Connect a scanner to Aktenplatz (via FTP)

In short: The easiest and most reliable way to connect a scanner or multifunction device to Aktenplatz is the FTP interface. The device drops the scan straight into an FTP folder – no PC, no drivers – and Aktenplatz picks it up automatically, runs OCR and files it in the right case, GoBD-compliant. Aktenplatz Support provides a suitable FTP access free of charge: support@aktenplatz.de.

Why FTP is the best connection

Practically every business device supports “Scan-to-FTP". The advantages over email or a USB stick:

• No workstation PC needed – the scan goes straight from the device display into Aktenplatz, even centrally in the office or at night.
• No drivers, no extra software – the FTP function is already built into the device.
• Automatic processing – Aktenplatz watches the FTP inbox, runs OCR full-text recognition and files automatically.
• Stable and fast – ideal for high scan volumes and several devices at once.

Request free FTP access from Aktenplatz

Before you set up the device you need the credentials for the FTP inbox. You get them free of charge from Aktenplatz Support – just email support@aktenplatz.de. You will receive:

• Server address (host) – e.g. ftp.aktenplatz.de
• Username and password
• Port (default 21; may differ for FTPS)
• Target folder to scan into

For ScanSnap devices you need a WebDAV access instead of FTP – you set that up yourself (see below).

Connect the FTP server in Aktenplatz

So that Aktenplatz watches the FTP inbox, enter the credentials once in the project settings under Settings → Interfaces → FTP (/settings/project-ftp-settings).

1. Open the project and go to Settings. Under INTERFACES choose FTP.
2. Enter your FTP access data: FTP Server, FTP User and FTP Password.
3. Turn the connection on with the Enabled checkbox.
4. Click Save changes.

From now on Aktenplatz syncs the files from this FTP access with the project automatically. Next, set up your scanner to scan into exactly this FTP folder (see below).

Connect Brother scanners via “Scan to FTP"

Brother document scanners (ADS series) and multifunction devices (MFC/DCP series) are set up via Web Based Management – the device's web interface. Here's how:

Step by step (Web Based Management)

1. Find the device's IP address: print the network configuration page (Menu → Device Info/Network) or read the IP address on the display.
2. Open the web interface: enter the IP address in your browser (http://192.168.x.x) and log in (the default password is usually on the device label, often initpass).
3. On the left, open SCAN → Scan to FTP/Network and choose FTP as the protocol.
4. Click Scan to FTP/Network Profile and select a free profile.
5. Enter the Aktenplatz credentials (see below) and click Submit.

The fields you enter

• Profile Name: e.g. Aktenplatz (shown later on the display)
• Host Address: the server address provided by Support (e.g. ftp.aktenplatz.de)
• Username and Password: your FTP credentials
• Store Directory (target folder): the folder provided, e.g. /scan (with a leading slash)
• File Type: PDF (multi-page) – ideal for searchable filing
• Passive Mode: usually On
• Port Number: 21 (or the port provided by Support)
• Resolution: 300 dpi recommended (a good balance of quality and OCR)

A step-by-step guide with the original screenshots is available in the official Brother FAQ “Configure Scan to FTP".

Supported Brother models

The setup works with all current Brother devices that have networking and Scan-to-FTP, including:

• Document scanners (ADS): ADS-1300, ADS-1700W, ADS-1800W, ADS-2200, ADS-2700W, ADS-3600W, ADS-4300N, ADS-4700W, ADS-4900W
• Multifunction devices (MFC): MFC-L2750DW, MFC-L3750CDW, MFC-L8390CDW, MFC-L9670CDN, MFC-J5340DW, MFC-J6957DW
• Compact devices (DCP): DCP-L2550DN, DCP-L3550CDW, DCP-J1200W

Connect Fujitsu/Ricoh ScanSnap via a WebDAV network drive

ScanSnap devices (such as the popular iX series) don't scan via FTP; they scan into a folder through the ScanSnap Home software. The trick: we mount Aktenplatz as a WebDAV network drive and let ScanSnap scan straight into it. Every scan then lands in Aktenplatz automatically.

1. Get your WebDAV credentials

Your WebDAV credentials are right inside Aktenplatz in your user profile under WebDAV access (/profile/webdav). See Manage files and folders with the WebDav Client for how to set up WebDAV step by step.

2. Mount WebDAV as a network drive

• Windows: open “This PC" → Map network drive → enter the WebDAV address (https://…) → tick “Connect using different credentials" → enter username/password. The drive then appears e.g. as drive Z:.
• macOS: Finder → Go menu → Connect to Server… → enter the WebDAV address (https://…) → confirm your credentials. The volume appears in Finder.

