Posts Tagged ‘open source document imaging software’
Computer technology was incorporated by many companies and organizations throughout the world as a means to automate information management processes. However, many still continue using paper based documents for a variety of reasons. For instance, many companies receive documents in paper format or have important archived documents in paper format. Even if receiving paper documents cannot be helped, filing, storing and sharing of such documents has to be done manually. This turns out to be quite inefficient, unsustainable and costly, compared to an automated system using document management software.
Many enterprises do not realize the loss they incur when handling physical documents. The loss of time and human resources in manual processing of documents is rather staggering. Apart from this, carelessness when handling critical documents, albeit unintentional, can prove to be disastrous for your business. Any organization can take care of common hazards and errors encountered while processing important documents, simply by adopting an electronic documentation system. Document management systems come with automatic data capture feature that can be programmed to scan and store data systematically. By doing this a well-organized approach can be incorporated to create, update, change, store, search and retrieve important information.
Some important features of document management software include:
Import document: The performance, usability and sustainability of a document management system entirely depends on how quickly and efficiently documents in different formats, from wide range of sources, can be imported into the system. Automatic data capture is one of the most important features of a document management system. The entire purpose of automatic capture of information is to reduce manual work and resulting errors.
Automatic filing: The document management system can be easily automated to capture and organize data, so that every document is saved in the right place. Document management software offers a variety of methods of integrating index data obtained from different sources such as databases, text files, address books and forms. Some of the methods are standard to all software while others can be customized depending on the requirements of your business.
Integrated system: A document management system offers an integrated platform to manage both paper and electronic documents. For instance, your office may receive invoices in both paper and electronic format. The document management system can be used to extract information from both types of documents and process it as required by company policy.
Disaster recovery: This is again an important part of electronic document management system. Though most companies find it easier to handle paper documents simply because they are used to it, paper is vulnerable to errors and hazards. For instance, a paper document can get completely destroyed in a fire or misplaced when passing from desk to desk. On the other hand, electronic documents can be easily stored, backed up and retrieved.
Apart from the benefits it offers in terms of document processing, document management software also helps cut costs. On an average, a company spends $20 per hour in searching for misplaced or non-existent files. Similarly, many man-hours are wasted in recreating lost documents. Using automatic data capture you can reduce manual handling of paper documents. Along with this, the information now in electronic format can be easily shared and backed up, reducing the hazard of losing or recreating documents.
Photocopying and printing paper documents are again costly, and this is greatly reduced when you use digital document management system. Apart from this, you no longer require bulky filing cabinets eating up your office space. Every piece of information in your paper files can be imported onto your computer system and organized using document management system. This reduces the need for physical storage space, both inside and outside the office.
Demand for information can come from many sources including upper management and regulatory authorities. Keeping control of proliferating paper and electronic documents can become quite a hassle, especially when making critical decisions for your business. With document management software you can take care of all your document processing needs and ensure consistency in work, thus achieving your business goals.
Steve Breault “DocMeister”
Document management is one of the primary concerns of any type of organization, be it a law firm, a retail store or a government entity. An organization without a robust document management system in place is sure to face problems such as loss of documents, delayed processing time and lengthy workflow. The result is slow progress of the business and consequently slower returns on investment. In today’s competitive world, a business can only succeed when it has document management software to record its documents and data systematically.
Documents maintained by any organizations are usually of two types, in image format and in file format. Data such as monthly reports, databases and forms are generally in file format and can be modified. However, data such as invoices coming from other organizations and brochures may be required to be scanned and saved in image format. And these cannot be modified. Whether your business is big or small, you may be receiving a large amount of information on daily basis. With document management software you can ensure that all this information flows smoothly and is available when required.
Mismanagement of documents invariably leads to several problems such as time-consuming retrieval system, loss of information, slow productivity and consequently, reduced customer satisfaction. A document management system offers a solution to these problems through document indexing and identification based on date of creation, author, purpose of the data, and so on. Though earlier systems required scanning of paper documents, today’s systems have features such as automatic data capture to scan and save documents in a digital format. In fact, data in the form of text and table files can even be modified and updated regularly.
Some benefits of installing a document management system include:
Prevents loss of information and enables quick and easy retrieval: When data is saved in digital format using automatic data capture, it becomes easier to manage compared to paper documents. A paper file often moves from desk to desk and is very likely to get misplaced. However, such a risk is completely eliminated when documents are in electronic format, which can be easily recovered. In addition to this, automatic data capture requires details such as date of creation, modification and updation, name of author and how the document moved, so it’s easier to keep track of data at all times.
