Smart Workflow with Classification, Data Extraction and OCR
I thought I would share this video on making workflow more valuable with Smart Capture.
Workflow and the 4 Elements of Content Value
Webinar: Enabling Workflow with Enhanced Content Services
Deriving more value from SharePoint, Box, Dropbox and ECM
Topic: Driving Value in Content Services with Smart Capture®
Description: Many organizations are lacking automation tools that derive value from their content. Unstructured data accounts for a majority of information that is inaccessible to companies, thereby limiting and hindering decision-making. Poor or missing data can be costly and impact revenue.
Join us for this educational webinar on how customers use Ephesoft technology to focus on four key business drivers: content value, efficiency, productivity and streamlined operations.
Ephesoft, Nintex and Box: The Power of Workflow and OCR
OCR for Nintex, Box and Salesforce
We have seen the power of Smart Capture when coupled with a broad variety of technologies. I thought I would share out this great workflow solution video that combine OCR for Box with Ephesoft, Nintex workflow and Salesforce.
You can also combine these technologies to create solutions with other content services, like Invoice Processing OCR and APIs
GDPR and Workflow: Using Microsoft Flow and Ephesoft for Discovery
GDPR with Document OCR and Classification for Discovery
Organizations in the EU are scrambling to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that goes into effect in May 2018. If you are not familiar, you can read an overview here: GDPR Compliance Overview for Documents. Below is a solution for document discovery using Microsoft Flow and Ephesoft Web Services to detect high risk documents.
This is an example of OCR online and classification web services.
Webinar: The Ephesoft Effect: A Catalyst for Business Process Improvement & ROI
We put together a webinar on high impact process improvement using Ephesoft technology. Register here:
Notes From the Field: Pet Insurance Claim Automation Solution
Capture, Workflow, ECM and ERP: Recipe for Automation
I had a great call with one of our customers the other day, a major pet insurance organization. Keeping on my theme from my previous post (Capture+BPM: Pre, Midstream, Post), I wanted to share some details. They have built an amazing solution to automate their inbound claims process. Here is the lay of the land, pre-solution:
- They provide pet insurance for their clients
- Clients file claims that include invoices from vets, etc
- They receive 6,000-8,000 claims per week.
- Before the solution, everything was manual, received by fax, email and inbound paper mail
- Data was being entered manually into their ERP
- Documents were being saved manually, one-by-one into their ECM system
- They have stringent regulatory SLAs for claim turnaround and response
- New regulations required detail down to the line items on invoices filed for claims
- It was taking 60-70 business days once a claim was received to process
Ah, the pain of manual processing. Here is the teaser, after implementing the solution, they are now down to a 20 day turn around, and believe through further tuning they can get to 7. So, they have taken the time to process down to a third or their pre-solution burden, and create an overall electronic system for claims processing.
The solution has made the process remarkably efficient, taking us from 70 days down to 20 to process a claim.
The Solution Architect
So, here are the components of the solution:
Ephesoft (Capture) – Ephesoft’s intelligent document capture solution is used to capture and classify claims from inbound fax, email and paper files. Through its advanced learning engine, it auto-identifies the type of document, splits multi-invoice PDFs, and then extracts the invoice information down to the line item data. The documents and XML are then passed to the workflow engine.
There is quite a bit more that happens within the front-end capture. This organization has enabled review and validation where they can actually review questionable documents before they get passed to the workflow. This prevents bad data and documents from entering, and allows a checkpoint for insuring a complete claim package. Rejected claims are passed back to the customer, with a note about what is required to complete the claim.
Finally, they have also implemented capture through Ephesoft web services. Through a web portal, the customer can upload claim documents, and they are passed via web service to the capture engine to be classified and have data extracted.
You can learn more about web services for OCR and document capture here: Web Services for OCR, Capture, Classification and Data Extraction
BPLogix (Workflow) – The Ephesoft data package is ingested into the BPLogix workflow engine, and then presented to claims processors for review and extensive validation. With the new regulatory requirement on-line item invoice detail, this is a critical step.
