Understanding OCR in Banking: Definition and Applications

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology is revolutionizing the banking industry by automating manual processes. Banks have transformed their ways of handling information by using OCR to convert different types of documents—such as scanned paper documents, PDFs, or images—into editable and searchable data.  

In this blog, we will tell you about what OCR is, how it works, and its applications and benefits in the banking sector.

What is Optical Character Recognition, OCR?

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is a technology that converts documents such as scanned paper documents, PDFs or images into editable and searchable data.

In simple words, OCR takes out text from such papers, changing them into digital files which can be read by computer systems.

How Does Optical Character Recognition – OCR Work?

Understanding the basics of how OCR works can help you understand its role in banking:

1. Image Capture: The first step is capturing the document image using a scanner or a camera.
2. Pre-Processing: At this stage, the quality of the captured image is enhanced. This includes eliminating any noise, aligning any tilt on the image and converting it to black and white to increase accuracy.
3. Text Recognition: This identifies characters from an image; there are two main approaches:
   • Pattern Recognition: where software compares text in document with pre-stored character patterns
   • Feature Extraction: where software scrutinizes characters’ structure like lines or curves for example to identify text
4. Post-Processing: The recognized text is processed and corrected using context and dictionaries to ensure accuracy.

What is OCR in Banking?

From the point of view of banking, OCR technology really has given much smoother processing to documents. With the help of OCR technology, banks have been able to transform physical records like customer on-boarding forms and cheques into digital formats that can be processed easily and then stored.

Why is OCR Important in Banking?

Banks need to process large amounts of paperwork every day in the form of opening account forms, loan applications, cheques, etc. Processing them manually is not only time-consuming but is also error prone.

This procedure is automated by OCR and hence makes it quicker, more accurate, and cost-effective. This increases productivity and improves customer experience.

Applications of OCR in Banking

Some of the major applications of OCR technology in banking are- 

1. Automated Data Entry 

OCR automates data entry by extracting text from documents like cheques, invoices, forms, etc. This saves time and reduces the possibility of human error.

2. Document Management

Banks process a lot of paper every day. Consequently, digitizing such papers with OCR makes them easily searchable and accessible, hence improving efficiency within the document management systems.

3. Customer Onboarding

There are several bank documents like identity & address proof, etc. These documents need to be verified in the process of customer onboarding. In such cases, OCR simplifies this by quickly getting and confirming required information. 

4. Fraud Detection 

The OCR can even help in detecting fraudsters since it authenticates documents. This kind of software will match the scanned documents with information that has been obtained from elsewhere; thus, irregularities and fraudulent activities will be identified.

5. Cheque Processing

OCR technology speeds the scanning and processing of cheques, extracting information such as account number, cheque number, and amount which are required in clearing the cheque.

6. Compliance and KYC

Banks are required to abide by regulations such as Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML). This is where OCR comes in— to aid in the extraction and verification of such information when it comes to the customers.

Benefits of OCR in Banking

Adoption of OCR technology has brought several commendable benefits in the banking sector. They include:

1. Increased Efficiency

OCR efficiently reduces the time and effort by automating data entry & document processing. This allows banks to focus more on value-added activities.

2. Enhanced Accuracy

Manual data entry has higher chances of error. OCR improves accuracy through minimum human intervention and correct data capturing.

3. Cost Savings

Physical storage of documents; and cost of manual data entries related to these, is reduced. Hence, banks save huge costs.

4. Improved Customer Experience

Due to the better and faster processing and accurate data capture, the overall customer experience is enhanced. Customers feel more satisfied as they enjoy faster experiences with seamless onboarding.

5. Better Data Management

Records that are digitized can be easily managed, searched for, and retrieved at the time of need. OCR helps in organizing large volumes of data efficiently.

Implementing OCR with Deepvue

At Deepvue, we offer the banking sectors with reliable and robust OCR solutions. Our API infrastructure properly integrates with your existing systems smoothly, without any hiccups for a smooth transition to automated data processing. Here’s how our solutions can help your bank-

1. Document Verification

Our OCR technology checks identity cards, passports, and bank statements to verify its authenticity and accuracy. This is extremely significant for compliance with KYC/AML rules & laws.

2. Cheque OCR

Cheque OCR extracts details from cheques with a high level of accuracy. This helps in increasing processing speed when clearing cheques, with minimum errors.

3. ID Card OCR

We provide OCR solutions for a wide range of document identification that ensure fast and accurate data extraction, which is specifically ideal for customer onboarding and verification.

4. Customizable Solutions

Our OCR solutions are custom-made to suit every need that fintechs and banks may have. Be it document verification, cheque processing, or customer onboarding; we can always tailor our services to fit your requirements.

Conclusion

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is revolutionizing the banking sector by automating data entry, improving accuracy, and enhancing efficiency. OCR technology is one of the most important game-changers for banks looking toward improving operational efficiency and serving customers better in regard to its wide reach of applications.. 

At Deepvue, we are deeply committed to bringing advanced OCR solutions, which will help banks not only catch up with but move ahead of the competitive landscape. Feel free to visit our website or write to us if you need further details or to schedule a demo. Let Deepvue be your partner in digital transformation.

FAQs