Question:

I am looking for some advice on the best scanner and software combination for capturing ID cards. I have been using ScanShell 800NR scanners with their free software, but they are not very reliable. I need a solution that can scan the ID cards to a network folder as image files, without requiring a PC connection. Do you have any recommendations or experiences with such a setup?

Answer:

How to Choose the Best Scanner and Software for Capturing ID Cards

If you need to scan ID cards regularly, you might be wondering what is the best scanner and software combination for your needs. You might have tried using ScanShell 800NR scanners with their free software, but found them to be unreliable or incompatible with your network. You might also want a solution that can scan the ID cards directly to a network folder as image files, without requiring a PC connection. In this article, I will review some of the options available and give you some tips on how to choose the best one for your situation.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a scanner and software for capturing ID cards, such as:

• Speed: How fast can the scanner scan the ID cards? You might want a scanner that can scan both sides of the card in one pass, or scan multiple cards at once, to save time and hassle.
• Quality: How clear and accurate are the scanned images? You might want a scanner that can capture high-resolution images, or adjust the brightness and contrast automatically, to ensure the readability and validity of the ID cards.
• Format: What file format are the scanned images saved in? You might want a scanner that can save the images in a common format, such as JPEG or PNG, or a format that preserves the quality and security of the ID cards, such as PDF or TIFF.
• Size: How big and heavy is the scanner? You might want a scanner that is compact and portable, or a scanner that is sturdy and durable, depending on your space and mobility needs.
• Connectivity: How does the scanner connect to your network or device? You might want a scanner that can connect wirelessly, or via USB or Ethernet, depending on your network configuration and preferences.
• Compatibility: How compatible is the scanner and software with your operating system and network? You might want a scanner and software that can work with Windows, Mac, Linux, or other platforms, or a scanner and software that can integrate with your existing network protocols and security measures.

Some of the Best Scanner and Software Options for Capturing ID Cards

Based on these factors, here are some of the best scanner and software options for capturing ID cards that you can consider:

• Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1600: This is a wireless duplex scanner that can scan both sides of the card in one pass, at a speed of 40 pages per minute. It can save the images in various formats, such as JPEG, PDF, or searchable PDF, and send them directly to a network folder, cloud service, or email. It comes with a software suite that includes ScanSnap Home, which allows you to manage and organize your scanned documents, and ScanSnap Cloud, which allows you to access your scanned documents from any device. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. It is also compact and lightweight, weighing only 3.4 kg and measuring 29.2 x 16.1 x 15.2 cm. It costs around $400.
• Brother ADS-2700W: This is a wireless network scanner that can scan both sides of the card in one pass, at a speed of 35 pages per minute. It can save the images in various formats, such as JPEG, PDF, or TIFF, and send them directly to a network folder, cloud service, FTP, or email. It comes with a software suite that includes Brother iPrint&Scan, which allows you to scan and print from your mobile device, and Nuance PaperPort, which allows you to edit and convert your scanned documents. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It is also compact and lightweight, weighing only 2.7 kg and measuring 29.9 x 14.5 x 14.4 cm. It costs around $300.
• Epson WorkForce ES-500W: This is a wireless duplex scanner that can scan both sides of the card in one pass, at a speed of 35 pages per minute. It can save the images in various formats, such as JPEG, PDF, or searchable PDF, and send them directly to a network folder, cloud service, or email. It comes with a software suite that includes Epson ScanSmart, which allows you to preview and edit your scanned documents, and Epson Document Capture Pro, which allows you to create workflows and automate tasks. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. It is also compact and lightweight, weighing only 3.7 kg and measuring 29.6 x 16.9 x 16.8 cm. It costs around $280.

How to Choose the Best Scanner and Software for Your Needs

To choose the best scanner and software for your needs, you should first assess your scanning requirements and preferences, such as:

• How often do you need to scan ID cards?
• How many ID cards do you need to scan at a time?
• How important is the speed, quality, format, size, connectivity, and compatibility of the scanner and software?
• How much are you willing to spend on the scanner and software?

Then, you should compare the features and benefits of the different scanner and software options available, and see which one meets your needs and preferences the best. You can also read online reviews, watch demo videos, or contact customer support to get more information and feedback on the scanner and software options.

Conclusion

Scanning

ID cards can be a tedious and time-consuming task, but it can be made easier and faster with the right scanner and software combination. By considering the factors and options discussed in this article, you can find the best scanner and software for capturing ID cards that suits your needs and preferences. Happy scanning!