Data entry is an indispensable part of every business, and though we tend to minimize its status in the hierarchy of business functions, its actual importance to the daily running of a smooth business operation can't be overstated.
Fortunately, the wide range of available data entry solutions provides enough flexibility for each company to effectively address its own unique data processing needs. At the same time, to make the best use of this wide array of options, each business owner must understand the various data entry choices available and choose the one that's most appropriate based on the company's specific needs. Since no two companies are exactly alike, what works for one may prove unsuccessful, or even disastrous, for another.
Some available data entry solutions follow:
1. In-house data entry done manually by company employees, either as their exclusive job or in the process of completing other, related tasks
2. On-site data entry completed by data entry specialists hired through temporary or other outside employment agencies
3. Automated data entry completed in-house using data-entry software purchased from outside vendors
4. Data entry services outsourced to remote data entry companies (completed either on- or off-site)
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Understand your company's specific data entry needs
Do you need simple data entry or complete database management and maintenance? Does the nature of your business require coordinated invoicing capabilities? Could your company benefit from combined data entry and word processing services? All these questions must be addressed before you can determine which data entry solutions are potentially most appropriate for your company.
I recommend: Datacap
webinars can help you better understand your company's specific needs and the various types of data entry document services available to address them. Offerings include a demo of their
Taskmaster 7 data entry invoicing software, as well as webinars on other related topics, such as
Outsourcing Data Entry and
Work Flow Automation.
Decide which of the available data entry solutions is most realistic for your business
Perhaps your data is especially sensitive, requiring a higher than average level of security. Or, you may need exceptional versatility in automated data entry software, such as a program that can recognize a wide variety of different data input modes. You may even require speech recognition software. Whatever your particular need, there are data entry companies, word processing services and software vendors specializing in applications and processes designed to meet it.
I recommend: Captiva FormWare extracts data from all types of forms. Should you prefer outsourcing,
Lason offers secure, automated data entry services.
Dragon Naturally Speaking is a speech recognition program which allows you to dictate and edit in virtually all Windows-based applications, essentially helping you provide your own word-processing services, among other things.
Match your company's needs to the best data entry or data and word processing services or vendors
Use price comparison services to compare product or service packages and pricing from various data entry companies and software vendors, whenever possible, to quickly and easily determine which one provides the features and value that best meet your needs and budget.
I recommend: VendorSeek.com offers comparative price quotes from various providers of data entry services to help you choose the best value for your business. All you need to do is fill out a simple, secure online form. Other automated data entry solutions are available from
Datacap and
Cambridge Computer.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Whether you've chosen data entry software, a data entry service, or combined data and word processing services, be sure to set a date for reviewing and evaluating how well your chosen solution is meeting your needs.
- If you aren't enjoying the efficiency you'd hoped, discuss your concerns with the provider or manufacturer to see what can be done to improve the effectiveness of the product or service for your business.
The official source of Finding Your Company's Best Data Entry Solution is
the Data Entry page at Business.com
Featured Vendors
AMI - The Paperless CompanyCalifornia Based Scanning Solutions For Your Business - Increase Productivity, Better Customer Service, and Cost Savings.
DocumentScanning.AMIPaperless.com
Offshore OutsourcingOffers solutions and services for customer services and data processing needs, like international outsourcing call center services in the Philippines.
www.cybergenic.net
Data Entry And Home Typing Workers NeededWorldwide Data Entry and Home Typing Work. Start Today. No Experience Needed. Earn $200/Day, Performing Simple Data Entry Work At Home.
www.HomeNetPro.com
Block All Data Entry PointsRead must-knows about network access control. Free whitepaper.
www.symantec.com
Related Resources from Business.com
Comments
Is any content on this page inappropriate? To let us know, please 
