Believe it or not, there are still companies who need a FAX from you. In a world of instant messaging, esign and email, it seems an archaic practice, but you're likely to need some creative ways to get official documents to clients or organizations. The following is a quick list of some of the easiest ways you can scan, save and send documents to others.
Why Digital Scanning?
Remote Efficiency:
Digital scanning empowers you to work remotely because you aren't tied to an office or Kinkos to send important documents. This, along with other benefits sets you free to do business wherever you want - even if it's on the beach or in a mountain chalet.
Eliminate Paper Clutter:
Snap a copy of the receipt and then toss the paper copy away. Some bookkeeping software, including Quickbooks, allows you to upload the scanned documents.
Get Rid of the Paper Trail:
Are you on a business trip? Scan your receipts and itinerary into a shared file. Upload the documents when the trip is over. No need for a long paper trail to prove expenses.
Document Sharing:
Some apps allow you to send items to others for editing and annotating. Get "right now" feedback.
iPhone Notes App
The easiest way is likely in your pocket. Your iPhone Notes app includes a Scan function.
Simply:
Open a note or create a new note.
Tap the Camera Icon, then tap Scan Documents.
Place your document in view of the camera on your device.
If your device is in Auto mode, your document will be automatically scanned. If you need to manually capture a scan, tap or one of the Volume buttons.
Drag the corners to adjust the scan to fit the page, then tap Keep Scan.
You can add additional scans to the document or tap Save when you're done.
CamScanner for Android: Free, Premium and Business
The highest rated Android system app is CamScanner. (Also available for iOS).
Some of the benefits of CamScanner including faxing anywhere and printing from within the app.
A sister product to CamScanner is CamCard. One of it's added benefits is the ability to scan business cards directly into Salesforce.
Other Apps
If you are looking for an app for your IOS or Android phone or tablet,
consider these recommended by TechRadar:
The Adobe Scan app is available for both iOS and Android systems. It uses your camera to catch the image and then converts it into a pdf. If you already use Adobe products this is a no-brainer fit, because it closely integrates with Adobe options like Fill and Sign.
Not only can you easily scan the document, but with the Adobe Suite you can annotate, edit and sign - right on your mobile device or desktop/laptop computer.
ABBYY FineScanner AI: Free and Donation Based
When you require more functionality than a simple scan, the Abby Fine Scanner is a workhorse. Here are a few of the perks it offers:
Recognizes 193 languages
Converts printed or handwritten copy into a digital file in the format of your choice; JPEG or PDF.
BookScan (iOS only) allows you to digitize books quickly and easily. It splits facing book pages into too separate images, removes defects and straightens curved line text.
Extract text from scans online or offline (193 languages and 12 formats)
Search and capture documents already on your device.
Easily annotate scans with built in tools.
Export anywhere: email, print, or save to cloud storage.
Do you have a favorite we haven't listed? Tell us about it so we can add it to the list.