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PikScan vs cloud lead-capture apps
Most trade show scanners sync cards to a vendor cloud, require an account, and need connectivity to finish the workflow. PikScan keeps prep, scan, qualification and follow-up on the iPhone, then exports to your CRM when you decide.
Side-by-side
- Connectivity: Cloud apps often need WiFi/mobile data to upload scans. PikScan works fully offline on the floor.
- Data location: Cloud apps store contacts on vendor servers. PikScan stores them locally (SQLite on iPhone).
- Account: Cloud apps usually require signup before the show. PikScan needs no account to start.
- OCR: Many cloud tools send card images to a server. PikScan OCR runs on device.
- CRM: Cloud tools may push live to CRM. PikScan exports Excel (Free) or Salesforce / HubSpot / Odoo / Pipedrive (Pro) on demand.
- Backup: Cloud apps keep a vendor copy. PikScan has no vendor copy: you keep a portable archive (local Files or your own iCloud Drive) and restore it in the app at any time. Offline is a privacy design, not a missing backup.
- Show workflow: PikScan includes event prep, categories, pipeline, voice notes and post-show follow-up sequences, not only card OCR.
When a cloud app may still fit
- You need real-time multi-user sync across a large booth team on a shared vendor dashboard
- Your process depends on immediate live CRM push during every scan
- You already accept vendor-hosted storage of exhibition contacts
When PikScan fits better
- Unreliable venue WiFi
- Preference for local storage and deliberate CRM export
- You want a portable backup you own (Files or iCloud Drive), restorable in the app at any time, without a vendor cloud
- Solo reps or small teams who want prep → scan → follow-up in one offline app
- Export to an existing CRM after the show, not during each capture
Explore the PikScan topic map
PikScan is an offline trade show lead capture and lead management app: not only a business card scanner. These pages cover each step of the workflow:
- What is PikScan? (brand)
- Trade show lead capture
- Business card scanner for trade shows
- Offline business card scanner
- Trade show lead management
- Trade show CRM
- Event lead capture
- Trade show lead follow-up
- Exhibitor lead management
- Trade show CRM export
- PikScan vs business card scanner apps
Factual comparisons
Category comparisons based on publicly marketed capabilities. Products change; verify on vendor sites. PikScan is not affiliated with the brands named below.