The Past, Present & Future of Intelligent Document Processing
Join us as Ashley Hamer, Chief Innovation Officer at Stratas and Dan Corp, Technical Partner Account Manager, UK & Ireland at ABBYY discuss the Past, Present & Future of IDP (“Intelligent Document Processing”)
A Journey Through Time
Ashley begins by sharing his journey in the industry, which started back in 1986—recounting his early days at a company renowned for its imaging technology, and where he was first introduced to image enhancement and OCR technology. From those early days, Ashley has been involved in numerous large-scale document workflow solutions, helping shape remarkable advancements in the field.
The Transformation of IDP
One of the most exciting developments Ashley highlighted is the simplification of the development process in IDP. He recalled the days when building a check processing solution took over 40 days. Today, with technologies like ABBYY Vantage, the same task can be accomplished in hours. This leap in efficiency has made IDP accessible to businesses of all sizes, and enabling broader adoption.
Current Trends and Challenges
Ashley pointed out that there is a common misconception among businesses regarding AI and its role in IDP. Many organisations still lack a clear understanding of AI and how it integrates with IDP to streamline processes. Despite this, the advancements in machine learning and AI have significantly enhanced the accuracy and speed of document processing.
The Road Ahead
Looking to the future, Ashley expressed excitement about the continuous improvement in IDP technology, particularly in Natural Language Processing. He envisions a world where integration between IDP and ERP or CRM systems is seamless and cost-effective, unlocking even greater potential for automation and efficiency in business processes.
Embracing Change
Ashley emphasised the importance of organisations adopting a process-led view to fully leverage IDP. Rather than treating IDP as an isolated tool, businesses should integrate it into their broader process transformation strategies. This holistic approach ensures that IDP delivers maximum value by automating manual tasks and improving data flow within organisations.
Final Thoughts
As the conversation wraps up, Ashley shared his belief in the platform approach for IDP, cautioning against the fragmentation seen in some organisations that deploy multiple specialised solutions. Simplification and a unified approach will be key to staying ahead in this rapidly evolving field. He has always advocated for augmentation over “rip out and replace”.
In conclusion, the future of IDP is bright, with continuous advancements making it an indispensable tool for businesses. As Ashley aptly put it, “IDP is a technology that gives you the ability to evolve as an organisation.” With the right strategies and technologies in place, businesses can harness the full potential of IDP to drive efficiency, accuracy, and innovation.
If you would like to find out more about the exciting world of IDP, please do get in touch.
