How OCR Technology Applies to Software

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January 27, 2023

OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition. It is a technology that enables the recognition of text characters from digital images, scanned documents, or PDFs. In accordance with 6 key steps, the OCR process makes use of advanced algorithms to analyse the image and extract the text, which can then be edited, searched, or indexed. 

Source: https://www.filecenter.com/blog/the-comprehensive-guide-to-ocr-technology/ 

In this article, we will explore the various ways OCR technology can be applied to various applications and how it can benefit businesses, customers and individuals. From identity documentation and reward redemption to workflow automation and mobile app development, OCR technology is revolutionising the way we work. 

Let’s dive right in!

OCR Technology for Reward Redemption

Reward redemption refers to the process of exchanging or redeeming rewards or points earned through a loyalty program for goods, services, or other incentives. OCR plays a huge role in automating the redemption process and making it more efficient for both businesses and customers.

OCR allows customers to scan loyalty cards or membership cards so that they can quickly and easily redeem their rewards or points. It can even be used to scan QR codes, barcodes, electronic vouchers, coupons and other certificates from mobile devices, which provides customers with more options for reward redemption.

Online, OCR can be used to scan images of receipts, invoices, or other documents to verify customers’ purchases and redeem rewards or points. Points can then be automatically redeemed based on their purchase history or other set criteria, without the need for manual labour or human intervention. Overall, this can lead to improved customer satisfaction and increased loyalty to the brand.

For example, local shopping mall app The Point uses OCR technology for receipt OCR scanning to allow customers to earn membership points.

OCR Technology for Documentation Management

Document management is the process of organising, storing, and tracking electronic or paper documents. It involves the use of software and hardware systems to capture, index, store, retrieve, and distribute information. OCR plays a critical role in document management by enabling the digitization of paper documents and making them searchable and editable.

OCR can be used to scan paper documents and convert them into digital format such as PDF, Doc, Excel, and more. This makes it easy to store, search, and share the documents electronically. It can also extract data from forms, invoices, and other structured documents, which can then be used to automate data entry tasks and reduce the need for manual data entry.

In addition, OCR makes it possible to search through large volumes of documents quickly and easily. Users can search for specific keywords or phrases within the text of a document, making it easier to find the information they need. Users can also track versions of documents and easily detect changes made in a document. A backup of documents can also be created, which can be recovered in the event of a disaster.

OCR Technology for Workflow Automation

Workflow automation refers to the use of technology to automate repetitive or time-consuming tasks in a business process, thus reducing costs and increasing productivity in organisations. This has the power to revolutionise the way businesses operate, particularly in the back office. By automating the process of data entry and document management, OCR technology can greatly improve workflow efficiency and reduce the need for manual labour.

OCR can play an integral role in workflow automation by automating the process of extracting information from documents (including forms, invoices, and other structured documents) and using that information to trigger specific actions or workflows. It can also automatically route documents to the appropriate individuals or departments, or even initiate approval workflows for invoices and purchase orders, based on the information contained within the document.

Once invoices have been sent, OCR can extract key information, such as vendors, invoice amounts and due dates. This information can then be used to schedule payments, create purchase orders and update financial records.

In addition, OCR can create an audit trail of all the actions that are being taken in a workflow. This is extremely useful in tracking progress, detecting errors, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

OCR Technology for Mobile App Development

OCR technology has led to a wide range of advancements in mobile app development, opening up new possibilities for businesses and individuals alike. With OCR, users can input text into mobile apps by capturing an image of text, recognizing the text within the image, and converting it into editable text.

With the ability to process and extract information from images, apps can now read text from documents, such as receipts, invoices, and business cards. This means that users can quickly and accurately extract important information, such as names, addresses, and phone numbers, which makes it easy for them to store and organise their contacts.

Apps can now also recognise and process handwriting, which is extremely useful when users need to read notes or annotations written on images, such as in the case of medical or legal documents. OCR can also be used to enable mobile apps to scan and recognize barcodes and QR codes, which can be used to access product information, coupons, or other information.

In addition, OCR can be used to read text from real-world objects, such as posters, books, and billboards, to provide augmented reality experiences to users.

AppicIDEA’s Full-Service Software Development Expertise

AppicIDEA is a premier software development company that specialises in creating cutting-edge mobile apps, web apps, and software solutions for businesses of all sizes. From startups to corporations, we work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and deliver tailored solutions that help them stand out from the competition and achieve their business goals. 

With our team of experienced developers and a commitment to excellence, AppicIDEA is the perfect partner for any company looking to take their technology to the next level.

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