Function

• Software for scanning business cards uses the computer's attached scanner to create a digital image from a physical business card, according to the scanner information website, Scanning Service. Depending on the application, some software also uses optical character recognition (OCR) technology to read information from the card directly into a searchable database.
  
  

Mobile

• Because some users prefer to keep business card information available at all times, a number of applications enable business card scanning on smartphones. Depending on the software, the application may require the user to attach a scanner to the mobile device or, in some cases, use the phone's built-in camera to snap a picture of the business card.
  
  

Benefits

• Business card scanners, according to Walt Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal, allow users to organize business cards that otherwise may remain a disorganized mess. In addition, the software makes business card information searchable and electronic, making contact information easier to access.
  
  

Considerations

• A review by Glyphis Abox found that the software does not always accurately interpret business card data. This is because business card scanning software often relies on optical character recognition to import contact information.