FrontCollect®
The FrontCollect® solution is a well designed product which has been implemented many times for the automatic processing of documents, in particular as an Invoicing System (for the processing of incoming invoices).
The system of processing begins with the scanning of batches of documents. Documents must be separated by a blank sheet or barcode. The system distinguishes between multipage documents and annexes. Each of the pages/pictures is graphically analysed. Immediately after a batch of scanned documents is uploaded, the system FrontCollect® runs the steps for extracting the required data. At first the data from the document header is ascertained, i.e., the contracting party, contractual partner, contract number etc.
Then the system FrontCollect® performs a detailed structural analysis of each page of the document and seeks out other required information.
After the completion of recognition for all pages, the complete data for saving in the information system is available.
If necessary the document is submitted to an operator at a correction site for the performance of corrections or manual confirmation of certain fields.
In the end for each document the system FrontCollect® creates an output in one XML file (as standard) with multipage TIFF file.
Main properties of the FrontCollect® system:
- processing of documents immediately after installation – without necessity for adjustments or additional programming
- it is possible to process immediately unknown contractual subjects or new alterations to documents from known subjects
- it uses of information which exists in the information system, and it identifies it on the basis of the use of master data
- for the processing of incoming documents it identifies invoices with a link to the order and uses the order data for automatic processing
- distinguishes between single-page and multipage documents
- identifies annexes of documents
- for incoming invoices it knows the valid VAT rates
- for incoming invoices it processes several VAT rates on one document (for example in the individual items)
- it identifies the postage and packaging charges on incoming invoices
- it knows several languages (German, English, French, Czech, Slovak etc.) and their rules specific for certain territories
- it can be integrated into associated systems
In contrast with OCR solutions and systems based on forms, FrontCollect® does not have to be trained on concrete types of documents, i.e., where the extracted information is in the document. FrontCollect® does not require any initial manual definition of these fields and their linkage with master data. The costs which are necessary for other systems before the first written documents can be read no longer apply.
