It's time to find an eFileCabinet alternative or eFileCabinet replacement

In This Article:

• An eFileCabinet replacement needs to not just provide document scanning, it should excel at it
• Since PDF is the de-facto format for archiving documents, an eFileCabinet replacement should provide a full range of PDF tools
• A good eFileCabinet alternative will still provide a user-friendly interface but it might free the files from a database and allow you to use your own Cloud services like DropBox, Google Drive, and OneDrive
• It's possible to replace eFileCabinet with a solution that's fully compatible with all of your Windows programs
• Jump to our recommendation »

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EFileCabinet Alternative and Replacement Overview

eFileCabinet has announced the retirement of its desktop product. If you're an eFileCabinet user who doesn't want to give up control to the Cloud, you've found the eFileCabinet alternative and replacement preferred by thousands: FileCenter.

Like the original eFileCabinet desktop product, FileCenter puts simplicity as its top priority while providing enough features to address all of the pain points in a paperless office.

This article will discuss the key considerations when replacing eFileCabinet and show you why we recommend FileCenter.

Replace eFileCabinet's Scanning

A key feature of any document management software like eFileCabinet is document scanning. FileCenter document scanning software, which is our recommended eFileCabinet replacement, features in-place scanning, where you can rapidly scan straight to file, effectively scanning and filing your documents in one action. And for even greater control, you can also scan into a PDF editor, where you have tools to touch up the image. Other scanning options include inserting new pages into existing files, scanning only the document text to Word, and scanning to email. And because scanned documents should be searchable, FileCenter can automatically ensure that all new scans are fully-searchable PDF files.

Providing a Full Array of PDF Tools

PDF has become the standard for electronic document storage and sharing. Scanned PDFs fulfill document retention requirements. Many government offices now require submitted documents to be in PDF format. So shouldn't your document management system provide a full range of tools for manipulating and working with PDF files? In this sense, you can not only replace eFileCabinet, you can potentially improve your workflow.

Among the most convenient of FileCenter's PDF features is PDF stacking – the ability to combine PDFs by dropping one PDF on another one. Unlike eFileCabinet, FileCenter provides a full PDF editor right in the interface. Annotate and secure your PDFs without having to export them into an external program. Additionally, you'll be able to convert most files to PDF with just a button-click, and you'll enjoy handy tools for splitting, unstacking, and merging PDF files.

An Alternative to eFileCabinet's File Storage

Like most document management systems, eFileCabinet does the actual file storage in a database. There are a number of advantages to this approach. The most obvious is file security. By removing files from open access in the Windows file system, you can restrict document access on a file-by-file basis. Additionally, a database can provide auditing and notification features.

A database, however, also has its drawbacks. First, it requires that you import your files into the system. And if you ever choose to stop using the system, you will have to export all of your data. Second, while a database-driven system is capable of providing additional document security, it also restricts the way other programs can access your files. For example, the only way other programs will be able to save files directly into the system is if an integration has been provided. If your favorite program doesn't have an integration, you'll have to do a manual import every time you create a new file, otherwise the file won't be in the system. Finally, files stored in a database can't be used with Cloud services like DropBox, Google Drive, or OneDrive.

An alternate approach to file storage – one which may make better sense for some offices that don't have the need for tight document security – is to simply store files in standard Windows folders. This scheme still provides a sensible level of access security through the regular Windows file and folder security features, but additionally provides unfettered program integration options.

In situations where this kind of file storage makes sense, FileCenter shines as an eFileCabinet replacement. FileCenter displays your files in an electronic file cabinet layout. But behind the scenes, FileCenter stores files in standard Windows folders, an excellent choice for many small offices. FileCenter integrates with the vast majority of Windows programs, allowing you to save directly into your file cabinets without any sort of add-on. FileCenter also allows for seamless file sharing on the network and fully supports using your own Cloud service, like DropBox, Google Drive, or OneDrive.

Our Recommended eFileCabinet Alternative

FileCenter evolved from an ongoing analysis of real-world user workflows. Its features are derived from the tasks that a file-intensive office deals with on a daily basis. This has led to a vast array of features geared specifically to a paperless office, like standardized file naming, pre-defined folder layouts, the ability to email Office files as PDFs, and an Inbox for bringing in files from network scanners or fax machines, just to name a few. Not only is FileCenter a viable eFileCabinet alternative, it can smooth out many speed bumps in your daily workflow. Download a free trial today.