What is Automated Document Processing?

Shyam Paliwal
Shyam Paliwal at March 28th 2024

Automated Document Processing

Automated Document Processing refers to the use of technology and software to streamline the handling of documents in a variety of industries. This includes tasks such as data extraction, classification, validation, and routing, all of which can be automated to improve efficiency and accuracy. Intelligent document processing relies on various technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision to automatically understand and process different types of documents. 

Saturation of data has taken place. Today's enterprises often possess an abundance of data, making it challenging to distinguish between useful information and irrelevant noise. Finding useful insights from enormous amounts of data can be expensive and time-consuming. ADP, or advanced document processing, can be used in this situation. 

The benefits of automated document processing include increased productivity, reduced costs, improved accuracy, and faster turnaround times. As technology continues to evolve, the use of Intelligent document processing is expected to become more widespread and sophisticated, enabling businesses to better manage their documents and improve their operations.

Introduction

Automated document processing (also known as document automation or document digitization). It is the use of technology to streamline and automate the processing of various types of documents, such as invoices, contracts, purchase orders, and other structured or semi-structured documents.

Intelligent document processing typically involves the use of (OCR) Optical Character Recognition Technology to convert scanned or digital documents into machine-readable text. This text can then be analysed and processed using machine learning and other advanced algorithms to extract relevant information, such as customer names, purchase amounts, and due dates. 

The goal of Document processing automation is to reduce manual data entry, minimise errors & Efforts, and increase the speed and efficiency of Business document processing in large volumes easily. It has numerous applications in industries such as finance, healthcare, legal, and logistics, among others.

Benefits of Automated Document Processing

Intelligent document processing, which involves using technology to extract data from documents, has several advantages over manual document processing. Some of the advantages of automated document processing include:

  1. Improved efficiency: document processing automation process documents much faster than manual document processing. This allows organisations to process a large number of documents quickly and accurately.
  2. Reduced errors: reduces the risk of errors that can occur during manual data entry. This is because of the technology used to design to accurately extract data from documents.
  3. Increased accuracy: Intelligent document processing is designed to accurately extract data from documents. This means that the data extracted is more accurate than data that is manually entered.
  4. Reduced costs: Automated document processing can significantly reduce the costs associated with manual data entry. This is because it requires less manpower and resources to process a large number of documents.
  5. Improved compliance: business document processing can help organisations comply with regulatory requirements by ensuring that data is accurately extracted from documents.
  6. Better data management: Automated document processing makes it easier to manage large volumes of data. This is because it can quickly extract data from documents and store it in a structured format that can be easily analysed and manipulated.
  7. Faster decision-making: document processing automation provides organisations with faster access to data. This allows them to make faster and more informed decisions based on the data they have extracted from documents.

How Does Intelligent Document Processing Work?

Automated document processing typically involves the following steps:

  1. Document Capture: The first step in Business document processing is to capture the document, which can be done either by scanning a physical document or by receiving a digital document via email or other digital channels.
  2. Optical Character Recognition (OCR): Once the document is captured, OCR works best at Intelligent document processing. Because OCR technology is used to convert the document into machine-readable text. OCR technology uses pattern recognition and machine learning algorithms to identify and extract characters from images of scanned documents. 
  3. Data Extraction: After the document has been converted into machine-readable text, the relevant data is extracted using various techniques such as keyword matching, regular expressions, and named entity recognition. The extracted data is then verified against a set of rules to ensure accuracy and completeness.
  4. Data Validation: In this step, the extracted data is validated against predefined business rules to ensure that it meets certain standards or criteria. For example, if an invoice amount exceeds a certain threshold, it may require additional approval or review.
  5. Data Integration: Once the data has been validated, it can be integrated into other systems or applications, such as accounting software or customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
  6. Workflow Automation: Automated document processing can also be integrated with workflow automation tools to further streamline and optimise the document processing workflow. For example, invoices can be automatically routed to the appropriate approver based on predefined rules or criteria.

