve.
5. Microsoft Lens
Users can turn their mobile devices into miniature scanners with Microsoft Lens, an application that integrates with Microsoft Office and OneDrive.
Its compatibility with other popular work tools is an obvious perk, especially for cases where a quick document capture is all you need. However, its optical character recognition (OCR) functionality is not quite as advanced as its competitors, and it lacks many of the features seen in other software options.
The Verdict: What is the Best Document Scanning Software?
There are lots of document scanning tools out there, but none of them offer the customizability that CDP can.
For organizations and teams that need to manage large volumes of documents and files, it’s worth investing in purpose-built scanning and document management software. A dedicated digital document management system enables you to save time, streamline tasks, and get work done more efficiently – all while building a system that you can fall back on for years to come.
CDP can help you build a document scanning and management system that makes sense for your needs. We’ll work with you to determine what works about your current system and what doesn’t so that we can create tech solutions that fit seamlessly into your workflows.
Ready to learn more about how you can digitize everything from document scanning to archiving? Contact us today to book a demo.
