A common request we get from potential customers is to explain the differences between our two main form scanning software solutions – ExpertScan and Scannable Office. Obviously, in every instance, we happily oblige the customer and explain the nuances and endless beauty of our products. Sorry, I got a little carried away there.
However, we figured it might also be helpful to write down the differences in a blog post. So, here we are.
Trying to decide between ExpertScan and Scannable Office is dependent upon a number of different factors (in which we explore in future blog posts) but the most notable difference is in the form creation process.
Scannable Office essentially creates a toolbar that exists in your Microsoft Word, which is where you create your survey or form. In other words, anything you can create using Microsoft Word – multiple columns, tables, etc. – you can incorporate into your scannable form or survey. However, you are responsible for the formatting of the questions and text, which can be a difficult process at first.
Customers who have more complex forms, longer forms, and a general desire for more flexibility in designing forms, usually turn to Scannable Office for help.
ExpertScan exists completely separate of Microsoft Word. When ExpertScan is opened on your computer, a text box appears. The text box is where you will create your form. Unlike with Scannable Office, the questions and text you create are automatically formatted. This makes form creation much easier with ExpertScan, but gives you fewer options in the overall design of the form.
Customers who have simple, straight forward, and shorter surveys or forms usually turn to ExpertScan for help.
The decision, at least as it’s related to form creation, becomes simplicity and ease versus flexibility and design.
Hopefully this post successfully breaks down the main differences in form creation between the two software solutions. Another big difference between the two is in the reporting of the data. But that, my friends, is a discussion for another blog post. Until then, feel free to contact us with any questions you have!
