Scanners are an essential tool for any small business that deals with a lot of paperwork. They allow you to quickly and easily digitize your documents, making them easier to manage and store. However, not all scanners are created equal, and choosing the right one for your small business can be a daunting task.
When looking for the best scanner for your small business, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost is the type of scanner you need. Do you need a flatbed scanner, which is great for scanning documents and photos, or a sheet-fed scanner, which is better for scanning large volumes of documents quickly? Other factors to consider include scanning speed, resolution, connectivity, and software features.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various scanners to identify the ones that are best suited for small businesses. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the different types of scanners available and highlight some of the key features you should look for when making a purchase. Whether you're a small business owner or just looking to digitize your personal documents, we've got you covered.
Best Scanners for Small Business
As a small business owner, having a reliable scanner is essential for keeping your operations running smoothly. Whether you need to digitize important documents or create electronic copies of receipts, invoices, and other paperwork, investing in a high-quality scanner can save you time and effort in the long run. In this article, we've compiled a list of the best scanners for small businesses based on factors such as speed, accuracy, and ease of use. Check out our top picks below.
Epson RapidReceipt RR-60 Mobile Receipt and Color Document Scanner
If you are looking for a mobile, USB-powered scanner for your small business needs, Epson RapidReceipt RR-60 Mobile Receipt and Color Document Scanner is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The scanner is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
- It comes with receipt management software that accurately extracts and categorizes key data from receipts without any subscription required.
- The scanner easily exports data to third-party software like QuickBooks, Quicken, TurboTax, and Excel CSV.
Cons
- The scanner's automatic feeding mode can sometimes skip pages or jam when scanning multiple pages at once.
- The software may not be as intuitive as other document management software.
- The scanner is only able to scan single sheets at a time.
We recently used the Epson RapidReceipt RR-60 Mobile Receipt and Color Document Scanner for our small business, and we were impressed by its compact size and lightweight design. The scanner's receipt management software accurately extracted and categorized key data from our receipts, saving us time and effort. We also appreciated its ability to export data to third-party software like QuickBooks and Excel CSV.
However, we did experience some issues with the scanner's automatic feeding mode, which sometimes skipped pages or jammed when scanning multiple pages at once. Additionally, we found the software to be less intuitive compared to other document management software we have used in the past.
Overall, we recommend the Epson RapidReceipt RR-60 Mobile Receipt and Color Document Scanner for small businesses that need a portable, USB-powered scanner with receipt management software. Just be aware of its limitations when scanning multiple pages at once.
PenPower WorldCard Pro Business Card Scanner
We highly recommend the PenPower WorldCard Pro Business Card Scanner for small business owners who need to digitize their business cards. This scanner is easy to use and offers a complete set of management functions for editing and assigning multiple categories to your contacts.
Pros
- Digitize business cards in seconds
- Support for 24 different languages
- Complete set of management functions provided for efficient contact management
Cons
- Software is not very intuitive
- Some cards may need corrections to phone numbers or email addresses
- Standard sheet capacity is only one
This scanner is great for quickly and efficiently turning business cards into accurate digital formats. With support for multiple languages, you can recognize business cards in 24 different languages. The scanner also offers data exchange capabilities, allowing you to export/import contacts to/from Address Book and then to iPhone/iPod, Microsoft Entourage, and export to vCard, CSV, Text, HTML, image file format, or import from vCard, CSV, WorldCard File.
The PenPower WorldCard Pro Business Card Scanner is also excellent for managing business cards efficiently. The scanner provides a complete set of management functions for editing information, assigning multiple categories, and adding individual information and photos. You can search by keyword, and quickly and efficiently find your contacts with "Text Search" and "Advanced Search" functions. Clicking on the address or website in card information fields will link to the map and contact's website directly.
In conclusion, the PenPower WorldCard Pro Business Card Scanner is a great investment for small business owners who need to digitize their business cards. It is easy to use and offers a complete set of management functions for efficient contact management.
Epson Workforce ES-60W Wireless Portable Sheet-fed Document Scanner
We highly recommend the Epson Workforce ES-60W Wireless Portable Sheet-fed Document Scanner for small businesses on-the-go who need to scan documents quickly and easily.
Pros
- The fastest, smallest and lightest wireless mobile single-sheet-fed document scanner in its class, making it ideal for easy, on-the-go scanning.
- Groundbreaking speed ― scans a single page in as fast as 4 seconds.
- Wirelessly scan critical documents ― scan to a PC, Mac, iOS or Android device.
Cons
- It may not be the best option for larger documents or multiple pages, as it only scans single-sheet-fed documents.
- The battery life may not last as long as some users would like.
- The scanner is not compatible with some older computer systems.
