In basic terms, OCR technology enables computers to read the text of a scanned document and turn the text into an editable and searchable file. Typically, PDF is the preferred format of choice, but OCR is also used for image files like jpg.
Today, OCR technology uses pattern recognition, text mining, and feature detection to transform files with more accuracy and higher speed than ever before. That means storing, saving, organising and searching through data is much easier and efficient. So, OCR technology can improve a business’s workflow no end.
Origins and uses of OCR technology
Although the earliest form of OCR dates back to 1914, its modern form was first developed in 1974 by entrepreneur Ray Kurzweil. But it was not until the turn of the 21st century that OCR started to be widely used as an online service.
Today, it is used for all manner of purposes. For instance, OCR technology makes an online live casino possible. The tech is used to record all details of the gaming room and overlay the video link so that players can make better-informed betting decisions. OCR software can acknowledge the cards and symbols and display them almost instantly via its rapid-response database. But it is not only online live casinos that benefit from OCR technology.
OCR technology allows you to search files easily
You can enhance your business in many ways by utilising OCR tech. Firstly, the most straightforward use of OCR is for searching the contents of files. Instead of having to scour loads of pages to find something, you can now find it with a few clicks and keystrokes. So, by using OCR technology, you can simplify and streamline your business’s document processes.
Your business can be much more organised with OCR technology
With OCR technology, you no longer need paper documents. That will help you to save space and save the environment. From a business point of view, digital documents with OCR technology can be archived, organised, and transferred quickly.
OCR technology enables you to save time
Running a business takes up a lot of time, so any entrepreneur will welcome ways of saving time. OCR technology enables you to do just that, in various ways. One way in which it can save you time is by eliminating the need to enter details into documents manually. For instance, if you collect business cards from a conference or trade show, it can take some time to upload all of the details.
With OCR technology, business cards can be read by the computer and the contacts can be translated into digital format and stored in a contact management system instantaneously.
OCR technology provides assistive solutions
If any of your employees, customers, or clients are visually impaired, OCR technology can help. That is because it can feed written text into a text-to-speech application. That can also be helpful in other areas of your business. For instance, instead of spending valuable time reading documents, you could accomplish other business tasks while you listen to the content of documents.
OCR technology makes translations easy
If you commonly come across foreign languages in your business, or if you travel around the globe a lot, OCR can be an invaluable technology because it can translate words.
The text content in an image is extracted and identified and then turned into a machine-readable stream of characters. At the same time, the language is detected. It then uses translation software to transform a foreign word into English or your language of choice. OCR-based apps typically work with over 100 languages.
Verifying identities and avoiding fraud attempts is Simple
OCR technology can read the text displayed on official documents like passports and drivers’ licenses, as well as things like car number plates. That means personal information can be processed quickly, easily, and with minimal error, unlike the process of recording information manually.
So, OCR technology is fantastic for processing personal data for commercial purposes. OCR tech also prevents fraud attempts because it compares the data presented with information and photographs on a secure database.
