Can Technological Advancements Replace the Human Interface in Data Entry?

Businesses receive data from various sources in different forms and this data is crucial for market analysis, decision making and research.  Data must be stored in a unified format, which is easier with the support of reliable data entry services. Data should be accurate, because incorrect data can target the wrong entities or give wrong results that could affect the growth of the business. 

Technology has its advantages especially in improving efficiency and speed. Advancements in this field are aimed at replacing the human interface and reducing human error, thus improving accuracy. Replacement of humans with machines has brought in conveniences such as -- banking can be done 24/7 or you can purchase anything at the click of a button. Similarly, technological advancements in data entry have been introduced to provide simplified and automatic conversion of large volume data in documents and spreadsheets into electronic form. Technologies like Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) are replacing human involvement in data entry operations in many organizations.  Many businesses have started adopting these technologies as an alternative to manual data entry. 

Advancements in data entry technology help to improve efficiency of data entry service providers. Data entry professionals need not work with handwritten documents; they use computers, automation and a number of software applications for electronic data processing and compilation. Automation is used for routine data entry and development of data. Software helps to convert data from one medium to another for easy storage.

For example, consider insurance documentation wherein handwritten documents can be scanned to create digital images. These digital images can be computerized using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) software. The software can read the required data and compile it in the correct format. If a data field seems ambiguous, then the software flags that field for review.  This means data entry clerks are needed to review the data. Data entry clerks check the sheets for accuracy; they can easily complete the missing information and correct errors if any.    

Technology provides various opportunities for businesses to cut costs and process data entry tasks more quickly than with manual data entry, as seen above. Although advanced technology such as OCR and OMR assure accuracy, chances exist for error if the software finds something confusing. To fill in the gaps technology leaves and to ensure accuracy, human interference in the form of a data entry specialist becomes necessary.  The accuracy of OCR is dependent on the quality of the original text.  The task of correcting OCR errors is labour intensive and negates any cost savings offered by the automated process. Since the converted data (especially financial or sensitive information) must be double checked by data entry clerks to ensure accuracy, the human interface cannot be completely eliminated.     

This shows that data entry cannot be completely automated and advanced technology cannot completely replace the human interface. Maybe, only lesser data entry manpower may be needed and some data entry jobs may no longer exist. However, professional data entry services will continue to play a significant role in business settings.    

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