What is Automatic Data Capture?

It's been called the "Supply Chain of the Future"that can be used in automatic data capture:
and is being implemented by more companies to*Bar codes
streamline business proficiencies every day. So*Magnetic stripes
although you may have heard of automatic data*Biometrics
capture, you may be asking, "What exactly is it?"*Smart cards
In this article, you will learn some of the main*Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
points about automatic capture and how it can*Voice recognition
help your business thrive in the years to come.So some of those things we've only seen in
Pay attention as implementing a data capturemovies are now part of our reality. Even though
system in your business can be one of the mostthey may seem like science fiction, companies all
important things you decide to do all year.around the world are using these technologies to
Data capture is simply defined as "any processincrease their efficiency, and their bottom line.
for converting information into a form that can beEach of these technologies have their benefits and
handled by a computer." You will gather data andtheir shortcomings so it's important to not jump
the data capture systems will read and extractat the first solution you come across. Weight the
the data from the documents and transport itcosts and benefits of each so that you can find
into computer systems. This is the fun part - thisthe right technology for your business at a price
is all done without any manual typing by yourthat is right for you.
employees. Retrieval becomes simplified, which inBe sure to work with a reputable company that
turn saves you even more money. This ishas substantial experience in installing and training
another step in moving from manual,in data capture systems and who will help
time-consuming systems to more efficient,establish the most efficient system for your
time-saving data capture systems.needs. All electronic document management
There is a decreased margin for error when usingsystems can be tailored to fit your business, and
data capture, and when errors are made, theywill give you real-time data feedback on your
can be found quickly and remedied. This meansoperations.
there is no costly rework involved in fixingYou will find by using these systems that you
wrongly entered information in the system. Yousave money, and have improved work flow,
have more control over your data, and thereforewhich will result in higher employee productivity,
higher quality results. Your organization will beenhanced quality and access of critical data, and
better able to provide needed information toachieve overall better accuracy in all processes of
employees, clients and suppliers. Generally,your organization. In addition to all this, your
management, turnaround, and security are allcompany will not only generate a competitive
improved with a properly implemented system.edge, but will also be better equipped to face the
Here are some of the technologies, or equipmentfuture.