Overall, Intelligent document processing involves the use of advanced technologies such as OCR, machine learning, and workflow automation to streamline and automate the processing of various types of documents.

Automated Document Processing Techniques

Automated document processing techniques have evolved to streamline data extraction and analysis.

  • Computer Vision: Computer vision involves using algorithms to interpret and understand visual information from documents. In this context, it identifies and extracts data through techniques like text recognition and object detection. This enables systems to "see" and understand documents similarly to how a human would, allowing for accurate data extraction.
  • Zonal OCR (Optical Character Recognition): Zonal OCR focuses on extracting data from specific zones or regions of a document. It involves training OCR software to recognize and extract information from predefined areas. This technique is useful for forms and structured documents where data is consistently located in specific sections, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.
  • Intelligent Document Processing (IDP): IDP combines OCR, machine learning, and natural language processing to automate end-to-end document processing workflows. It not only extracts data but also comprehends its context and meaning. IDP systems can classify documents, extract key information, validate data, and even make decisions based on the content. This advanced technique offers greater accuracy and adaptability for complex documents.

In essence, these techniques harness technology to transform document processing, making it faster, more accurate, and capable of handling various types of documents.

How to Choose a Document Processing Automation Software Solution?

When it comes to choosing a Business document processing solution, there are several factors that you should consider. Listed below are some necessary concerns.

  1. Compatibility: Make sure that the software solution you choose is compatible with the operating system and software you use. If you use a Mac computer, for illustration, you ought to look for a software application that is compatible with Mac OS.
  2. Features: Consider attention to the components that you deem vital to you. Some key features to look for include the ability to edit and create documents, spell-checking and grammar checking, collaboration tools, and the ability to import and export documents in different formats.
  3. Ease of use: Choose a software solution that is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface. It should be easy to navigate and find the features you need.
  4. Cost: Consider the cost of the software solution. Some solutions may require a one-time payment, while others may require a subscription or monthly fee. You should also consider the value that you are getting for the price.
  5. Security: Make sure that the software solution you choose has proper security measures in place to protect your documents and data. Look for features like password protection, encryption, and secure cloud storage.
  6. Customer support: Take into account the software provider's level of customer service. Look for solutions that offer good customer support, including email, phone, and chat support, as well as online tutorials and documentation.

Overall, it's important to do your research and choose a software solution that meets your needs and fits within your budget. You may want to try out a few different solutions before making a final decision to ensure that you find the right one for you.

Summary

Enterprises consistently have trouble managing convoluted records in quantity, regardless of the industry they operate in. And still another is timely quality data extraction and delivery. For businesses and their staff, document processing automation is arguably the best discovery. It has numerous advantages. The future of document management is bright as technology develops every day. 

Automating document processing is often the first strategic move in that direction, and it is a crucial turning point for businesses as they pursue digital transformation. In conclusion, automated document processing is a highly efficient and effective way to manage documents in a variety of industries and settings. It involves the use of software solutions that can automate the process of document creation, editing, and storage, as well as data extraction and analysis. 

Document processing automation can help to save time and reduce errors & effort, as well as improve accuracy and consistency in Business document processing. It can also improve collaboration and workflow processes, allowing multiple team members to access and work on documents in real time. Some key benefits of automated document processing include increased productivity, improved data security, and reduced costs. It can also help organisations to meet regulatory compliance requirements, such as HIPAA, GDPR, and SOX. Overall, Intelligent document processing is a powerful tool that can help organisations of all sizes to streamline their document management processes and improve efficiency and productivity.

Port Code | TCS on Sale of Goods Above 50 Lakhs With Example | UQC In GST | Top 10 Business in India | GST on Education | Functions of Accounting | GST State Code List

About the Author

Rate your experience
4.60 / 5. Vote count: 1215
Need Help in Getting Started?
Make smart decision to replace your manual work with modern solution and improve your business output
Request Callback
Continue Browsing
Subscribe Now!
Receive GST, E way bill, e-Invoice, Accounts payable and OCR updates from our experts.