Optical Character Recognition is the recognition and conversion of scanned hardcopy document data into electronic, digitised information, where individual characters (letters, words, etc.) can then be searched for, edited and indexed. The term is often abbreviated to OCR.
Optical character recognition software works in conjunction with scanning equipment and document management systems. Hardcopy materials are scanned and then processed by OCR software to decipher individual characters, and are then recorded as data. Once a document has been scanned and the data has been translated into a digital format, it can be archived and managed using document management software.
OCR allows scanned data to be stored in a format which can be searched easily. Management software searches the individual characters and allows for accurate results to search queries. First Coast Technologies offers high quality optical character recognition software for use with their scanning equipment and management software.
Benefits of using OCR software
OCR is revolutionising business practices around the world. Instead of previous reliance on data that could not be edited, and which was only saved as an image, data can now be digitally recorded without human effort (no more retyping!). The effect on business practice and processes has been incredible.
The ability to search and access information immediately is saving businesses time and money. Instead of having to search manually through image documents or loose sheets of paper, a simple search finds the required information immediately. Office space is increased as storage of loose data is no longer necessary. Data saved in a database or repository is accessible through a server or web interface. Administrators can of course limit access to information.
Without optical character recognition, it would be impossible to store existing data that can be edited.
View First Coast Technology scanners and management software and take a look at the off-site document storage and scanning and data services available.
