bcWebCam vs ExactScan

bcWebCam uses a Windows PC webcam to read EAN barcodes and QR codes, then enters the result into the active field of another application. Position the cursor in a browser, notebook, or other program and hold a code in front of the camera; the recognized item number or contents are copied there. The Free Edition reads EAN8, EAN13, and QR codes and is restricted to private use. PRO1 adds linear types including Code 128, Code 39, Code 2/5, SS1, and Post Codes; PRO2 also adds Data Matrix, PDF417, and Aztec. The maker says the free edition can be used to evaluate PRO1 and PRO2. The software is 64-bit and requires Microsoft.NET Framework 4.8. Its maker describes 640×480 as the optimized webcam resolution and says lowering a higher resolution may improve preview and recognition performance. QS QualitySoft GmbH, based in Hamburg, Germany, makes the product. Listed plans are free for Free Edition, €4,998, paid once for PRO1, and €11,662, paid once for PRO2; the pricing note says paid from €49.98.

ExactScan is a document-scanning application for scanning, sorting, filing, and archiving documents in a paperless office workflow. It supports more than 500 scanner drivers as well as TWAIN and ImageCapture drivers. Built-in processing can detect paper size, correct skew, optimize black-and-white scans, and detect blank pages. Users can create profiles, scan to PDF or other formats, and produce searchable PDFs. ExactScan can act as a TWAIN driver and send image files to third-party applications that do not support TWAIN or ImageCapture. AppleScript support lets users access profiles, set scan options and destinations, and monitor processing status. Pro adds OCR in 26 languages and batch tools including page rotation, PDF appending, 1D barcode recognition, text imprinting, and processing existing files. Enterprise supports scanners rated at 100 pages per minute or higher, PDF/A-1b, and additional barcode formats. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. One-time licenses cost 80.00 EUR for ExactScan, 100.00 EUR for ExactScan Pro, and 250.00 EUR for ExactScan Enterprise. A 14-day trial is available; there is no free plan.