Microsoft Dynamics AX (ERP)– once all the data is verified and validated, all the claim data is placed into the ERP for final processing and payment.
Alfresco (ECM) – Once all is complete, the claim documents are placed into their end resting place, and can be accessed at a later date if an issue arises, or there is a need for further review.
Great use of multiple technologies to automate a painful business problem. Shows off the true value of document capture within workflow to add another dimension of process efficiency. What do you think? Any success stories to share? Please comment.
Capture+BPM: Pre, Mid-Stream and Post
With the rise of Document Capture as a Platform (CaaP), there is an enormous opportunity for organizations to leverage the power of capture as an intelligent document automation component to any business process or workflow solution. Here are the core use areas of document capture and automation with any Business Process Management System (BPMS):
- The “Pre” – The logical fit is to use document capture software to “feed the beast”, or in other terms, as a front-end processor for inbound documents destined for workflows. You might ask, “Why? My BPM/Workflow solution has the capability to import documents.” Modern capture platforms add another dimension of automation through the use of several features like separation, document classification and automatic data extraction. Imagine a mortgage banking process where a PDF document is sent inbound that houses 12 different document types in a single PDF file. This type of mortgage process automation solution can provide immense value. The power of capture is to auto-split the PDF, classify each document, extract information and then pass all of that in a neatly formatted packages to the workflow engine. Now, the workflow has a second dimension of intelligence, and it can use that to branch, route and execute. Platforms like Ephesoft Enterprise have the ability to ingest documents from email, folders, legacy document management systems, fax and also legacy capture (like Kofax and Captiva).
2. Mid-stream – What about activities during the workflow? Ones that are necessary mid-process? This is where the true power of a “platform” comes into play, and it requires a web services API (See other requirements of a Capture Platform in this article: 6 Key Components of a Document Capture Platform). Some examples of activities that can be accomplished through a capture platform API in workflow:
- Value Extraction – pass the engine a document and return extracted information.
- Read Barcodes – pass the engine an image, and read and return the value of a barcode.
- Classify a Document – pass a document and identify what it is
- Create OCR – pass a non-searchable PDF and return a searchable file.
As you can imagine, this can provide extreme customization in any process that requires document automation, and can reduce end-user input, create added efficiency, and once again add that second dimension of intelligence after the workflow has begun. You can see an extensive list of API operations here: Document Capture API Guide
3. The “Post” – Depending on the process and requirements, a “post-process” capture may be in order. Most capture platforms have extensive integrations with 3rd party ECM systems like SharePoint, Filebound and Onbase, and can be leveraged as an integration point to these systems. In addition, there is a new wave in the big data and analytics world, with a focus on data contained within documents. Routing documents and data to analytics repositories can help organizations glean important insight into their operations. If you choose a capture platform with a tied-in document analytics component, this can be accomplished automatically.
Well, just a few thoughts on integrating capture with workflow/BPM. Thoughts? Did I miss anything?
Quick Brief Video: No Code Platform Critical Facets
6 Key Facets for Maximum Benefit with No Code Platforms
Rebuilding Legacy Apps: 6 No-code Must Haves
Replacing Legacy Apps (Mainframe Apps, Lotus Notes, Custom) with No Code Platforms
Many organizations are looking to give a face lift or do a full replacement on their legacy applications. This can be a daunting task, especially when confronted with the costs for a full rewrite. I am seeing more and more organizations using low/no code platforms to accelerate the process, reduce costs and leverage existing data assets. When looking at no code, there are some key requirements, “must haves”, and below is a quick list:
Adaptable Data and Integration Layer – providing no-code integration with an existing set of data is a critical requirement. You should have a broad set of existing integrations that you can leverage immediately to jump-start your project. An example? Last month we worked with a large law firm looking to replace a custom built set of applications to run their firm. All the data was housed in SQL, and they leverage several tables and stored procedures. With smartobject technology, the integration was point and shoot, with the table structure and SPs being auto-discovered and available in the designer immediately. Want to move the data to a newer line of business system? Having a selection of SQL, Oracle, DB2, and many others can help you rebuild or redesign a data layer quickly.
