Data Capture Methods

There are numerous data capture methods that can be utilised to capture key information from surveys, invoices, claim forms, unstructured documents and other document types. Thanks to innovative technology, data capture processes can be automated to reduce manual data entry and increase data accuracy.

Levels of automation often depends on the document type. Forms which have been designed for automatic data capture purposes can reach high levels of automation and eliminate wasted time on printing, scanning and manual data entry tasks (click here to find out more about Cleardata’s Design and Print Services).

Businesses automation projects often use multiple data capture methods to streamline processes. Below we have put together a list of techniques used to capture different types of data.

Methods For Capturing Data

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

OCR technology is used to capture data from structured documents, usually those that have been word processed. The software works by converting documents into machine readable files, once this has happened you can search by keywords contained within it, great for files containing large amounts of data. Click here to find out more.

Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR)

ICR technology is an adapted version of OCR, the difference being that ICR is able to read handwritten text and convert it into computer readable information. Often used for unstructured documents such as letters, unstructured documents and other handwritten business correspondence.

Automatic Data Capture

Once documents have been OCR or ICR scanned, automatic data capture software can identify and extract key information from forms. This is becoming extremely popular for businesses looking to automate processing tasks, such as invoicing, purchasing and claims processing. The software is trained to look for specific types of information, such as reference numbers, names and addresses. Extracted information is output into a preferred format for import into existing systems, commonly used are csv, excel or html. Click here to find out more.

Paperless Forms

Paperless forms allow information to be captured whilst out in the field, transforming the way data comes in and out of a business. Data is captured using a mobile device and can be transferred straight into office systems, with no paper processing involved or delays.

Barcode Technology

Barcode technology is a data capture method that allows metadata such as customer name, address and contact numbers to be pre populated into barcode format prior to forms being sent. This form of data capture significantly reduces manual data entry requirement upon return.

Double Blind Data Entry

Double blind data entry is a form of manual data entry using two operators and validation software to increase accuracy. The software will flag up any discrepancies between both sets of data and errors must be corrected before they can move.

For further information about Cleardata’s Data Capture Methods, contact our team on 0800 046 8081.

• Reduce manual data entry requirements
• Increase data accuracy levels
• Save time
• Cut costs
• Increase business efficiency
• Improve customer communication and service
• Gain a competitive advantage