How to Scan Business Card Notes Into ACT!

Learn how to scan business cards into ACT.

ACT! is a contact management system program that allows businesses to maintain a database of prospects, customers, suppliers and vendors, including complete contact information. The software program also integrates with business card scanners so you can scan cards into ACT! instead of entering the information manually. ACT! adds information from a scanned business card to automatically record the contact. By default, images on the card are added to the "Notes" section of the ACT! contact record.

Things You'll Need

• ACT! software on your computer
• ACT!-compatible business card scanner and program

Instructions

1. Place the business card face down on the scanner. Place the card horizontally or vertically according to the direction of the text on the card. Any notes written on the card will automatically be scanned and placed in the "Notes" section of the program. You can add other details to the "Notes" section by manually entering the information. You also can add an image field for including the card image with the contact information by selecting "Design Layouts" and "Contact" in the ACT! Tools menu.

2. Verify the information is correct. When you scan a new business card, the ACT program automatically creates a new contact record and fills in the contact information the program pulls from the business card. Check the information to make sure the scanned information matches the information on the card.

3. Edit any inaccurate information. Make any corrections in the ACT! record.

4. Click "Save" to save the changes you have made to the contact record before scanning your next business card.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for each business card you want to scan.

Tips & Warnings

• Numerous business card scanners and programs exist. Make sure yours is compatible with the ACT! program.

• Some symbols, images, letters or numbers may be misinterpreted by the scanner. This can create misinformation in the contact record. Review the information that is automatically populated into the contact record before moving to the next business card. Making changes at this time ensures your contact record is accurate before you dispose of the business card.

References

• ID Reader: Manual
• Scanshell Card: Scan Business Cards to ACT
• GL Computing: Business Card Scan