From OCR to intelligent document processing
OCR stands for optical character recognition. The technology turns text in scans, images and PDFs into digitally readable text. That saves you retyping by hand, which saves a lot of time. But reading a document isn’t the same as checking it.
OCR recognises an amount, for example, but doesn’t automatically know what it means. Is it gross or net pay? Does it match the information on other documents? And once OCR has read all the documents, is the case complete?
Intelligent document processing (IDP) goes further. IDP uses AI to recognise documents, extract data and process information. Depending on the solution, IDP also compares documents, runs checks and flags discrepancies. OCR makes text readable. IDP makes information usable within your process.
Which OCR and IDP solutions are available?
The market includes international platforms, European providers and solutions with Dutch roots. Some focus mainly on document recognition, others support a larger part of the business process. That’s why you can’t compare them like for like. This overview is based on the Dutch market, so availability and local support in the UK may differ.
| Oplossing | Sterk in | Type oplossing |
|---|---|---|
| Doxis AI.dp | Many preconfigured document types and flexible hosting | IDP platform |
| ABBYY Vantage | Pre-trained models and low-code configuration | Enterprise IDP platform |
| Tungsten TotalAgility | Combining document processing with workflow automation | Intelligent automation platform |
| Parashift | Document processing with options for local deployment | IDP platform |
| Hyperscience | Complex documents, handwriting and high volumes | Enterprise AI platform |
| Instabase | Complex document flows and cross-document checks | AI and automation platform |
| VisionAI | Preconfigured case types, with underwriting and validation rules that you manage yourself | Process-focused IDP solution |
This overview isn’t a ranking. The best fit depends on your documents, your IT environment and the process you want to improve.
Building your own with Microsoft, Google or AWS
Some organisations build their own document processing, using services such as Azure AI Document Intelligence, Google Cloud Document AI or Amazon Textract.
That gives you the freedom to tailor a solution to your existing IT environment. On the other hand, you’re responsible for the set-up, integrations, business rules, maintenance and further development yourself. So the choice isn’t just about which technology reads documents best. The knowledge and expertise you need, the time to implement and the maintenance burden also play a part.
What to look for when comparing OCR and IDP software
High accuracy sounds attractive, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. If your staff still have to check and compare the extracted data by hand, much of the work remains. So look beyond text recognition:
- Which document types does the solution process?
- Does the software compare data from multiple documents?
- Can you add your own checks and business rules?
- How does the solution make discrepancies visible?
- How does human review (human-in-the-loop) remain part of the process?
- Does the solution fit your existing systems?
- Where does the solution process documents and data?
- How much technical knowledge do you need to make changes?
So don’t start with the software. Start with the process. Where do your people lose time now? Where do errors occur? And which decisions need human attention?
When is VisionAI a good fit?
We built VisionAI for processes in which several documents or data sources together form the basis for an assessment or decision. Think of a mortgage or loan application, an insurance file, a pension application, checking claims or a permit process.
The solution recognises the document type, extracts the data and compares it with other documents and available sources. Configured business rules check the information automatically. AI makes it straightforward to adjust these rules or add new ones yourself. Is something missing, or does information not match? The case handler or underwriter sees it straight away. The final decision always lies with your employee. So you spend less time searching and checking, without removing professional judgement from the process.
OCR vs IDP: which do you need?
Do you mainly want to extract text from highly standardised scans or PDFs? Then OCR software is often enough. Does your process require high accuracy and short turnaround times, or do you also want to understand, compare and check a document within a business process? Then an IDP solution is the more logical choice.
The key question isn’t which software has the most features. It’s which solution makes the work around data and documents simpler, and helps your organisation get from document to decision faster.
Find out what AI-driven document processing with VisionAI means for your organisation.
