DOCUMENT IMAGE-PROCESSING - NEW LIGHT ON AN OLD PROBLEM

Document image processing (DIP) promises to tackle the high handling and storage costs, and large data volumes associated with paper, and to facilitate the integration of computer-stored information in and between organizations. The technology of DIP is described including document scanning, optical character recognition, optical storage, indexing and retrieval software and communication networks. The importance of standards in such areas as storage media and document architecture is stressed and discussed. Strategic approaches to, and justification for, DIP are key issues for a technology which can have a significant impact on work patterns and organizational structures. These issues are considered in the light of user experience. Finally suppliers and market developments are considered. © 1990.