We're often asked about business card scanners and which ones work with MRSware.  Here are some sugestions:

​If you are looking for a dedicated machine for business card scanning, there are quite a few to choose from.  I did a quick google search and came up with a nice-looking article that compares some of them.  The main feature you are looking for as far as MRSware-compatibility is the ability to output the contact list that it creates as a spreadsheet.  Once in spreadsheet form, you can use the normal MRSware Contact Import Wizard to import the list -- you can even assign the list one or more Categories in MRSware at the time of import, say if they were all from a particular trade show, for example.
 
Pretty much all of the machines support exporting the contacts to Excel, so you don't have to worry about this feature requirement much.  And, of course, most of them support inputing the contacts into Outlook; and you can synchronize Outlook with MRSware very easily.
 
However, I will say that dedicated machines for this are definitely on the way out.  What has already replaced it for a lot of people is using one of many available apps for your cell phone, which uses the phone's camera to scan and import the contact information.  This works in a similar way as the hardware scanner on your desk does -- point your phone at the business card, take a picture, the app then recognizes the text and inputs it as a contact.  You would then just synchronize your phone with MRSware (which you may already be setup and doing).
 

I’m sure you’ve heard that Microsoft just bought Nokia’s cellphone handset business.  With this purchase Microsoft is trying to catch up to the smartphone OS (Operating System) market leaders - Apple and Google.  Microsoft is running behind in the mobile computing market and realizes they need to catch up to stay relevant with their customer base.

Do you sometimes feel that you too, are running way behind the latest technology trend?  Are you having a hard time staying on top of all the information that is inundating you as well as staying relevant with your customer base? 

The problem is that as manufacturers’ agents you have a business and territory to run and don’t have a lot of free time to learn how to operate and maintain new technology.  But, if you choose the right kind of system you won’t have to worry about setting up, running, and keeping your system up-to-date.  You can rely on your service provider to do all of the behind the scenes work for you.

What are service providers?  Service providers host their software on their hardware, maintaining both the software and the hardware, and charging you fees for their services.  The services provided vary greatly and some providers include training, support, and updates in their fees, while others charge additional fees for these services.

A good place to start updating your technology is with CRM (Customer Relationship Management).  If you still use a rolodex or the electronic version of the rolodex, don’t worry you are not alone.  CRM applications go beyond the rolodex by helping your business increase internal collaboration, facilitate communications, improve customer service and support, and enhance your company’s professional reputation.

There are a large number of hosted CRM application providers today that can help you with your business.  As a manufacturers’ rep agency you should look for rep specific solutions that fit your unique needs.  With the right service and CRM application your company can become better organized, more efficient and more productive.  You can leave all of the day-to-day operating issues to the provider and focus your time and efforts on your business.

Unlike Microsoft you don’t have to buy another company to catch up with technology.  You only have to find the right software and the right provider to meet your needs.  If you’re running behind, don’t worry.  Remember the fable of the hare and the tortoise – slow but sure wins the race.  So get started!

To check out MRSware, EYOND, Inc.'s hosted CRM application, click on Try It.