Flexible Web-based UI – With the broad range of devices workers leverage today to complete tasks, applications need to work on desktops/laptops, phones and tablets. Building an app that can span all these devices can be challenging. Leveraging a platform that can provide a responsive, modern web-based foundation can eliminate work, and the requirement to build separate UI for each independent device. The UI needs to be standalone, and able to deliver without a dependent technology.
UI Rules Engine – the ability to build rules based on form or user interface actions can help with automating data entry, provide seamless integration with line of business systems, and create a dynamic, responsive user experience. In addition, this can be key in mobile development where managing the limited real estate with regards to screen size and usability is paramount. The ability to do all of this without code can save days or weeks from build time. This functionality can also deliver validation, and prevent the entry of bad data. An example would be a triggered data pull from multiple back-end systems when a field is toggled.
Business Logic Process Engine – having an engine behind the scenes that can coordinate the flow of information, control human to system interaction and perform process automation is a critical facet. Some key items here include: automatic assignment of actions based on directory hierarchy (Active Directory/LDAP), “flow” based rules to control branching, and complex workflow pattern capability. Example: the automatic routing of an inbound referral based on a specific UI field.
Reporting/Dashboard Components – pre-built reporting components that tap into specific app data and process information can accelerate the process of gleaning insight from application activities and events. Typically, these components are just easily accessible modules within the web UI, and can be instantly added via the design interface. In addition, support for embedding 3rd party reports is necessary to facilitate and all in one report experience.
Complete SDK – no matter how many features you add to a “no-code” platform, there are still requirements for the extension of the platform. A framework for extending the UI, the data layer and process engine are required, as well as a well-formed method for tapping into these using custom code, or other applications.
Just a quick set of “must haves” when looking at platforms to rebuild you legacy apps. Thoughts?
Top 5 HR: Processes Every HR Department Should Automate
Solving Top HR Concerns with BPM
As companies grow and look to attract and retain top talent, automating the people side of the business becomes top priority. Improving your critical HR processes can help you drive digital initiatives and help transform your organization. The right technology can drive efficiency, and allow more time for critical activities.
In world-class organizations, technology spend per HR FTE is higher (nearly 80%) due to greater use of process automation. These organizations are able to service 59% more employees per FTE and allow HR staff to devote more time to talent and business performance-related activities.
Unfortunately, HR leaders are faced with a broad set of challenges, as outlined below:
- Inability to integrate and adapt – The average HR system is 5 years old, and can create challenges when looking to expand or integrate with other line of business systems.
- Prioritization – manual, inefficient paper-based processes have become a massive time sump, and pull attention away from more critical HR functions.
- Lack of knowledgeable resources – with IT project backlog, many departments are forced to take on more and more administrative responsibilities for their systems. Keeping resources trained can be a key challenge.
- Difficulty in justifying new spend – HR departments have often found it difficult to justify new systems or additional IT spend.
- Adjusting for improvement – building business and tech requirements to drive excellence.
So, what are the key processes for HR to automate? See the list below:
- Employee on-boarding and off-boarding – these processes are complex and cross-departmental. Forms, IT accounts, payroll, facilities and more all need to be involved, and getting employees operation in short order is critical.
- Performance reviews – managing the performance review process can be difficult, and creating a standardized workflow and framework can lead to enhanced records management, timely promotions and a more productive workforce.
- Payroll processing – automating everything from expense reimburse to time tracking and management, digital process can insure minimal errors and timely payment.
- Recruiting and new hires – creating a digital workflow for interviewing and recruiting can lead to shorter approval times, and the timely on-boarding of top recruits.
- Policy management – reviewing and revising policies can be a pain, and the update process can be daunting. Digital workflow can manage versions and changes, and make the process flow smoothly.
Want more information? See the links below:
The BPM Guy 