Electronic Data Capture Technology

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Computers )



Electronic data capture was invented to reduce paperwork, avoid potential
transcription errors and save time by capturing the data of the document instead of having to manually key in the data into the computer.

Because electronic data capture and electronic data interchange work very closely together, they are often misconstrued. Data capture is converting data from paper to an electronic means, or obtaining data and capturing it into your computer. Electronic data interchange transmits the data from one computer in your company to another organization. Another process often mistaken as electronic data capture is electronic data collection. Electronic data collection is the means of collecting data electronically and transmitted or converted into a database, spreadsheet or a hard copy format.

In the retail industry where bar coding is used to record the sale of items in a given store, electronic data capture and electronic data interchange help in the tracking of the stock inventory. The information captured is used to order new stocks where the communication between the warehouse, and supplier is required to plan the delivery schedule. The data capture of such information eliminates the miscommunication of the incorrect number and particular items to be ordered.

Electronic data capture and interchange are also used when a consumer makes charges on their credit card. The credit card is swiped and its information is transmitted to the card merchant's computer terminal. The merchant's computer, having records of the cardholder in their system, then responds to the retailer's point of sale terminal on whether the purchase can be accepted or declined.

In the medical industry, electronic data capture is widely used. Data capture is used to obtain clinical data and case studies for review or further research by other hospitals and doctors elsewhere. The information, sent by electronic data interchange is then received by doctors and nurses who can study patient records within minutes instead of picking up the records from another clinic, hospital or laboratory.

For some time now, publishing companies use electronic data capture as a means of converting the data on their books for transfer into their website so people are able to purchase the books online without having to go to a bookstore and obtaining the book itself.

In the engineering sector, electronic data capture is used for environmental data collection in distant locations. Engineering drawings can also be captured and converted into CAD files so that they can then be edited later on.

Data capture has changed the way companies do their business and will soon become an important necessity in the day to day operations of a business.


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