Extract data from forms with Azure Document intelligence

Automating Document Processing with Azure AI Document Intelligence

In every industry, forms are a fundamental part of daily operations. From filing claims to entering data from receipts, the manual extraction of information from forms is a time-consuming task. Azure AI Document Intelligence offers a powerful solution to automate this process, leveraging advanced AI capabilities to extract data with high accuracy and efficiency.

Introduction to Azure AI Document Intelligence

Azure AI Document Intelligence is a cloud-based service that uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and deep learning models to extract text, key-value pairs, selection marks, and tables from documents. This service is part of the broader Azure AI Services suite, which provides REST APIs and client library SDKs to integrate AI capabilities into your applications.

Key Components of Azure AI Document Intelligence

1. Document Analysis Models: These models process JPEG, PNG, PDF, and TIFF files, returning structured JSON outputs that include text, tables, and document structure.
2. Prebuilt Models: Designed for common document types, these models extract information from forms such as W-2s, invoices, receipts, ID documents, and business cards without the need for custom training.
3. Custom Models: For industry-specific or unique forms, custom models can be trained using Azure Document Intelligence Studio, allowing for tailored data extraction.

Using Azure AI Document Intelligence

To start using Azure AI Document Intelligence, you need an Azure subscription and a selection of form files for data extraction. The service can be accessed via REST API, client library SDKs, or the Azure Document Intelligence Studio, which provides a visual interface for exploring and testing models.

Steps to Get Started:

1. Subscribe to a Resource: Choose between an Azure AI Service resource for multi-service access or an Azure Document Intelligence resource for single-service access.
2. Prepare Your Documents: Ensure your documents meet the input requirements, such as format (JPEG, PNG, BMP, PDF, TIFF) and size (less than 500 MB for paid tier, 4 MB for free tier).
3. Select the Appropriate Model: Depending on your needs, choose from OCR capabilities (Layout, Read, General Document models), prebuilt models, or custom models.

Training Custom Models

For forms specific to your business, custom models can be trained using sample documents stored in an Azure blob container. The training process involves labeling fields and generating JSON files that map these fields to their locations in the forms. Azure Document Intelligence Studio simplifies this process, allowing you to label and train models visually.

Conclusion

Azure AI Document Intelligence provides a robust framework for automating document processing, reducing manual effort, and increasing accuracy. Whether using prebuilt models for common forms or training custom models for specific needs, this service can significantly enhance your document workflows.

To learn more about creating intelligent document processing solutions with Azure AI Document Intelligence, join our free event on December 10, 2024.