Forms processing
Forms Processing:
Defining Forms Processing in simple terms, it is a process by which we can capture information entered into data files and convert it into an electronic form. In this process - Entered data are “captured” form their respective fields; - Forms themselves are digitized and saved as images.
What it means is that the hard copy of the data can be scanned in as an image using a scanner. This image is then recognized based on a pre defined configuration. The data is captured from particular zones and stored in an electronic format.
Overview:
In the broadest sense, forms processing systems can range from a small application form to a large scale survey form. There are several common issues that are involved in forms processing when done manually. These are a lot of tedious human efforts put in, the data typed in by the user could result into typo error, and lots of work hours get consumed in this process. If the forms are processing using computer software driven application these common issues could be resolved and minimized to great extends. Most methods for forms processing address the following areas :
1. Manual Entry
2. Automatic Form Input System
Manual Entry is that method of data processing where in the data is keyed in by human while Automatic Form Input System is that which can automate the data processing by using predefined templates and configurations.
Manual Process of data entry implies many problems such as delays in data capture as every single data has to be keyed in manually, great amount of operator's misprints, high labor costs, equipment spending, rent-charge, etc.
As compares to Manual Data Entry process, Automatic Form Input System are more preferable, as it helps in eliminating all the above mentioned problems faced during Manual Data Processing.
Automatic Form Input System uses different types of Recognition methods such as Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Optical Mark Recognition (OMR), Barcode, and Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR). OMR is the most efficient way of data processing as compared to OCR and ICR. ICR accuracy is not guaranteed as it completely depends on user hand writing patterns.
With Automated Forms Input System technology users are enabled to process documents from their scanned images into a computer readable format such as ANSI, XML or CSV.
Forms Processing is way beyond just capture of the data. Recognition of data using OCR / ICR / OMR / Bar codes will help you capture the data as an electronic format while forms processing not only gives you recognition process but also help you manage the complete life cycle of the document which starts from scanning of the document to the extraction of the data. In some cases it may also include process of generating well formated results through calculations and analysis. An Automated Forms Processing purchased can be valued if you have a need to process few hundreds or thousands of images every day.
Components:
Various Components included in Data Processing using Automatic Form Input System include:
1. OCR - Optical Character Recognition
2. OMR - Optical Mark Recognition
3. ICR - Intelligent Character Recognition
4. Barcode
5. MICR - Magnetic Ink Character Recognition
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Recognizes machine-printed uppercase/lowercase alphabetic, numeric, accented characters, many currency symbols, digits, arithmetic symbols, expanded punctuation characters and more.
Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) Recognizes hand-printed American and European English characters using pre-defined character sets: uppercase, lowercase, mixed case alphabetic, digits, currency (including $ (dollar), ¢ (cent) € (Euro) £ (pound), ¥ (Yen)), arithmetic and punctuation characters (including period, comma, single quote, double quote, ! & ( ) ? @ { } \ # % * + - / : ; < = >)
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) Recognition technology to facilitate the processing of the MICR fonts of Cheque. This minimizes chances of error in clearing of Cheque. It is also useful in easy and faster transfer of funds. MICR provides a secure, high-speed method of scanning and processing information.
Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) Identifies hand filled in bubbles on printed forms. Usually OMR supports single and multiple mark recognition. The fields to be recognized can be specified as grids (rows by columns) or single bubbles.
Barcode can read more than 20 industry 1D and 2D barcodes including Code39, CODABAR, Interleaved 2 of 5, Code93 and more. It automatically detects all barcodes in an image or specified area within the image
Process:
The process of Automated Forms Processing includes the following steps:
1. A batch of completed forms is scanned using a high-speed scanner (usually scanners that scan at least 10 pages per minute are used); recommended scanners like Kodak, Canon and HP could be preferred.
2. Most of the data are recognized automatically using the pre requisites;
3. A few characters about which the program is uncertain are passed on to a human operator;
Verified data are saved into a database or exported as CSV or XML.
Pre Requisites:
The process of Automatic Forms Processing is of a great success if the pre requisites are successfully maintained.
Few of the pre requisites include:
1. Scan Format: It includes the format of scanned file, Resolution and DPI, Color Mode
2. Configuration: The scanned image layout needs to be configured for this automation
3. Recognition: The pre defined out put formats
4. Result / Analyze: Any specific format of result of capture value data presentation.
Reference of Products in Market:
1. Abby Forms Processing: http://www.abbyy.com/formreader/forms_processing/
2. SoluSoft Forms Processor: http://tech.solusofttech.com/solusoft_technologies_india_ahmedabad_products_forms_processor.html
3. Oyster Software:http://www.oystersoft.com/products.shtml