Frequently Asked Questions : Terminology

COLD/ERM : Computer Output to Laser Disk/Enterprise Report Management

Stores and indexes computer output (reports primarily) on magnetic disks, optical discs, and magnetic tape. Once stored, the reports can be retrieved, viewed, printed, faxed, or distributed to the Internet.

Document Imaging

Process of capturing, storing, and retrieving documents regardless of original format, using micrographics and/or electronic imaging (scanning, OCR, ICR, etc).

E-Forms/Web Forms

Forms designed, managed, and processed completely in an electronic environment.

Forms Processing

The ability for software to accept scanned forms and extract data from the boxes and lines to populate databases. Software usually includes the ability to drop out the form so that recognition accuracy improves. Intelligent Document Recognition automatically identifies document types from the layout and structure of the document.

Indexing

Identification of specific attributes of a document or database record to facilitate retrieval.

OCR : Optical Character Recognition

Technique by which images of characters can be machine-identified, then converted into computer processed codes.

OMR : Optical Mark Recognition

Detects presence, or absence, of marks in defined areas; used for processing questionnaires, standardized tests, etc.

ICR : Intelligent Character Recognition

An advanced form of OCR that uses additional logic to increase the accuracy of the recognition.

XML : Extensible Mark-up Language

An established standard, based on the Standard Generalized Mark-up Language, designed to facilitate document construction from standard data items. Also used as a generic data exchange mechanism.

Document Management

Software that controls and organizes documents throughout an enterprise. Incorporates document and content capture, workflow, document repositories, COLD/ERM and output systems, and information retrieval systems.

Records Management

Enables an enterprise to assign a specific life cycle to individual pieces of corporate information from creation, receipt, maintenance, and use to the ultimate disposal of records. A record is not necessarily the same as a document. All documents are potential records, but not vice versa. A record is essential for the business; documents are containers of "working information." Records are documents with evidentiary value.

Workflow/BPM : Business Process Management

Automation of business processes, in whole or in part, where documents, information, or tasks are passed from one participant to another for action, according to a set of rules. A business process is a logically related set of workflows, worksteps, and tasks that provide a product or service to customers. BPM is a mix of Process Management/Workflow with Application Integration.

BAM : Business Activity Monitoring

A process that identifies the ways in which the provision of instant access to disparate data sources and applications within an organisation, can optimise the speed and efficiency with which business decisions are made.