Latest news with #OpticalCharacterRecognition


Straits Times
17-06-2025
- Science
- Straits Times
Why handwriting matters
We asked each participant to write the same sentence, which includes every letter of the alphabet, also known as a pangram. The handwriting samples can be classified into three primary styles: scribbly print, bubbly print and cursive. We found that there was a high correlation between styles and age. Sixty-one per cent of our samples had a scribbly print style. In this group, most letters are written upright and separately, though some loops or joins may appear depending on the writer. Younger participants often wrote in bubbly print style, where the letters look playful and round. Many of them are still in school, where writing clearly and neatly is still important. The bubbly print style is often the easiest to read, with upright letters and minimal embellishments. Let's not forget cursive, appearing in about 17 per cent of the samples. Gen X and boomers were about seven times more likely to write in cursive compared with other generations, while none of the Gen Alpha participants used it. In cursive handwriting, letters are connected in a smooth, flowing way. It also tends to be the most slanted, especially in letters like 'l' and 'f'. Having trouble reading cursive handwriting? Optical Character Recognition (OCR) systems face the same challenge due to cursive's connected and varied letterforms. In this case, the system we used was able to detect only 71 per cent of the text accurately. For most of our cursive samples, the OCR system was not able to extract the sentences correctly.


Daily Express
16-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
The fastest vanishing careers
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 By: K Krishnan Text Size: LAST WEEK we looked at the fastest growing careers. This week let us look at the fast vanishing careers. Some careers that were once considered stable and lucrative are disappearing at an alarming artificial intelligence (AI), and shifting economic demands are making certain jobs obsolete. Advertisement For students, youths, and even parents guiding their children's career choices, understanding these trends is crucial to avoid investing time and money in a dying profession. This article explores the fastest-vanishing careers in Malaysia and globally, why they are declining, and what future-proof alternatives exist. Jobs Being Replaced by Technology # Cashiers and Retail Sales Assistants With the rise of self-checkout kiosks, e-commerce and cashless payments (like GrabPay, Touch 'n Go eWallet and Boost), the need for human cashiers is shrinking. Supermarkets like AEON and Tesco are increasingly adopting automated systems, reducing the demand for traditional cashiers. Alternative Careers: Digital payment specialists, e-commerce managers, or customer experience designers. # Data Entry Clerks AI and software can now input, sort, and manage data faster and more accurately than humans. Many companies in Malaysia are using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and robotic process automation (RPA) to handle paperwork. Alternative Careers: Data analysts, cybersecurity experts, or AI trainers. # Telemarketers Robocalls and AI chatbots (like those used by banks and telcos) are replacing human telemarketers. Customers also prefer digital communication (WhatsApp, email) over unsolicited sales calls. Alternative Careers: Digital marketing specialists, social media managers, or customer relationship managers. Jobs Disrupted by Digital Transformation # Print Journalists and Newspaper Deliverers As news shifts online, print media is declining. Many Malaysian newspapers have reduced circulation or moved to digital-only formats. Similarly, newspaper delivery jobs are vanishing as readers get news from platforms like Malay Mail Online, The Star Online and social media. Alternative Careers: Content creators, digital journalists, or multimedia reporters. # Travel Agents With websites like Expedia, Agoda, and AirAsia's direct booking options, fewer people rely on travel agents. Even traditional tour operators are struggling as DIY travel planning becomes easier. Alternative Careers: Travel bloggers, digital nomad consultants, or experience curators for niche tourism (e.g., eco-tourism). # Bank Tellers Online banking (Maybank2u, CIMB Clicks) and ATMs have reduced the need for human tellers. Banks are now focusing more on digital financial services. Alternative Careers: Fintech specialists, financial advisors, or blockchain developers. Manual and Routine Jobs at Risk # Factory Assembly Line Workers Automation and robotics (like those in Penang's electronics factories) are replacing repetitive manual jobs. Even car manufacturers like Proton and Perodua use robotic arms for precision tasks. Alternative Careers: Robotics technicians, industrial engineers, or automation specialists. # Drivers (Taxi, Lorry, Delivery) While still in demand now, autonomous vehicles and drones threaten driving jobs. Companies like Tesla and Google are testing self-driving cars, while drone deliveries (like those experimented with by Pos Malaysia) could replace couriers. Alternative Careers: Logistics