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A TEAM EFFORT by
CardScan (Executive) & Dymo (LabelWriter 400 Turbo)
 Many more years ago than I care to count I was given a business card scanner and a Label Printer. The card scanner never worked. I threw it out. The label printer worked well but after a year or so I gave it to my dad.
While at the 2007 CES I visited a table at ShowStoppers that was shared by CardScan and DYMO (LabelWriter). Both companies sent products to me for review. This article will cover each product as well as how they work together to make your business contacts and tasks easier to manage.
CardScan Executive
Installing the New CardScan Version 8 Software on the IBM Think Pad loaner was easy. All I had to do after that was to plug the included USB cable into the CardScan Executive unit and, when instructed to do so by the install program, into the Notebook USB port. Next I tested the scanner. It would scan the business card but would not recognize the text on the card and place the results in the associated fields in the database. A message came up: “An Error Occurred inside the Character Recognition Library”
I went to the CardScan support site and searched for a solution. It was “Edit the System Variable Value to include the OCR directory” I had no idea where or what this was but was provided detailed instructions as to how to do the task. I followed them, tested my first business card, and the solution worked.
When I am given a card I usually scribble a note to myself as to what product was discussed. This is most helpful due to the fact that many press contacts are from PR firms and their cards do not reflect the actual products being discussed. Unfortunately I had written on the front of most of the cards. That is a no no if you want to have the scanning software recognize the text you have written over. Once these cards were scanned in I was able to go to each record in the database, magnify the card, and manually enter the missing or incorrect text. This issue is easily corrected in the future by only writing on the back of the card. It is also possible to scan the back of the card into the database if you want to keep that written record. It seems that many companies are now using the back of business cards to give you more details about their products
I was amazed at the speed of the scan and the ability of the software to correctly read and transfer the card’s text to the record. The specs say 3 seconds and I believe it. Although the scanner will scan color I chose to use the black and white option as it was speedier.
The Software
I liked the Navigation Bar on the left side of the software. It allowed me to search for contacts by name or category. I was also able to find and quickly remove duplicates. Although I do not use an IPod those who do have one with an address book function can copy the “CardScan Ipod Template” and the contact list to their IPod to take the contact list with them. PDA and SmartPhone owners also have that option.
I used CardScan At Your Service on their web site to sync and remotely save my list of contacts. That also allows me to access the list from any computer connected to the internet. It is a passworded service that keeps your information secure. It is possible to map contact addresses using your choice of MapQuest.com, Google Maps, Ask.com maps, Expedia.com, and MultiMap.com.
Other Services:
Email CardScan contacts from Outlook, Outlook Express and many other contact managers.
I was able to sync CardScan to Outlook Express so the CardScan contacts were copied to my Outlook Express. This took some research in the Help files so I could send them to Outlook Express but not bring the Outlook Express contacts to the CardScan list. I feel this gives me better control of recent contacts as I have way too many email addresses in my Outlook Express list.
Update any record by simply scanning the new card.
Since I botched many scans due to my trying to scan without the proper OCR file reference I was happy to see I could click NEW and scan the card over again. CardScan then replaced the previous card and correctly placed the text in the database. Just scanning the card again would have created an entirely new contact entry. I would then have to delete the older duplicate.
The CardScan Executive really made me a believer. It worked as advertised. The support I needed was easily available. I love the product and wish I could keep it. CardScan also has a CardScan Personal unit that is smaller for portable use. The list price of the Executive version is $259.99 while the Personal Version is $159.99. It is possible to upgrade your current USB CardScan unit by purchasing the latest version of their software. The savings is so small you may want to buy a new unit and sell your old one on eBay or pass it along to a friend.
Visit to the CardScan Site for more details on their products.
LabelWriter 400 Turbo by Dymo
 I love a review that is short and to the point. That does not mean I always write that way. This is one of those short ones. The LabelWriter 400 Turbo and software were easy to install, run, and understand. I was able to find the Properties tab that allowed me to remove the bar coded line that is included in all labels by default. I am sure the Bar Code is helpful in many business situations. The thermal print was clear and crisp. At one second per label or 55 labels per minute it was quick and quiet.
I don’t usually use graphics on my labels but they are easily available for those who do. You can create and use an internal contact list for addresses you use frequently. I printed 20 return address labels for myself. I also created some for my wife and the Reviews4you.com website. This printer will also produce “DYMO Stamps” as will their Twin Turbo and Duo label printers. This requires an account and special software from the USPS. I did not test this option as I did not want to go through the signup effort and use few stamps. The 400 Turbo also includes add-ins for instant printing from Microsoft Word, Outlook, QuickBooks, ACT!, Goldmine, Palm Desktop version 4 or later, WordPerfect® and more. LabelWriter also prints from other programs through standard print drivers. This is true for all three printers in the LabelWriter series.
Package Contents: Printer, power supply, USB cable, Windows and Macintosh software and Users Guide on CD-ROM, printed Quick Start Guide, one roll of address labels one starter roll of DYMO Stamps™.
The LabelWriter 400 Turbo lists at $139.99. The most popular labels cost $14.95 for two rolls of 350 Address labels and $19.95 for one roll of 300 Shipping labels or one roll of 500 return address labels. It will also work with more than 50 kinds of labels.
I suggest you look at the DYMO LabelWriter website to see all of the printers in their line so you pick the right one for your business. For instance if you want to print postage and address labels without changing the roll of labels you may prefer the Twin Turbo at $189.99. The Duo Model will print paper labels as well as permanent nylon, plastic and polyester label cassettes at a cost of $209.99.
Go to the DYMO Site for more details on this product.
WORKING AS A TEAM
The LabelWriter 400 Turbo worked perfectly with the CardScan Software. Adding an Icon on the CardScan toolbar that, when clicked, printed one or as many labels as I chose from the CardScan contact list. This is great for small bulk mailings. I appreciate that these two companies have joined together to make sure you have an integrated package that gets the job done.
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