Optical character recognition technology

Optical character recognition (OCR) technology automates data extraction from a scanned document or image file and converts the text into a machine-readable format for use in data processing. Organizations that employ OCR to convert images and PDFs (typically originating as scanned paper documents) free up human resources and save time that would otherwise be spent managing unsearchable data.

Once captured, OCR-processed textual information creates benefits that include:

• Reduced time and resources dedicated to manual data entry
• Increased information processing speed
• Lowered data capture error rates
• Increased staff productivity

To achieve these results, organizations use these OCR-processed digital files – such as receipts, contracts, invoices, financial statements and more – to simplify the finding, referencing, updating and repurposing of crucial information and data: The lifeblood of any enterprise.

OCR functionality is only one aspect of a data capture solution. Capture solutions can extract data from documents in many different formats — from hand-written notes to electronic forms to charts and so much more. Robust data capture solutions handle multiple document formats — both electronic and paper documents. These solutions eliminate paper, reduce manual indexing and can automate the data entry of information into other core business systems through powerful integrations tools.

Some data capture systems even have the ability automate the entire front-end data capture process to kick off downstream processes organization-wide. As incoming information and delivery formats increase for most organizations, the time and resource savings provided by these tools is invaluable.

To start your processes off on the right foot, learn more about the Hyland solutions that leverage OCR technology.