analysts, drone operators, or EV (electric vehicle) technicians. # Postal Workers With emails, e-bills, and digital signatures, traditional mail is declining. Pos Malaysia has shifted focus to parcel deliveries (thanks to Shopee and Lazada), but automation may further reduce human roles. Alternative Careers: Supply chain managers, last-mile delivery coordinators. Traditional Skilled Jobs Under Threat # Librarians With Google, e-books, and digital archives, physical libraries are less critical. Schools and universities are investing in digital resources instead. Alternative Careers: Digital archivists, information curators, or research analysts. # Typists and Secretaries Voice-to-text software (like Google Docs' voice typing) and virtual assistants (Siri, Alexa) are reducing the need for human typists. Many executive tasks are now automated. Alternative Careers: Executive assistants with tech skills, virtual office managers. # Traditional Printers and Typesetters Digital publishing and 3D printing are making old-school printing presses irrelevant. Even small businesses now use Canva and online printing services. Alternative Careers: Graphic designers, 3D printing technicians. What Should Students and Youths Do 1. Upskill in Technology Jobs in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and programming (Python, Java) are booming. Free courses on Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning can help. 2. Focus on Creative and Critical Thinking Roles Jobs requiring human empathy (psychologists, teachers) or creativity (designers, writers) are harder to automate. 3. Consider Green and Sustainable Careers Renewable energy (solar, EV), environmental science, and sustainable business are growing fields in Malaysia. 4. Be Adaptable The job market will keep evolving. Lifelong learning is key. Advice for Parents Encourage STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education but also soft skills. Support your child's interest in emerging fields like AI, digital marketing, or green energy. Avoid pushing them into 'safe' careers that may not exist in 10 years. Conclusion The job market is transforming rapidly, and some careers won't survive the next decade. By staying informed and adaptable, Malaysian students and youths can future-proof their careers. Instead of fearing automation, they should leverage technology to build sustainable, high-demand careers. For parents, the best support is guidance – not insistence on outdated career paths. The future belongs to those who prepare for it today. Note: What vanishing careers worry you the most? Share your thoughts with us at: [email protected]
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BHASHINI and CRIS to develop AI-driven multilingual solutions for Indian Railways
The Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) and the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop multilingual artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for Indian Railways. The collaboration is set to enhance the way passengers interact with railway services by providing support in 22 Indian languages. The move is a step towards improving linguistic inclusivity and digital transformation in the Indian Railways. The MoU was signed by BHASHINI CEO Amitabh Nag and CRIS Managing Director G.V.L. Satya Kumar in the country's capital. The initiative will see the integration of BHASHINI's advanced language technology stack, including Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), Text-to-Text Translation, Text-to-Speech (TTS), and Optical Character Recognition (OCR), into CRIS-managed systems such as the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) and RailMadad. Nag said: 'This collaboration will transform how millions of passengers engage with railway services daily. Through BHASHINI's AI capabilities, we are ensuring that language is no longer a barrier to accessing vital public services.' The partnership's objectives extend to co-developing chatbots and voice assistants for multilingual passenger support, creating multilingual interfaces for railway enquiry setups, and scaling services through both cloud and on-premises infrastructure. These AI capabilities are planned to be deployed across various platforms, including websites, mobile apps, kiosks, and call centres, supporting real-time, speech-based interaction in multiple Indian languages. Joint technical workshops and pilot deployments are scheduled to begin in the coming months. Kumar said: 'CRIS is proud to partner with BHASHINI to implement inclusive, AI-powered solutions across our digital platforms. This will enhance accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in our passenger-facing services.' In a related development, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the first of 1,200 Siemens Mobility D9-9000 HP electric locomotives, manufactured at the Indian Railways factory in Dahod, Gujarat. The D9 locomotive is touted as the "second most powerful" in Indian Railways, following the 12,000 horsepower WAG-12B. "BHASHINI and CRIS to develop AI-driven multilingual solutions for Indian Railways" was originally created and published by Railway Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.


