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Small business management - QR codes and scanned documents mess

Posted on 10/18/23 at 5:31 am
Posted by oldaryl
Member since Oct 2023
7 posts
Posted on 10/18/23 at 5:31 am
I apologize if the thread title is a bit confusing, but my brain is fried, and this is the best I could do. I need your help with a little family adventure.

My uncle's small business (car stuff - spare parts, batteries, accessories) is currently a bit of a delightful mess - we're talking tons of important documents scattered in random boxes. It's like a treasure hunt but without the treasure. Only me pulling my hair when I end up not finding the paper I really need.

I've taken it upon myself (to try) to save the day, and I want to scan and organize all these documents. Any suggestions for software to help me with this epic endeavor? Can the files be stored in Windows folders to make it easier for him to find his way around? Basically, what I don't want is an expensive piece of software with a complex system in place. I looked into something called M-Files, looks impressive, but definitely not for a small business on a budget with not really tech-savvy owner. So, something of that type but simpler and cheaper, to put it that way.

But, of course, there's more. He asked me to help with his inventory management. Rumor has it, that his competitor (and nemesis) started using QR codes so naturally - now we want them too. Joke aside, I think it's a great idea, but I'm running into a bit of a pickle. Those free QR code generators I found either limit the number of scans or have codes that expire faster than a carton of milk in a heatwave.

Ok, this is turning into a saga, sorry. If anyone knows of good document storage software or a free reliable QR code generator - please share so that I can wrap this up and continue with my life, far, far away from car parts.
Posted by CHiPs25
ATL
Member since Apr 2014
2913 posts
Posted on 10/18/23 at 5:53 am to
To run a business costs money. The QR generator websites can’t be that much, can they?
Posted by painballwizard
Member since Jun 2021
22 posts
Posted on 10/18/23 at 6:45 am to
I don't know, I don't see anything wrong in saving a buck here or there. If a free version or a basic plan does the job, why not? It comes down to priorities, both in business and life. Like, I want to invest in a good alarm system or pay an accountant to do my taxes, but I'll try to save elsewhere. If there was only one thing, then ok, how expensive can it be. But there are oh too many when you run a business.

Anyway, I drifted a bit. FileCenter might be one of the document storage solutions that could work for you but you can check a few more options here. The Standard plan is quite affordable and it would probably do the trick. Basic file management and scanning, and a PDF editor - $5 per month, $10-$15 for some more advanced features. You don't need to import (or export) the files as they remain in Windows. In my opinion, it is one of the easiest-to-use software and I know a couple of people with practically no technical background who had no problem figuring out how it works.

As for the QR codes, I recently created a digital business card using Beaconstac, and I know they have a free qr code generator with great reviews on G2. Haven't used it yet, but it does offer an unlimited number of scans, that much I can tell you. It should do the trick for your inventory tracking.

I wish you good luck, it can be tricky mixing business and family, even when you're trying to help.
Posted by ThatBaw
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2023
206 posts
Posted on 10/19/23 at 10:46 am to
Now I know this can appear scary or complex, but it really is a great software.

Paperless-ngx

Hosting by Elest.io

The interface is excellent and search functions are useful. Includes OCR (optical character recognition), so it can read your PDFs and make them searchable based on content.

The way it works is that usually it is hosted locally or in the cloud. The only barrier to entry is the scary-looking setup, but it is easier than it looks. YouTube is your friend.

Here's a video for getting started on a Windows machine.

The kicker? If you host it yourself, it is totally FREE.
This post was edited on 10/19/23 at 10:49 am
Posted by oldaryl
Member since Oct 2023
7 posts
Posted on 10/20/23 at 2:12 am to
Thanks a bunch, will go over the suggestions during the weekend. I already see some promising options, and honestly, I can't wait to get things started.
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