Did you know that by 2030, it's estimated that an eye-watering 30% of hours currently worked across the US economy could be automated? Or that of all the activities people are paid to do in the global economy, 49% have the potential to be automated?
It's no surprise that automation is taking the world by storm. The benefits are numerous, from slashing operational costs and boosting efficiency to enhancing accuracy and improving customer satisfaction.
When considering what to automate, the focus is often labour-intensive (and, let's face it, dull) tasks like document handling and administrative duties. These are prime targets because automation not only speeds up the process but also reduces the likelihood of human error, freeing up employees to focus on more strategic, value-added activities.
So, how does that relate to Intelligent Document Processing? In this article, we’ll dive into the details on how it can help your organization.
What Exactly Is Intelligent Document Processing (IDP)?
Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) leverages artificial intelligence, going beyond mere scanning to understand and manipulate information within documents just like a human would—only faster and without coffee breaks.
The Evolution of Intelligent Document Processing
The evolution of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) marks a significant journey in document processing. Beginning in the late 19th century with Emanuel Goldberg's invention of a machine capable of converting characters into telegraph code, OCR technology has continually advanced.
In 1974, Kurzweil Computer Products, Inc introduced an omni-font OCR product, later expanded for broader accessibility, notably online. Fast forward to the digital age, OCR has evolved into Intelligent Document Processing (IDP), integrating AI and machine learning. IDP now handles semi-structured, unstructured, and handwritten documents, automating processing for a majority of cases.
In the face of increasing data volumes, IDP's ability to extract and manage key information efficiently is crucial. Looking ahead, AI will continue to refine IDP, addressing complex use cases and potentially expanding into audio and video processing domains, such as insurance claims and police incidents. The future of document processing lies in the synergy of AI advancements and expanding use cases.
How Does IDP Differ From Traditional Document Processing Methods?
Traditional methods like Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and manual data entry focus on converting images to text or painstakingly inputting data by hand. These approaches are linear and rigid, often needing help with document format variations or text capture inaccuracies.
In contrast, IDP utilizes advanced AI technologies—machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision—to understand and extract data intelligently. It adapts to different document layouts, interprets nuanced information, and continuously improves accuracy over time. While traditional methods simply digitize, IDP comprehends and interacts with data, allowing for much more efficiency and precision.
How Does IDP Work? And What Are the Key Components and Features of an IDP System?
Here’s how IDP works and the key components that make it effective:
- Capture: IDP begins by capturing documents from various sources, whether they're scanned images, PDFs, or digital formats. Systems then use advanced OCR or computer vision technology to convert these images into machine-readable text.
- Extraction: Using natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning, IDP identifies and extracts key information such as names, dates, amounts, or even more complex data like contractual obligations.
- Validation: The extracted data is then cross-verified with predefined rules or existing databases to ensure accuracy. This step often involves the use of AI to recognize patterns and learn from corrections over time.
- Integration: Once validated, the data is seamlessly integrated into the business's central systems, such as ERP or CRM platforms, making it readily available for immediate use.
Crucially, artificial intelligence plays a significant role in powering IDP technologies. NLP, machine learning, and computer vision all fall under the AI umbrella and fundamentally make IDP systems perform so highly. They are the "intelligent" part of Intelligent Document Design.
So, what are the key features of an IDP system? IDP systems should have these traits:
- Adaptability: Can handle a variety of document formats and layouts without needing predefined templates.
- Accuracy: Employs continuous learning algorithms to improve data extraction and reduce errors.
- Scalability: Capable of processing large volumes of documents quickly.
- Security: Includes robust security features to protect sensitive information contained within documents.
How Can Organizations Leverage IDP To Enhance Efficiency and Productivity?
Here's the bottom line. By automating the tedious task of data extraction from endless streams of documents, IDP slashes processing times and minimizes errors. Your team can shift focus from data entry to more strategic initiatives that drive growth. Imagine your accounts payable department clearing invoices in minutes, not days, or your HR team processing employment forms without ever touching a paper. With IDP, these scenarios become everyday realities.
Moreover, with 74% of organizations considering digital transformation a top priority, IDP can help you meet these goals. Not only does it allow you to keep pace with industry trends, but it also offers a competitive edge through improved efficiency and accuracy. For example, we helped a client move from manually processing 68% of their invoices to having 80% of their invoices processed by our intelligent document processing system.
What Industries and Sectors Can Benefit From Implementing IDP Solutions?
The simple answer is that IDP will benefit any industry with lots of data. But to be more specific:
- Financial Services: Banks and insurance companies can use IDP to process claims, loans, and customer onboarding documents more efficiently, reducing turnaround times and improving customer satisfaction.
- Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics can leverage IDP to handle patient records, insurance forms, and regulatory compliance documents, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality while freeing up medical staff to focus on patient care.
- Legal Sector: Law firms and legal departments can automate the extraction of information from case files and contracts, speeding up case analysis and reducing the costs associated with manual document review.
- Manufacturing: Manufacturers can implement IDP to streamline the management of supply chain documents, purchase orders, and invoices, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Public Sector: Government agencies can use IDP to manage public records, tax documents, and benefit applications, improving service delivery and compliance.
- Retail: Retailers can adopt IDP to process supplier contracts efficiently, inventory documents, and customer information, boosting both back-office and customer-facing operations.
What Are the Potential Challenges Associated With Adopting IDP?
Adopting IDP can present challenges, including the initial cost of integration and the complexity of configuring systems to specific business needs. Organizations might also need more support from employees who are wary of new technologies. Additionally, ensuring data security and compliance with regulations when handling sensitive information is crucial. Practical training and a clear strategy for deployment are essential to overcome these hurdles and fully leverage IDP's benefits.
How Can You Determine if IDP Is the Right Solution for Your Document Management Needs?
First, assess the volume and complexity of documents your organization processes. Does processing invoices take up considerable staff time? Are customer service forms or employment applications causing delays? These are strong indicators that IDP could streamline your operations.
Consider the variety of document types and the frequency of errors in your current system. If manual data entry is a bottleneck or error rates are high, IDP could significantly boost efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, evaluate your readiness for digital transformation—IDP is ideal for companies poised to modernize their operations.
Final Thoughts
Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) transforms data management by integrating AI to streamline and enhance document workflows. At BP3, we specialize in deploying AI-driven IDP solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of your business. Elevate your document processing capabilities and improve operational efficiency with our expertly crafted IDP technologies. Connect with us to learn how BP3 can help you achieve your digital transformation goals.