Increased efficiency: Searching for a document in file cabinets is the number one reason for delay in processing time in almost every organization, not matter how efficient their workforce. Even the most qualified engineers, managers or technicians cannot eliminate human error. For instance, a paper document on the wrong desk is very likely to get misplaced and may even end up in the garbage bin! However, with document management software, every document scanned and every piece of information is stored systematically. Information cannot be stored till the time it fulfills all the criteria for its creation and storage, thus eliminating human error to a large extent. For instance, if an employee does not conform to a particular naming convention, the file will simply not be saved.
Increased productivity and ROI: With a professional document management system you can be completely sure of precision in processing of various documents in different stages. Some documents may be moving from one department to the other, finally reaching the higher levels of management. Unlike paper documents, movement of digital information is much faster, as data is integrated, saved centrally and shared electronically. This ensures that less time is consumed in searching, analyzing or even recreating content in any form.
Research has shown that on an average, employees spend about 27 hours per week searching for information. More than 3 hours a week is spent in looking for data that is not there or has been misplaced. Apart from this, more than 3 hours per week is spent in recreating or getting a copy of this lost information. If your knowledge workers have been employed at $15-$20 per hour, you can calculate the loss in business. Document management software almost completely eliminates these issues, providing a robust and foolproof system for creation, storage and retrieval of documents.
Document management is an integral part of the administrative system of any organization. Your business objectives or goals can never be reached successfully without a robust document management system. Besides automation, there are several benefits of installing document management software for your business. Higher level of security, better storage options and saving cost on material such as stationery, printers and filing cabinets, are some of them.
With almost every software company coming up with document management solutions, getting document management software that meets your needs can become a bit confusing. Automatic data capture, OMR processing, barcode reading, version control and auto filing of documents in Windows folders are some of the features offered by document management software. However, requirements would differ from business to business and you will have to evaluate your needs before purchasing a document management system. Some features that you must consider include:
Functions related to records management: The software should be able to regulate the creation, modification and maintenance of the digital records. Easy search and access are two of the most important features of a document management system that you must look for. The software should be able to search and retrieve records using keywords or names of files or other conventions such as ID number of files stored on the system. Apart from this, it should be able to file, store and update electronic records. It should also be able to track movement of records or files between different users. For instance, in case a report or policy file was shared or distributed among employees, the software should keep a record of users to whom the files were sent.
General functions: Though you must look for features specific to your business requirements, the document management software you choose should definitely have general functions. Software developers usually include Help files and Menu shortcuts so that the software is easy to use. Make sure that the software you choose is simple to learn and operate. For instance, the Menus and Commands of the software should be easy to understand and operate. Similarly, the error messages should be easy to follow and rectify.
Customization: Though automatic data capture always forms part of a document management system, you must look for software that can be modified to meet the specific requirements of your business. As such, the software must be customizable so that particular requirements pertaining to your business can be incorporated. For instance, following a naming convention for files or documents always makes it easy to search or file. This is can easily be implemented if the software is customizable.
Manage different file formats: As your business grows you will be using several file formats such as videos or audio files for presentations, PDF, text, images, and so on. Make sure you select software that supports all types of file formats. For instance, a relational database system can support only tabulated data. However, such a system will not be feasible when your records contain other file formats.
Performance: The document management software you choose should be compatible with your current computer system. However, if you are planning to change or upgrade to a higher version of the hardware, make sure the document management software you purchase is compatible with the new system. Also, in case you plan to upgrade the hardware system at a later stage, the software should be able to adapt to the new system.
Once you have selected software that meets your requirements, make sure it is tested with mock records and file formats before you make the purchase. This is because in case there is a problem, it is fixed before the software is installed for your entire office. This can be done either at the vendors’ place or by installing the trial version of the software on one of the computers in your office.
Automatic data capture will be one of the primary features of any document management system that you choose. Apart from this, an important point to consider is versions of software available, so you can simply upgrade to another version instead of purchasing a new software as the need arises.
Since companies are hesitant to go paperless, or to create a paperless office, they are missing out on the opportunity to save a lot of time and make work easier for their employees. Completely eliminating paper will create more space in the workplace and a faster acquisition of documents and information.
Document imaging is the primary tool in starting a paperless office. They are systems that can replicate documents and come in the form of copiers, scanner or other paperless software that can capture, save and reprint images. While these tools are relatively expensive, investing on them will result in bigger benefits and less cost to your company in the future.
Document imaging software is a space saver. Since your records are stored electronically, you will no longer need filing cabinets, drawers and storage boxes to keep your documents. These types of furniture are huge and heavy, so if you have a small office, movement will be limited with these around. All you need is a computer with a hard drive that can handle the software and your documents.
