Optical Character Recognition, or OCR, is technology that enables a business to process incoming documents, such as customer order PDFs, or scanned invoices, into data that can be automatically received into the organisations ERP system.
OCR removes the input required by standard manual order processing, for a more efficient and effective process for businesses in the agriculture supply chain.
What are the benefits of OCR?
Agriculture supply chain businesses each have their own ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, which is used to manage data, such as orders, confirmations, dispatches and invoices. Instead of having to re-key information into the ERP when documents are received from trading partners, OCR is able to remove the manual element. Data can be extracted from documents and PDFs, effortlessly processing documents without having to demand extensive changes to existing procedures.
Notable improvements to business operations include:
- Reduced errors – No more wasted time or correcting the fallout from simple mistakes. OCR’s precise accuracy eliminates errors and their resulting costs.
- Ease of business – Smoother transactions and communications between businesses, with no need to make radical changes to current ERP systems.
- Increased customer loyalty – OCR makes business transactions easier for both parties. The time and resources saved from automatic entry can be redirected towards better developing the customer experience.
Is it right for your business?
OCR is ideal for businesses who are looking to automate their order to cash processes and improve efficiencies, but need to communicate with a variety of partners, some of which still transact using manual documents.
Alternative options for businesses in the agricultural supply chain include EDI and Portal services (link to those separate articles).
What solution is best for you? Get in touch to discuss a solution that drives the most value for your business.
Why Proagrica?
Proagrica is the first international provider of these connectivity solutions specifically for the agriculture industry. Our industry knowledge means we understand the pain points and challenges across the agricultural supply chain, and we are uniquely able to work with businesses to solve those problems.
We’ve already delivered OCR solutions to leading companies in the sector, including one of the largest global producers of agricultural chemicals. Proagrica provided the ability to capture and process all incoming order documents, and import and export records, swiftly and securely. This allowed the organisation to automate and streamline previously time consuming and error prone processes, leading to improved order processing times, and better use of internal resources.
We connect your business with your partners in agriculture. More and more businesses in the supply chain are taking advantage of our innovative solutions and extensive network in the agriculture industry, so the benefits provided by data exchange will only grow.