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Optical character recognition

Understand Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology that converts printed or handwritten text into machine-readable digital data.
Sarah Dotson

What is Optical Character Recognition?

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is a technology that converts different types of documents, such as scanned paper documents, PDF files, or images, into editable and searchable data. This technology enables machines to recognize text within images and transform it into machine-readable formats.

Understanding OCR technology

OCR systems analyze the patterns of light and dark that make up letters and numbers, converting them into digital text through complex pattern recognition algorithms. Modern OCR combines multiple technologies including artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve accuracy and handling of various document types.

Key OCR components

Essential elements include:

  • Image preprocessing
  • Character recognition algorithms
  • Layout analysis
  • Output formatting
  • Quality assurance

Business applications

Organizations use OCR to:

  1. Automate data entry
  2. Create searchable archives
  3. Process forms and documents
  4. Enable text extraction
  5. Support digital transformation

Implementation considerations

Effective OCR implementation requires:

  • Image quality standards
  • Recognition accuracy targets
  • Output format specifications
  • Integration requirements
  • Performance monitoring

Operational impact

Well-implemented OCR significantly reduces manual data entry while improving information accessibility and processing speed across various business operations.