Odoo 19 introduces a powerful enhancement in the CRM module: Business Card OCR. This AI-powered feature allows users to automatically extract information from a business card image and convert it into structured information data inside Odoo. If your company frequently deals with clients, attends networking events, or receives business cards regularly, this feature can save a significant amount of time. OCR, or Optical Character Recognition, is a technology that converts different types of documents such as scanned paper documents, PDFs, or images captured by a digital camera into editable, searchable, and machine-readable data. In simple terms, it's a way to "read" text from pictures and turn it into regular text that you can edit, search, and analyze on a computer.
⭐ What Is Business Card Import in Odoo 19?
Business Card import is an AI-driven feature in Odoo19 that scans an uploaded business card image and automatically retrieves key information from the contact details such as name, company, email, phone, address and etc by using ORC technology. All extracted information will automatically populate the Creation Lead form, eliminating the need for manual entry.
How to Use Business Card Import in Odoo 19
1. Open the CRM App
From your dashboard g to CRM app, click on Leads or your sales pipeline or you can directly write My Pipeline or Lead from your dashboard.
2. Click “Import Business Card”
Beside the Pipeline or Lead title there's a button like this ⚙️ when you click there will be several action menu, select Import Business Cards. A dialog box will appear, you can choose to upload a file from your local device or using camera by activating your device's camera (using phone). Simply point your camera at the business card, ensure it's well-lit and in focus, and capture the photo. You can also upload an existing image of a business card from your computer.
Make sure the image is clear.
3. Odoo Automatically Processes the OCR
After importing the document or scanning, odoo will process the image instantly. We also can do bulk import of business card, but it will take more time than importing a business card. Wait until the process done, the extracted information will be populated into the lead form.
4. Review the Extracted Data
Review the fields carefully to ensure accuracy. The OCR technology is very good, but it's always wise to do a quick check, especially for complex layouts or unusual fonts. Once you're satisfied, click Save.
Tips to Improve OCR Accuracy
To ensure the best results, follow these recommendations:
- Use a clear, sharp photo avoid blurred images.
- Ensure proper lighting. Do not take photos in low light or strong shadows.
- Use a plain background. This prevents visual noise during scanning.
- Make sure the card is flat. Avoid tilted or curved shots.
Conclusion
The ability to convert business cards to leads automatically in Odoo 19 is more than just a convenient feature it's a strategic advantage. It streamlines your lead management process, empowers your sales team, and ensures that no potential contact is lost in a pile of paper. By leveraging this OCR-powered tool, you can ensure your sales pipeline is always full and your team is focused on what they do best: building relationships and closing deals.