3. Point ScanSnap Home at the folder

1. Open ScanSnap Home and create a new profile (or edit an existing one).
2. Choose the action “Scan to Folder".
3. Set the storage destination to the mounted WebDAV network drive (e.g. drive Z: or the mounted volume).
4. Set the format to PDF, enable OCR and save the profile.

From now on a single press of the Scan button writes the scan to the WebDAV folder and Aktenplatz picks it up automatically.

Supported ScanSnap and fi models

• ScanSnap iX / SV: iX1600, iX1500, iX1400, iX1300, iX500, iX100, SV600
• ScanSnap S: S1300i, S1100i
• fi series: fi-800R, fi-7030, fi-7160, fi-7260, fi-7700, fi-8150, fi-8170, fi-8190
• SP series: SP-1120N, SP-1130N, SP-1425

Note: many fi and SP models also support “Scan-to-FTP" directly – in that case follow the copier steps below.

Set up large copiers & multifunction devices via FTP (web interface)

Large office copiers and multifunction systems are set up most conveniently via their web interface. The principle is the same across all vendors:

1. Find the IP address (on the display under Device Information/Network or via the status page).
2. Open the IP in a browser and create a new destination of type FTP in the Address Book / scan destination.
3. Enter the Aktenplatz FTP data (host, user, password, folder, port 21, passive mode) and save.
4. Select it as the scan destination on the device, set PDF + 300 dpi – done.

Typical menu paths of common vendors

• Ricoh (IM C, MP C, Pro series): Web Image Monitor → Device Management → Address Book → Add destination → Folder: FTP. Models incl. IM C300, IM C2010, IM C3010, IM C4510, IM C6010, MP C2004, MP C3004, MP C4504, MP C6004, Pro C5300s, Pro C7200.
• Canon (imageRUNNER / iR-ADV): Remote UI → Settings/Store → Address Book → Register New Destinations → File (FTP). Models incl. iR1643i, iR-ADV C355iF, iR-ADV C3826i, iR-ADV C5840i, iR-ADV 4845i, iR-ADV DX 6870i, plus the document scanners DR-C225/C240, DR-M140/M160II, R40/R50.
• Kyocera (ECOSYS / TASKalfa): Command Center RX → Address Book → Add Contact → FTP. Models incl. ECOSYS M2640idw, M3645idn, M5526cdw, MA4500ifx, TASKalfa 2554ci, 3554ci, 4054ci, 7054ci.
• Konica Minolta (bizhub / AccurioPress): Web Connection → Store Address → FTP Transmission → New Registration. Models incl. bizhub C250i, C300i, C360i, C450i, C550i, C650i, 300i, 450i, AccurioPress C4070.
• Sharp (MX / BP): device web page → Address Book → Add → address type FTP. Models incl. MX-2651, MX-3071, MX-4071, MX-6071, BP-50C26, BP-50C31, BP-70C31, BP-70C45.
• Xerox (VersaLink / AltaLink / WorkCentre): Embedded Web Server → Address Book → Add → Scan to: FTP. Models incl. VersaLink B405/C405/C505/C605, AltaLink C8030/C8045/C8055, WorkCentre 6515.
• HP (LaserJet / OfficeJet / ScanJet): Embedded Web Server (EWS) → Scan/Digital Sending → Scan to Network Folder/FTP (create a Quick Set). Models incl. LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw, Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw, LaserJet Enterprise MFP M528, OfficeJet Pro 9020, ScanJet Pro 3000 s4 / N4000 snw1.
• Toshiba (e-STUDIO): TopAccess → Registration → Address Book → FTP. Models incl. e-STUDIO2515AC, 3025AC, 2528A, 5018A, 6018A.
• Lexmark (MX / CX / XC): Embedded Web Server → Shortcuts/Address Book → FTP destination. Models incl. MX331, MX431, MX521, MX622, CX431, CX522, CX625, XC9635.
• Epson (WorkForce / DS): Web Config → Scan → Network Folder/FTP. Models incl. WF-C5790, WF-C579R, WF-C8690, DS-530, DS-770, DS-970.

Other vendors such as Avision, Plustek or Panasonic work the same way – all that matters is that the device supports “Scan-to-FTP".

After setup: the scan lands in Aktenplatz automatically

As soon as the device scans into the FTP or WebDAV folder, Aktenplatz takes over: it watches the inbox, makes every document searchable via OCR and files it GoBD-compliant. Rules let you define which case or folder the scans are sorted into automatically.

Frequently asked questions