Data management has undergone revolutionary changes in the recent past as data can be stored in a digital format easily no matter how voluminous the data is. Businesses generate tons of fragmented data in all possible forms like manually printed forms, images, letters, documents and more. When you have to deal with different types of data, you need to adopt multiple methods of data capturing based on the original source or form of data. Businesses have to find the best ways of data capture that match their requirement.

Here are some of the basic methods of data capture that businesses may find useful. An experienced data entry outsourcing service provider can ensure high-quality data capture that suits their data processing needs and budget.

10 Effective Ways to Data Capture

There are two types of data capture namely manual data capture and digital data capture. The former technique is time-consuming and prone to errors and most businesses find automated methods of data capture more efficient and reliable.

In automated data capture, digital technology is utilized in data capture Though this method has a high initial investment to purchase and install technology and train the staff, the high-cost factor is evened off in the long run as it has lower operating costs due to low manpower requirement. Businesses can also save money of installing the software by outsourcing data capture needs, which will save their effort and time as well. Automated data capture includes the use of different technologies such as OCR, ICR, OMR, and others.

1. Manual data capture

Data is keyed in manually using input devices like keyboard, touch screens, mouse etc into word processing programs like Excel or Word.

2. Optical Character Recognition (OCR):

It is ideal to convert different types of machine-printed documents including image files, paper documents or PDF files into searchable and editable data.

3. Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR):

This data capture technology can recognize specially formatted characters printed in magnetic ink. It is mainly used by banking industry to speed up the processing of cheques and other documents. This data is also easy to read for humans.

4. Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR):

ICR technology can capture data from handwritten printed characters from image files. It is less accurate and complicated compared to other technologies.

5. Optical Mark Reading (OMR):

OMR technology is useful to capture human-marked data from documents such as survey forms, exam sheets as it can easily differentiate between marked and unmarked boxes.

6. Smart-Cards:

These compact, pocket-sized cards have embedded integrated circuits, which will work with or without contact. It can be used to store data related to personal identification, authentication, biometrics etc. When used with compatible reading devices they ensure automated information transfer and data access.

7. Magnetic Stripe Cards:

Magnetic stripe cards store data using magnetic properties and are used for digitally storing particular numbers related to credit cards and identity cards. The data is captured when these cards are swiped in magnetic readers.

8. Web-Data Capture:

In this method, the data is captured through the internet or intranet.

9. Bar code recognition

Single or multiple barcodes can be used to document types such as Proof of Delivery notes, membership forms, gift vouchers and more. It will speed up the processing and reduce errors.

10. Voice- Recognition:

This data capture method converts speech into text. It is useful in dictation systems, small controlling systems, word-processing and more.

The best data capture method will depend on the type and source of data that has to be processed. By employing the most appropriate data capture method, businesses can enhance the quality and speed of the data management processes. For more information on the latest data capture services of Data Entry India Outsource that will ensure more value for your investment, call us or send an email and leave the rest to us.