Using a ScanSnap Scanner

The popular ScanSnap scanner can be used with FileCenter to organize new scans.

Scanning Limitations

The ability to use the ScanSnap is somewhat limited. Unfortunately Fujitsu chose to not let it work with any third-party programs. Specifically, the ScanSnap doesn't provide a TWAIN driver, which is what third-party programs need to be able to talk to it. As a result, you can't scan using FileCenter's Work with Files interface or Scan button.

Using the ScanSnap with FileCenter

There are two options for using the ScanSnap with FileCenter:

Set Up FileCenter to Receive Incoming Scans

You can set up FileCenter as a target application for new scans. The advantage of this method is that you can scan directly into the location you have selected in FileCenter. For this method to work, you need to make some configuration changes in your ScanSnap software. Also note that this may not work with all versions of the ScanSnap software:

1. Open the ScanSnap Manager from the system tray in the bottom-right corner of the screen. In some versions, it is a blue icon with a white "S".
2. Right-click on the ScanSnap button in the ScanSnap Manager, and un-check the "Use Simple Menu" (or "Use Quick Menu") option.
3. Under the Application tab, add FileCenter to the list of applications. The FileCenter program is typically located at: C:\Program Files\FileCenter\Main\FileCenter.exe.
4. Select FileCenter as the default application.

Now open FileCenter and go to a drawer or folder. Put a document in the ScanSnap scanner and press the scan button on the scanner. It will scan and save the PDF to the current location in FileCenter.

You also have the option of automatically running OCR to make the incoming scan searchable. This setting is available in the FileCenter "Tools" menu > "Settings" > "PDF/Scan" > "ScanSnap OCR Profile" (this setting is available in FileCenter 6.1 and newer).

Use an Inbox Cabinet

Using an Inbox cabinet is an easy way to bring ScanSnap scans into FileCenter. The ScanSnap has a default folder where it wants to save all incoming scans. Simply assign this folder as the location for an Inbox cabinet. Then when you want to scan, do the following:

1. Go to the Inbox cabinet.
2. Scan a document using the ScanSnap.
3. The document will show up in the Inbox.
4. Using the split view, move the file into the FileCenter location where you want to store it; you can rename the file on the fly as you move it.

An Inbox cabinet is created just like any other cabinet. Just make sure to select the option called Use as Inbox under the cabinet Type (FileCenter 6.1 and newer)