Time Business News
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Improving Accuracy and Speed with OCR for Data Entry Tasks
Data entry plays a crucial role in managing and processing information across all industries. It has always been an essential task, no matter the sector, as businesses rely on accurate and timely data to make informed decisions and drive traditional data entry methods can be time-consuming, prone to errors, and inefficient, highlighting the need for a more advanced solution. This is where OCR for data entry comes into play, offering a faster, more accurate way to handle data and streamline business this blog, we'll explore how OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology can transform your data entry workflow, boosting efficiency while reducing errors. Whether you're a small business or an enterprise, implementing OCR for data entry could be the key to accelerating your business is OCR Data Entry?OCR data entry is a technology that allows computers to recognize and extract text from scanned images or physical documents. It converts various types of documents, such as scanned paper documents, PDFs, or images taken by a camera, into editable and searchable data. For instance, bank statements are often processed using OCR technology to extract relevant data technology is primarily used to digitize paper documents, eliminating the need for manual data entry. This is particularly useful for businesses dealing with large volumes of documents such as invoices, receipts, contracts, there are OCR for data entry tools like Docsumo that use AI and machine learning to read documents and extract relevant data with high precision, improving the overall accuracy of data entry.6 Benefits of OCR Data Entry OCR data entry offers a range of advantages, making it a valuable tool for businesses looking to improve productivity. Let's explore some of the benefits here. Enhances Speed and EfficiencyThe most obvious advantage of using OCR for data entry is its ability to process data much faster than humans. OCR systems can extract data in seconds, drastically reducing the time it would take to manually enter information from documents. This speed ensures that businesses can handle high volumes of documents in real-time, without delays in data processing or decision-making. Improves AccuracyHuman error is one of the leading causes of data entry mistakes. OCR for data entry minimizes this risk by using highly accurate software to scan and extract data. With features like real-time validation, OCR ensures that the extracted data is correct and formatted properly, reducing the chances of errors. When paired with validation checks, OCR systems can ensure that the data being processed meets all your criteria for accuracy, preventing costly mistakes. Additionally, solutions like Docsumo provide an impressive accuracy rate ranging from 95% to 99%, ensuring reliable and precise data extraction.. Cost EffectiveWith OCR data entry, companies no longer need to rely on expensive manual labor to handle document processing tasks. Automated systems lower operational costs by eliminating the need for human intervention in repetitive tasks. Additionally, reducing errors means less time and resources spent on correcting mistakes, further cutting down costs. Better Scalability As businesses grow, so do the volumes of data that need to be processed. OCR makes it easy to scale your data entry operations. Whether you're processing 100 or 10,000 documents, OCR software adapts to the increased load without compromising performance or speed. Security and Compliance OCR data entry ensures strong security features, helping businesses meet data protection regulations, especially when handling sensitive information like financial data. User Training & Skill RequirementsWhile OCR data entry may require some initial training on specific software, it reduces the need for advanced data entry skills, making the process more accessible and efficient for is OCR Used for Data Entry? OCR is the preferred technology for data entry tasks for a number of reasons: Handling Large Volumes of Data Manual data entry can become increasingly impractical as document volumes grow. OCR systems excel at processing vast amounts of data quickly, making them ideal for businesses with large-scale data entry requirements. Eliminates Manual Work OCR eliminates the need for tedious manual input by automatically reading and converting paper documents into digital data. This frees up your employees to focus on more strategic tasks rather than repetitive data entry work. Versatile ApplicationOCR can be used for a wide variety of document types, including invoices, purchase orders, contracts, receipts, and more. This versatility makes OCR an invaluable tool for industries ranging from finance to healthcare, legal, retail, and OCR Data Entry Works?The process of OCR data entry is straightforward but powerful. Here's how it works: Scanning: First, physical documents are scanned or captured as digital images. These can be paper documents, PDFs, or images taken with a camera or smartphone. Text Recognition: OCR software uses advanced algorithms and machine learning models to analyze the scanned document. It identifies patterns, characters, and text within the document, converting them into machine-readable data. Data Validation: OCR systems typically include validation tools to ensure the accuracy of the data being extracted. This validation step checks for errors, ensuring that the extracted data meets predefined rules (e.g., matching invoice amounts to purchase orders). Data Output: Once the data is extracted and validated, it's output into the required format (e.g., CSV, XML, Excel) or directly integrated into your existing systems, such as an ERP or accounting to Implement OCR for Your Business? Implementing OCR for data entry tasks in your business is easier than you might think. Here's a step-by-step guide. Define Your Needs Start by evaluating the types of documents your business processes. Are you dealing with