I want to create a paperless office with maximum automation. Far too often I see in offices, in which the processes are too complicated. There is too much time wasted with looking for documents, correcting of redundant data, correcting missing links, missed parts of the work process. The office stuff should be reduced to a minumum using a multifunctional server.

Now i only need to find reliable and free available software components. Once it runs, it would be offered as a turnkey solution to help young swiss entrepreneurs saving money for expensive Licensing. Of course, the online version of OpenERP is also a possibility. However, the development phase is expected to cost only time and no subscription fees. I know the road is long and hard :) OpenERP already appears to cover many needs.

The idea is pretty much at the beginning, even without much preparation, this is why i ask the questions here to see if OpenERP is the right choice. Also, I have not yet gained much knowledge on this topic, what I'm going to change with these questions :) Thanks for every reply

Telephone connection
I've seen that theres a module for asterisk. Some functions such as
- incoming calls assign the customer
- Click2Call.
Do you see a possibility, receive and store incoming faxes in the DMS, assignet to customer based on the number (or see next question) ?

Automation for incoming mail
All incoming documents should be scanned (SOHO Scanner, just save in a specific folder where the server is checking, for example) and the file will be
(1. ) put in a few steps in the DMS (like first question). And then, more important
(2.) the documents will be recognised (OCR) and assigned to the correct customer / supplier and ...(this would be the greatest...)
(3.) with extracted key information (long training, i know), it would generate a corresponding - draft invoice, - delivery, - payment to suppliers or auto-answer which i only have to check, correct ans save.
I've read about NAN-Scan and CuneiForm. I didn't had the time to evaluate.

I'm thankfull for every hint. I don't need the whole configuration/solution. I also want to have some work to do ;)