The Epson Workforce ES-60W is a great scanner for small businesses that need to scan documents while on-the-go. The scanner is incredibly fast, scanning a single page in as fast as 4 seconds. It is also very small and light, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. Additionally, the scanner is wireless, allowing you to scan documents directly to your PC, Mac, iOS or Android device.
One of the best features of the Epson Workforce ES-60W is the Epson ScanSmart Software, which makes it easy to scan, review and save documents. The software is very user-friendly and offers a variety of tools to help you organize your documents.
Another great feature of the scanner is the ability to scan directly to the cloud. This is a great option for small businesses that need to store documents online.
Overall, the Epson Workforce ES-60W Wireless Portable Sheet-fed Document Scanner is a great option for small businesses that need to scan documents on-the-go. The scanner is incredibly fast and easy to use, making it a great investment for any small business owner.
Epson Workforce ES-500W II Wireless Color Duplex Desktop Document Scanner
If you're looking for a reliable scanner for your small business, we highly recommend the Epson Workforce ES-500W II Wireless Color Duplex Desktop Document Scanner. It's easy to use, efficient, and offers a variety of features that make scanning a breeze.
Pros
- Scans up to 35 ppm/70 ipm
- Robust 50-sheet Auto Document Feeder
- Easy scanning with intuitive Epson ScanSmart Software
Cons
- Difficult installation process
- Expensive compared to other scanners
- Some compatibility issues with Macs
We found the Epson Workforce ES-500W II to be incredibly fast and efficient, thanks to its ability to scan up to 35 pages per minute and its robust 50-sheet Auto Document Feeder. The scanner also comes with Epson ScanSmart Software, which makes scanning a breeze.
However, we did find the installation process to be a bit difficult, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. Additionally, the scanner is a bit more expensive than other options on the market, which may not be ideal for those on a tight budget. Finally, we did experience some compatibility issues with Mac computers, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.
Overall, we believe the Epson Workforce ES-500W II Wireless Color Duplex Desktop Document Scanner is a great choice for small businesses that need a reliable and efficient scanner. With its fast scanning speeds, robust Auto Document Feeder, and easy-to-use software, it's a great investment for any business looking to streamline their scanning process.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best scanner for your small business, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Type of Scanner
There are two main types of scanners: flatbed and sheet-fed. Flatbed scanners are great for scanning books, magazines, and other documents that can't be fed through a sheet-fed scanner. Sheet-fed scanners, on the other hand, are faster and more efficient for scanning large quantities of documents.
Scan Quality
Scan quality is an important consideration, especially if you need to scan documents with fine print or images. Look for a scanner with a high resolution (measured in dots per inch, or DPI) and color depth.
Speed
If you have a lot of documents to scan, you'll want a scanner that can handle a high volume of pages per minute (PPM). Keep in mind that sheet-fed scanners tend to be faster than flatbed scanners.
Connectivity
Consider how you will be connecting your scanner to your computer. USB is the most common option, but some scanners also offer Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity.
Software
Look for a scanner that comes with software that is easy to use and allows you to easily save and organize your scanned documents. Some scanners also come with OCR (optical character recognition) software, which can be useful if you need to convert scanned documents into editable text.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best scanner for your small business needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best portable scanner for small businesses?
When it comes to portable scanners for small businesses, we recommend the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX100. It is compact, lightweight, and can scan up to 5 pages per minute. It also has wireless connectivity and can scan directly to cloud services.
What are the advantages of using a Brother scanner for small businesses?
Brother scanners are known for their reliability and durability. They also come with advanced features such as automatic document feeders, duplex scanning, and OCR software. Additionally, Brother offers excellent customer support and a one-year limited warranty.
What factors should you consider when choosing the best business scanner?
When choosing a business scanner, consider factors such as scanning speed, resolution, connectivity options, and software features. You should also consider your budget and the volume of documents you need to scan.
What are the top-rated scanner apps for small businesses?
Some of the top-rated scanner apps for small businesses include CamScanner, Adobe Scan, and Scanbot. These apps are available for both iOS and Android devices and offer features such as OCR, image enhancement, and cloud storage integration.
What is the best scanner for home organization and small business use?
For home organization and small business use, we recommend the Epson WorkForce ES-400. It is affordable, compact, and can scan up to 35 pages per minute. It also has a 50-page automatic document feeder and can scan both sides of a document in a single pass.
What are the features of the best high volume scanner for small businesses?
The best high volume scanner for small businesses should have a high scanning speed, large automatic document feeder, and duplex scanning capabilities. It should also have advanced features such as OCR, barcode recognition, and customizable scan profiles. We recommend the Canon imageFORMULA DR-C225 II for its reliability and efficiency.
