It’s All About Scanners
Jan. 14, 2011
As digital workflow, paperless processes and tax document automation continue to be major driving factors in technology for accounting firms, the scanner has become an increasingly integral part of the modern practice.
Keep it Neat
The Neat Company (neat name, eh?) offers several scanning solutions, including the NeatDesk and NeatReceipts. NeatDesk offers high-speed scanning at your desktop, with an automated document management utility the helps turn scanned documents into organized digital files. The system also comes with NeatWorks software, with uses OCR capability to identify and capture key information from scanned documents, with data then automatically routed into the digital filing system.
NeatReceipts offers a mobile solution that provides many of the same features as NeatDesk and the NeatWorks software, along with a small size that allows for easy portability. Both systems allow creation of searchable PDF documents, and offer the ability to export data to many programs, including QuickBooks, Quicken and Outlook, as well as to PDF and Excel formats.
Make Scanning a Snap
Fujitsu has been especially active in developing scanners and workflow solutions for professional accountants, and their ScanSnap family of devices have quickly become standard office and mobile equipment. The S1300 model has been one of the most popular among accountants, offering a compact design, color and B&W settings, up to 600 dpi resolution, double-sided and multiple paper size scanning, plus a document feeder. Fujitsu also offers the S1500, a larger desktop model, the S1500M for Macintosh, and the fi-6010N network scanner.
The latest addition to the ScanSnap lineup is the S1100 Instant PDF scanner. Designed for mobile professionals, the device weighs in at only 12 ounces and easily fits in laptop bags. All ScanSnap models include productivity software and the ability to create searchable PDF files, and to scan to editable Word and Excel documents. The S1100 is compatible with PC and Mac.