You will also save a lot more time when looking for records since you don’t need to open a bunch of cabinets just to acquire one document. Instead, all you need is to type in the file name or title of the document in the software and your stored information will be shown in seconds. With this, your employees can perform more tasks in a lesser amount of time.
Another beefit is customer satisfaction. Customers who come to the office with their queries and needs often have other appointments to attend to, so their patience is limited especially if they have to wait a long time before being entertained. The software you use will help you respond to your customer’s requests quicker and your satisfaction rating will increase. You will also be able to serve double the number of customers in the time you spent manually searching for records.
Document imaging also saves a lot of time when it comes to disseminating information. Say you are the CEO of your company and about to attend a business meeting. A few minutes before presenting your data, you realize that you forgot your papers in the office. You will waste a lot of time and embarrass yourself by making your clients wait for you if you decide to go back to your workplace just to get the documents. On the
other hand, if you make use of software, you can call one of your employees and have him send what you need through e-mail.
If you are unsure of where to start acquiring your document imaging software, one of the popular names is Vircosoft. Vircosoft is the most affordable open source document and management software in the market. It has two products, SMB open source document management software called HighPoint and an Enterprise version dubbed KnowledgeTree. With Vircosoft’s integrated VFilter, it would be easier to manage the number of documents you have stored electronically. Best of all, it is easy to use, so you do not have to worry about spending a lot of time learning how to use it.
The benefits of a paperless office are endless. If you start investing now, you are sure to save a lot of expenses in the long run. Also, not only do you save time and space, you also help the environment. So what are you waiting for? Go paperless now!
Thank you,
Steve Breault “DocMeister”
In 1975, a technology expert predicted that offices would be handling records electronically by the year 1990. Nearly two decades later, the basis for this idea, a paperless office, is yet to achieve fruition.
A paperless office encourages a work environment which eliminates or has minimal use for paper. In an age where technology continues to make life easier, a paperless office is ideal for companies looking to save at cost and production. Instead of shelling out huge amounts of money to buy printers, copiers, paper and envelopes so information and documents may be disseminated or filed, a company may save more by investing on a set of scanners and filing their records digitally. Going paperless also saves a lot of space, especially in a small office. Filing cabinets tend to be huge, take up a lot of room, and can only be used for a single purpose. Computers, on the other hand, can be portable and used for a variety of things.
Digital records are also more accessible to those who want to view them, thus saving time and energy. Imagine having to open dozens of drawers and browsing through hundreds of folders just to acquire a single document – that would be frustrating and exhausting. However, if records are stored electronically, a few clicks and typing a few keywords is all it takes. Also, if copies need to be circulated, sending the files via electronic mail is more convenient and only takes a few seconds to be received.
Plus, with the help of gadgets like cell phones, PDAs and portable computer tablets, you can view whatever you need anytime, anywhere. Tablet PCs also save people from having to walk around carrying pads of paper to meetings and conferences. Anything they have to jot down they can draw on the tablet and it can be saved and viewed at a later time.
It also doesn’t hurt to know that a paperless office helps care for the environment. With the ever looming threat of global warming and other environmental risks, more and more people are looking to save the planet, going paperless will encourage conserving trees.
All in all, the prospect of a paperless office may sound a little scary, especially to established companies who have gotten through years of paper dependence. Surely it will take a lot of work to transfer every record electronically, but in the long run, a paperless office will be more efficient and beneficial, especially in a generation where people witness technological advancements every day.
Steve Breault “DocMeister”
Let me let you in on a secret… vFiler Rapid Indexer makes document imaging, capture and indexing easy and inexpensive. Hundreds of businesses world-wide are saving thousands of dollars with this powerful Paperless Office solution.
CLICK here to watch a short video and see how
(Registration is NOT Required)
Imagine all of these features for $995
- Hardware Independent – Monitors / Watches folders
- All MFPs and Scanners Supported
- Capture from Multiple Folders
- Capture from Outlook
- OCR Multiple Zones, Full Page, or ALL Pages
- Batch Process & Separate Documents while Indexing
- Create Pull-down lists for RAPID-INDEXING
- Database Lookup (Query) for RAPID-INDEXING
- Creates searchable PDFs
- Metadata Publishing
- Interface to YOUR accounting system through ODBC for data validation
- UNLIMITED DOCUMENT PROCESSING – no click charges
- File documents to Windows Folders
- File documents to ODBC databases
- Automatically File documents to HighPoint™ or KnowledgeTree™
- Launch HighPoint™ or KnowledgeTree™ Workflows automatically by publishing document types or to specified folders
- Links HighPoint™ or KnowledgeTree™ metadata
STOP paying HIGH upfront purchase and license renewal fees.Businesses are switching to vFiler Rapid Indexer. RIO is fast.
