Business card reader

Similar to other computer scanners, a business card reader allows a user to scan business cards into their computer for digital storage. Computer scanners are capable of scanning and converting text documents to typed text by use of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. Business card readers work on a similar principle, reading the text on the business card and converting to typed text on the computer.

Some business card readers offer the functionality of scanning a business card directly into a Microsoft Outlook contact record. Other readers can scan to a web format, directly to a new computer file, to a database or even to a CRM system, like SalesForce.com or Microsoft CRM. Some business card readers are capable of connecting to PDA devices, smartphones and tablet computers. This can allow users to scan business cards while at a trade show or other similar events, without needing to have a laptop computer with them.

Today, many people are replacing business card readers with Smartphones with apps capable of scanning and storing business card information.

Also see: Input device, Scanner definitions