As a data specialist, you must have faced various challenges when extracting data from scanned documents. One of the biggest challenges data specialists face is data entry in data management. However, there are many technologies in the market today that extract data. One of them is OCR data extraction software. You can use it to convert paper documents to an editable digital file.
According to studies, OCR data extraction software can reduce time by up to 79%. Moreover, you can provide seamless integration into your applications. OCR software has revolutionized data management. It is interesting how large businesses benefit from the best OCR software on a large scale.
OCR software can help you process any document type. Today’s blog will discuss the latest improvements in OCR systems. We will introduce OCR and then move on to its importance for businesses. There is more to explore in the coming sections. Let’s continue reading till the end.
What is OCR data extraction software technology?
OCR stands for optical character recognition. It turns printed text into digital data. Here is how it works:
Scanning a document
Recognizing the shapes of letters and numbers
Converting them into a format that can be edited on a computer.
You should know that OCR data extraction comes with several steps. These steps can be:
Cleaning up the image
Finding the text
Recognizing each character
Fixing any mistakes.
You might wonder why we prefer OCR for data extraction over traditional methods. It is essential to realize that conventional methods were limited. Moreover, those methods relied heavily on recognizing patterns, which led to struggles with poor-quality images. At the same time, it also helps them face challenges with multiple languages or different fonts.
For example, how would a data entry specialist extract the data if he doesn’t know a particular language? That was an alarming situation for multiple companies. Nobody can find someone who knows multiple languages and can provide accurate extracted data. It is also not easy for a human to process different document types. This is where OCR was introduced into the world.
You will be amazed to learn how OCR uses ML and AI to enhance data extraction. You can also improve accuracy with cost-effective OCR solutions such as Filestack. It is less time-consuming than other OCR technologies. You can also integrate it into various applications.
Applications
OCR helps us scan the Finance industry’s the Finance industry’s checks, invoices, and receipts. It can save time and reduce manual data entry.
Next, OCR digitizes patient records, prescriptions, and lab results in healthcare.
OCR can also be helpful in logistics as it can scan barcodes and labels.
What are the recent advancements in OCR technology?
Recent advancements have greatly improved speed and accuracy in OCR form data extraction, which helps in better decision-making.
The best part is that we can process many documents without compromising quality and speed. This feature is especially important for large-scale businesses.
Another advancement is the ability to process complex document files, such as documents with complex handwriting and fonts.
Optical character recognition OCR can also process an extensive range of documents now. You can extract data in multiple languages. Businesses with a global impact can benefit significantly from this feature.
Finally, the role of machine learning and artificial intelligence can not be overstated. They can help our OCR systems perform better with time. These technologies make it easier for OCRs to analyze patterns, predict mistakes, and understand the context, making the technology more reliable than ever.
What are the innovative features of modern OCR solutions?
You should know about the innovative features that modern OCR offers. It helps us improve data extraction with a higher accuracy. Let’s explore them:
Real-time OCR data extraction can help us get the OCR results within minutes, boosting our businesses’ productivity.
Next, there is automated document indexing and classification. This feature takes document management to the next level. We can easily organize and retrieve data.
Then, we have advanced image pre-processing qualities. In this feature, the OCR software improves the quality of documents before processing them for data extraction.
Finally, we can see the cloud-based OCR solutions. They give us accessibility and scalability. We can process large amounts of documents from anywhere at any time. Moreover, cloud-based solutions have also been developed, and we can easily integrate them into our applications.
What are the challenges and limitations of OCR data extraction software technology?
Despite its amazing benefits, OCR software has some challenges and limitations. Let’s explore them.
When we process low-quality images, there is a high chance that the accuracy will be compromised. However, when you use the latest OCR software like Filestack, there is a very low compromise on accuracy. It can correctly interpret text from blurry, skewed, or poorly lit images
Another challenge is the processing of Handwritten text recognition. For most OCR systems, it remains a significant hurdle. However, Filestack efficiently handles such documents.
Processing different languages and symbols can also be a challenge for OCR systems. When working in a multilingual environment, the OCR system might fail. However, OCR systems with modern capabilities such as AI and ML can easily process any language.
Finally, some OCR systems may not provide better security when handling sensitive data entry processes. However, Filestack secures your files under proper encryption and other security measures.
What are the future trends in OCR data extraction software?
Like any other technology emerging today, OCR data extraction also comes with future trends. Let’s explore some interesting future trends in OCR data extraction tools.
One of the most promising trends is the integration with blockchain technology. It can give us a secure and immutable solution for managing sensitive data extraction. As a result, we can ensure transparency and prevent unauthorized access. Nobody would be able to access that data without proper verification.
As we know, AI is revolutionizing the IT world. When we implement AI into OCR, the extracted data is likely to be highly accurate. AI can easily identify text virtually without causing too many complications. Moreover, AI can help us extract data from any preferred format.
Third, our OCR software could process different languages without causing errors. As a result, we would get a clean database for any targeted language. Moreover, our businesses would be able to cater to a broader audience.
Finally, there are also higher chances that collaborative platforms will emerge with multiuser OCR access. As a result, teams would be able to work on large-scale OCR projects such as PDF data extraction and much more.
How can you choose the right OCR solution for your business?
Choosing the right OCR technology goes through several steps. Let’s discuss some most important ones.
First, you should consider four main factors. These are costs, accuracy, speed, and integration capabilities. You should evaluate these factors based on your project requirements. Once you know you have figured out your requirements, you should move to the next important step.
The next step is to choose a reliable OCR provider. It should be able to handle your data securely, be fast, and be cost-effective. One such solution is Filestack.
Finally, you should ensure that your chosen provider gives high scalability and customization features.
These three steps caproperp you choose the right OCR for your business without consuming too much time.
Conclusion
OCR data extraction software has revolutionized data management for businesses. It has made it easier for us to extract data within minutes. Conversion of printed text to editable text has many applications in daily life. From healthcare to finance industries, we can see how people are benefiting from it.
However, it is always important to choose the right OCR provider. We have also provided detailed three-step guidance on choosing the right tool for your business. You can let us know in the comments if you have more questions.
FAQs
How do you create a simple OCR data extraction software?
Get the Filestack API key and create your simple OCR data extraction software.
How much does it cost to create an OCR data extraction process tool?
Filestack costs $69 for the basic plan. However, you can upgrade if your project needs more.
Can we rely on Filestack for data extraction security?
Yes. Filestack provides data encryption and other security protocols.
Why should you prefer OCR software over manual data entry?
OCR saves a lot of time and is highly accurate. As a result, people can focus more on other aspects of the project.
This post was initially published on the Filestack blog.