invoices, receipts, contracts, or forms? Understanding your needs will help you choose the right OCR solution that fits your workflow. Select the Right OCR Software Select OCR software that matches your requirements. Consider factors such as accuracy, ease of use, integration capabilities with your existing systems (like ERP or accounting software), and scalability. Convert Documents to Digital Format Scan your physical documents to create high-quality digital files, ensuring the best possible accuracy and efficiency during OCR processing. Customize OCR Settings Fine-tune your OCR software by configuring language preferences and setting up specific data extraction fields to improve text recognition precision. Integrate OCR with Your Systems Once you've chosen the software, integrate it with your existing systems. This might include ERP software, CRMs, or accounting tools. Seamless integration helps automate workflows, reduce manual data entry, and ensure consistency across platforms. Test and Verify Accuracy Perform OCR on sample documents, carefully check the extracted data for any errors, and adjust the settings as needed to achieve optimal results. Train Your Team Ensure your team is trained on how to use OCR software effectively. While the technology itself is intuitive, knowing how to extract, validate, and process data will ensure maximum efficiency. Monitor and OptimizeAfter implementing OCR, monitor the system's performance regularly. Make adjustments as needed to improve accuracy and speed, and optimize the system based on feedback from your adopting OCR for data entry, businesses can boost efficiency, improve data accuracy, and reduce operational costs. Whether you're processing forms, receipts, or financial records, OCR software helps eliminate manual effort and speeds up data handling. Looking to simplify your data entry process? Explore Docsumo, an OCR solution that extracts data from documents in seconds. Book a demo today and see how easily you can automate and manage high-volume data tasks. TIME BUSINESS NEWS


Miami Herald
29-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Vero and First Business Bank Announce Successful Go-Live of Advanced Title Management System
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 29, 2025 / Vero Technologies, a leading provider of innovative financial technology solutions for asset-based lending, has successfully launched its Title Management System (TMS) with First Business Bank, streamlining the bank's title processing operations. Vero has enabled straight-through processing for the bank's entire title management workflow-delivering a new standard of efficiency and automation. This implementation marks a significant step forward in modernizing title management for financial institutions, eliminating manual processes, reducing processing times, and improving operational transparency. A Fully Automated Title Management Solution Through Vero's technology platform, First Business Bank now benefits from a seamlessly integrated, automated title workflow with key capabilities including: Bulk Digitalization & OCR Processing - High-volume title scanning powered by Optical Character Recognition (OCR) enables automated data extraction and Title-to-Asset Pairing - Seamless integration with First Business Bank's Loan Management System (LMS) ensures immediate reconciliation between physical and digital title API Integration - Automated shipping label generation and real-time tracking for title transfers and Scanning for Vaulted Title Tracking - A streamlined title storage and retrieval system, enhancing accuracy and security. Driving Efficiency & Scalability for First Business Bank By leveraging Vero's end-to-end automation tools, First Business Bank has significantly reduced the time and labor required for title processing, freeing up internal resources to focus on strategic initiatives and customer service. "Partnering with Vero to enhance our Title Management System has been a game-changer," said Jeff Widholm, Managing Director of Floorplan Financing at First Business Bank. "The ability to automate title intake, processing, and distribution has allowed us to scale more efficiently while improving service levels for our clients. This solution enables us to handle greater volume with precision and speed, reinforcing our commitment to delivering best-in-class financial services." Innovating the Future of Title Management Vero Technologies remains committed to driving efficiency and innovation across financial services by offering modular, API-driven technology solutions tailored to the needs of modern lenders. "Our collaboration with First Business Bank demonstrates the power of automation in title operations," said Isaac Zafarani, Co-Founder and COO at Vero Technologies. "By eliminating manual bottlenecks and streamlining workflows, we're helping financial institutions process titles faster, reduce errors, and enhance transparency. This launch is a milestone in our mission to modernize asset-based lending infrastructure." About First Business Bank First Business Bank® specializes in Business Banking, including Commercial Banking and Specialty Finance, Private Wealth, and Bank Consulting services, and through its refined focus delivers unmatched expertise, accessibility, and responsiveness. Specialty Finance solutions are delivered through First Business Bank's wholly owned subsidiary First Business Specialty Finance, LLC®. First Business Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Business Financial Services, Inc®. (Nasdaq: FBIZ). For additional information, visit About Vero Technologies Vero Technologies is a leading financial technology platform for asset finance, providing end-to-end solutions for wholesale finance, trade finance, equipment finance, and title management. Vero's modular platform enables lenders to streamline loan servicing, risk monitoring, and operational workflows-enhancing efficiency while reducing costs. To learn more, visit Contact: Jason Bartz, info@ 404-383-7048 SOURCE: Vero Finance Technologies