[EMPLOYMENT/CONTRACT OP] program customization

[joebox]

I have a interesting project. Hopefully you'll be as delighted as me. This is for our office who currently enters data manually. Well, we are changing that by upgrading to OCR(optical character recognition). The process is easy as 1234. Scanning multiple invoices, having software process images into text files, extracting certain text with batch software. That's 3, the 4th is what I've been trying to vigorously sort out. See, our company uses custom data entry software complete with database and server. The batch software can place extracted text files into the database directory but our current program cannot read them. Is there some way to have the program read the text files? I tried a mouse click manipulation program but in similarity to a robot it has limits for example, it will do what you do with mouse and keyboard but cannot process what you don't do so kind of like a troll same information over and over again with new text being updated it will not work. Please help. If it's money that will get it done, name your price.

[DNR]

We do have a few people that have done this. Please allow a few days for everyone to respond to this post.

DNR

[ph0bYx]

So basically you need a program that could open plain text files? You will have to be a little more specific. Does the current program that is suppose to read those files give out any errors, what does it display, if it's custom made could you share the source code for our resident programmers to have a look at?

[DNR]

to me it seems they are scanning invoices, bills, etc in to a database, but they need to read and manipulate the values? Perhaps we are talking something like a SQL database to handle input - but from scanned docs?

I am sure we will get more information as this thread grows.

DNR

[joebox]

As of now the user will input data manually into a form via the software user interface. When the form has been filled and saved you can view it. We want to view what is in the text file via the form in the software user interface.

example:

//begin// form.txt

reference number

date

product

price
//end//
***********************************
//begin// software form

reference number

date

product

price
//end//

[DNR]

ah well with my MSCP stuff, I lean toward the MS office package for basic framework.

Ok - if you use MS Office (or perhaps check in to Star Office) you would design a entry form in MS Access. The data entered is controlled by MS Excel. How the data will be moved and manipulated happens in the db server or here - Excel.
How the information can be presented - is MS Access, besides designing the Data Entry form, you can also design the reporting forms - how the data can be printed out, in graphs, in charts, or in columns and rows.

Now, you don't have to use MS Office, but now the structure of how things can work in your office is here.

It sounds to me you have the Data Entry form, you have the database server to store and manipulate the data - now you need a way to present the data?

It would depend on what programs you use (code/operating system) and how your data is currently output'ed.

DNR

[joebox]

Yes we need the program to present the text file.

[DNR]

great! The picture becomes clear!

In lingo, you are talking about "reporting", getting a program to present the information in a 'report' format. Now, lacking Micro$oft Office, you have to create a batch file or script to take the output from your database and display the results in a format you can use for reports.

How is the database information presented now? what displays the results?

DNR

[joebox]

Everything is displayed in our software and stored in our database.

[DNR]

ok, lacking some details I'll go on.
Barring regular SQL views or report batches

Code: Select all

CREATE VIEW {Products Above Average Price} AS
SELECT ProductName,UnitPrice
FROM Products
WHERE UnitPrice>(SELECT AVG(UnitPrice) FROM Products)

you can use Visual Basic, C/C++,C# to create an application to parse the data. Other coders here might suggest other codec.

You can use a page crafted in HTML, PHP to extract the information and present it. This can give a 'real-time' picture, but you will have to be aware this is insecure.

Now, perhaps you can give a sample raw file and let some coders here write a few things for you.

DNR

[joebox]

thank you so much dnr. I found another solution.

[DNR]

do share so others can learn..

DNR

[joebox]

The company who created our program added the option.