Download and Try vFiler – Registration Required. Includes Access to Training Videos
Technical Support Contact Information:
888.446.1770 ext 2 (Phone & Fax) Main Office
616.871.0215 Support Lab
Purchase vFiler Rapid Indexer:
Contact: sales@vircosoft.com for Price Sheet and Order Form
Have questions or want to talk to our technical support team? Start saving money today!
Steve Breault, “Doc Meister”
Steve Breault, CEO
The concept of the Paperless Office has been kicked around for years. Some say there will never truly be a Paperless Office. Others tout that it is too hard, too expensive or too complicated for the small and mid-sized business. Twenty years ago they all would have been right. I say it is not only possible today, but necessary to compete. The low-cost and the ease of setting up a Paperless Office is unprecedented.
Why, one might ask? It is the technology and mind-set my friend. What used to be complicated is now so easy, given the right solution, even someone with no computer experience (a rarity today of course) can start work in a Paperless Office environment comfortably and efficiently.
Every office is weighted down with paper, but that does not mean you have to follow suit. This issue is easily solved. What has become even bigger problem to effectively manage are the hundreds; perhaps thousands of electronic images sent and received every day from scan-to email, fax-to-email and attachments of all type formats. Once received, then what?
Traditionally in the absence of an electronic filing system recipients simply created their own filing system on their PC’s. Sound familiar? Need I go through the pitfalls of this type of system? I think not. Too often when a document was needed, post haste, no one could find it. Not a great strategy for the customer standing by, often under pressure, for a copy of a maintenance agreement the auditor needs now.
Have you ever calculated the annual cost to find, retrieve, re-write and reproduce on the good ole’ copy machine? The number will most likely be staggering. Download this Cost Savings Calculator from Vircosoft and see for yourself. We have been working with businesses for over ten years. Once they saw the value, ease-of-use and fast R.O.I. started the transition to The Paperless Office immediately. The R.O.I. can be under six months, often faster.
Today inexpensive world-class software can transition your business to The Paperless Office quickly and easily. Look for these features:
§ Project & Task Management with Gantt Chart
§ Shared Calendars
§ Bulletin Board for Team Collaboration
§ Search folders, document contents and metadata
§ Group and User Level Security
§ Document Audit Trail
§ Check-in and Check-out Documents
§ Document Version History
§ Hardware Independent – Monitors / Watches Folders
§ All MFPs and Scanners Supported
§ Capture from Multiple Folders Simultaneously
§ Capture from Outlook
§ Automatically Split Multi-Page Documents Easily
§ Automatically Straighten, De-speckle, de-skew, rotate and resize images
§ Auto-Orientation
§ Reads 16 Barcode Types (1D and 2D)
§ OCR Multiple Zones, Full Page, All Pages, or Selected Pages
§ Create Searchable PDFs
§ Interface to Your Accounting System through ODBC for data validation
§ UNLIMITED Document Processing – NO CLICK CHARGES
§ High-end Forms Recognition – (form template training)
§ Metadata Publishing
§ Marked Processing
§ OMR Processing
§ Document Imprinting
§ Index and file multiple document types and departments simultaneously
§ Auto-create Windows Folders by User-Definable Indexed Fields
§ Auto-name File Names by User-Definable Indexed Fields
§ Automatically Publish metadata into ODBC compliant databases
§ Automatically Publish documents and metadata into leading Document Management Systems
§ Automatically Publish documents and metadata into SharePoint
§ Automatically Publish documents and metadata into HighPoint™ or KnowledgeTree™
§ Launch Routing work flows inside HighPoint™ or KnowledgeTree™ by Document Type
SUMMARY
Make no mistake about it the Paperless Office is here and you can have it. Software from Vircosoft and other major development and distribution companies is available for download and testing free of charge. During these challenging economic times many companies are pondering difficult decisions. No one wants to let an employee go. The Paperless Office can enable someone to work on other tasks that will help maintain the business.
Thank you,
Steve Breault “DocMeister”
Sales of vFiler™ our document imaging software are UP, UP, UP!
Some people are buying vFiler™ to automatically file documents hands-free into their current document management system and others are creating their Paperless Office by bundling vFiler™ with our HighPoint™ or KnowledgeTree™.
Offering great products and services is one thing. Reaching NEW motivated customers, especially; during a recession (not over yet regardless of what the politicians say), when the private sector is under attack and tumultuous economic times, is quite another!
When the catch is dwindling, add bait and throw a bigger net. Right?
