INTEGRATED DOCUMENT CAPTURE at an Extraction workstation. IDC-1® with INFOPointe® production data statistics

What the IDC-1® is:

This is an Image Scanning workstation for incoming mail. It is specifically designed for operations who wish to Extract/Prep individual envelope transactions and immediately image scan them as they come out of the envelope. This contrasts the usual practice of a 2-STEP process of first extracting and prepping batches of work and then separate image scanning of the pre-extracted batches. This is one of 4 different models that we offer.

This model (IDC-1®) does not incorporate an actual mail opening and contents separation device, like two of our other models (IDC/ME-1® & IDC/ME-2®). The sections below explain instances as to when the actual extraction device has questionable value contribution.

The Image Scanner itself can handle both PAGES and CHECKS at either a 60 ppm or 120 ppm duplex transport. These 2 models do not include a MICR READER option. In December of 07 we’ll release a
3rd model that offers MICR READER & ENDORSER option on a 90 ppm duplex transport.

This model presents a practical solution for the site that either ARC’s or CHECK 21’s their checks…and therefore don’t require ENCODING or inline outsorting of the checks as they are imaged. Archive Regulations, that suggest timely destruction of the checks, do not suggest that these checks must be shredded separately from the rest of the imaged transaction.

So there should be no justifiable reason to outsort the checks as they are imaged. If you do need to ENCODE your CHECKS, then our IDC-2® or IDC/ME-2® models would automatically outsort your checks. Your Image Vendor will find our XML file interface with EXIT HOOKS for Batch # assignment and check quality tests infinitely friendlier towards dovetailing into your existing platform. Form ID will allow for conventional use of CHECK followed by NON-CHECK transaction boundary creation or ENVELOPE recognition for boundary creation.

When & Why this configuration w/out a mechanical extraction device has value:

The Agissar IDC-1® configuration was inspired by a client that made two objective observations after visiting a site that was using multiple Opex 3690’s (Double Cut extractor, w/ an Image Scanner equipped w/ multi-sort pockets). Keep in mind, this specific analysis applies to anyone who might choose to image the envelope and have it serve as a transaction boundary versus using a check followed by a non-check to create that boundary.

I)    Here’s their observation of the Opex 3690 operator process:

1. Reach and press a CYCLE button to advance an opened envelope, [Note: none of the operators chose to reach/grasp separated contents with the right hand while using the left hand to grasp/pull the advanced envelope. When asked, they said they thought it was easier to press the button…??]
2. Before retracting the hand that pressed the cycle button, they would wait for a little less than 1 second; and grasp an envelope already opened on 2 sides.
3. Pull the envelope towards themselves and manipulate contents from envelope panels with both hands.
4. Grasp and pull contents from envelope
5. Reach and place the empty envelope down on the work surface
6. Unfold, visually inspect and properly sequence contents
7. Reach, grasp and pull the envelope that was set down on the work surface
8. Place the envelope last in the sequence of prepped paper to be scanned
9. Reach and release the prepped transaction onto a roller conveyor that would take the transaction to the left towards the image scanner’s feeder.
10. Extended focus…Most operators attention would remain focused on the image scanner’s completion of the previous function until convinced there was no irregularity that might have to be dealt with.

…repeat last 10 steps.

After describing these steps, they commented that they thought that a Mail Extraction device’s primary motion reduction functions were to:

1. Eliminate high speed opening time (.33 seconds)
2. Eliminate the 3rd listed step of manipulation of contents from the envelope (1.5 seconds)
3. Automatically throw the envelope away (1.5 seconds)’

The only benefit that they felt the $20K Extraction Desk might have been contributing towards the total process was the elimination of the time required to open an envelope on 2 or 3 sides. This would logically make the manipulation of contents from the envelope a bit easier. They went on to say that if they decided that this is worth a 1-second time reduction, it would be an overstatement…but they claimed that today their department averages 400 per hour, or 9 seconds per transaction for just extraction/prep.

But our client said that their process today does not require a reach and depression of a cycle button, as well as almost a second wait period before the envelope becomes available for grasp and pull. They concluded that this process involving the use of an envelope as a transaction boundary would add an additional 2 seconds and therefore negate the practical use of a mechanical extraction station integrated to the scanning of each transaction as it comes out of the envelope.

They did consider spending some extra money ($24K) for a front-end mechanical effort to automatically open/stack envelopes on 2 or 3 sides at a 3,600 per hour (1-second per transaction) rate. This would potentially provide them with better empty envelope assurance and easier contents grasp…while still providing a 1 second advantage over the Image Scanner on a Mail Extraction device. Equally important would be a significantly lower equipment cost of almost $50,000 less for an Agissar IDC-1® & $25K less for the IDC-2® that provides an Image Scanner similar to the Opex 3690.

II)    Here’s what their interpretation was on the practical use of an Image Scanner w/ inline OUTSORT CAPABILITY of Checks or Patch Sheets: 

• They did not have to ENCODE checks, as they had recently converted to CHECK 21.
  
  
• They chose to use OCR READ to lift MICR LINE data instead of MICR READ, as the increased REJECT RATE was considered slight and nor worth the alternative Image Scanner price