Today, I don’t think a conversation about market expansion and increasing sales can take place without focusing on Search Engine Optimization.
SEO saved our bacon this past year. I have to tell you, SEO work on Vircosoft has paid dividends, in spades. Our consistent Google Page #1 position (often #1 on #1) has provided a visibility we could hardly dream about one year ago.
It’s all about DOMINATING your market whether it is local, regional, national or international.
Do you DOMINATE your market on the Search Engines?
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Open Source Document Imaging Software
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We are your one-stop Shopping Center for:
- Low cost world-class imaging, capture and indexing software
- Open source document management software
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Check out our Blogs for a lot more great information.
Thank you,
Steve Breault “DocMeister”
Everyone wants the most features at the lowest cost, right? Well if you are on a budget but still in need of fast, 100% accurate indexing then you need to stop for a minute and look at what is referred to as manual Indexing or Rapid Indexing at far less cost of jumping into a fully automated system. Document Indexing Software is often referred to as “Rapid Indexing” you get a big bang for a small bite. Many systems offer an easy upgrade to automated systems.
Let’s look at a few benefits:
You do not have to be a techno-whiz to operate vFiler Rapid Indexer. The best of both worlds is the ability to connect to a myriad of document management software applications through Rapid Indexer’s ODBC (Open Data Base Connectivity) connector. Automatic conversion to PDF. 100% accuracy. Low, low cost. ROI super fast.
Imagine this…load your document indexing software onto a workstation or server, easily design work flows (video training comes with the solution) that do what you want done and start scanning. Rapid Indexer plows through your documents like a rampaging wild bull elephant on a mission. Everyone has virtually instantaneous access to the documents from their PC located anywhere in the world at a cost that so much less than manual indexing & filing that to attempt a clever comparison is ludicrous.
Take a peek, watch document imaging software in action and see first hand want all the buzz is about.
Thank you,
Steve Breault “Doc Meister”
Law firms are buried in paper, literally. While there are many fine manual filing systems on the market, today’s technology and declining costs have made moving to an electronic document imaging system easy and very inexpensive. Whether large or small, law firms can drastically reduce the cost of filing, storing and retrieving documents in seconds. Imagine never losing a document ever again or sharing documents across the Internet to collaborate without leaving the comfort of your office? Easily done! Increase productivity, and reduce stress. Documents will be at your fingertips.
How many boxes are you managing? How many hours per week are spent looking for a discovery document or updated contract you needed yesterday? How did that file get placed under the wrong client name? The list goes on and on.
All law firms retain rows of filing cabinets and workrooms crammed with documents, and paying for storage space at premium pricing. Off-site storage is available reducing the cost of physical storage but simply add cost again to retrieve and transport between the facility and the firm. How much are you paying every time you need a document?
Following are examples of streamlining achieved with document imaging software:
¢ Find any document anywhere on the network or via the web in seconds.
¢ Routing documents fast and accurately
¢ Versioning (always maintain a running record of updates & changes)
¢ Reduce or eliminate off-site storage and retrieval
¢ Never lose or misplace a document again
¢ Reduce copy machine costs
¢ Reduce the cost of storage
Conversion of “Old Documents” to “Electronic Manageable New Documents”:
Imagine having all of your documents easily and automatically converted to Searchable PDF format. Continuity of electronic documents with hardcopy paper documents is fundamental for law firms because it helps discovery, enables collaboration among group participants in different location needing access to files that look the same. PDF assures compliance with regulatory requirements. Using PDF you can easily view, print, and collaborate on PDF files. PDF retains the integrity of any document irrespective of its origin, electronic file, paper, or Web, and portrays collaterals on screen identical to the way they would look in print.
Document imaging software and document capture software such as vFiler from Vircosoft make it possible using the searchable PDF function for law firms to browse millions of PDF files to find the information they need quickly, easily and accurately. Dramatically reduce the time normally spent by a staff of researchers to find exactly what is needed.
Look for a system that is easily transportable. Why carry boxes of files to court (or leave in the trunk of your car) when you can simply log in and retrieve what you need in seconds. Talk about efficiency while unnerving your opposing counsel!
Increasingly, judges are permitting computers into the courtroom or as part of the trial presentation procedure. Exhibits can be shown to the jury on monitors and even highlighted to emphasize particularly important information.
Summary:
¢ Reduce document retrieval time dramatically
¢ Streamline case-management
¢ Insure the integrity and safety of the document
¢ Multiple, simultaneous users
¢ Better and faster collaboration
¢ Reduce hardcopy storage space
¢ Never lose or misplace a document
¢ More
Wishing you and yours a healthy and prosperous 2010
Steve Breault “DocMeister”