Are you drowning in the pool of unstructured data and repetitive tasks despite your robust iPaaS? iPaaS like Boomi, has revolutionized connectivity by integrating disparate systems, applications, and data sources. However, there are some complexities when it comes to unstructured data and connecting to legacy systems. 

To address these challenges, Boomi OCR and RPA integration becomes paramount. Traditionally, unstructured data management and repetitive tasks depend on manual efforts, which makes the process time-consuming, costly, and prone to human errors. Integrating OCR and RPA simplifies and accelerates the process for improved operational efficiency. 

Learn how Boomi enhances RPA workflows with OCR by integrating it during connectivity. This synergy enhances Boomi’s capabilities and plays a vital role in extracting unstructured data and automating workflows. 

Understanding OCR & RPA

What is OCR?

Optical Character Recognition is a technology that extracts text from images and documents by electronic or mechanical means. It transfers handwritten or printed text into machine language (or encoded text) to be used in electronic business processes without any manual effort. 

For more than 100 years, OCR has enabled computers to read any text. Today, OCR powered by AI can recognise and capture data from machine-printed documents with high-level accuracy. 

Here is how OCR typically works:

• Image Acquisition – When a user uploads the document, it is scanned or captured as an image. 
• Preprocessing – The OCR system prepares the image by cleaning and optimizing it. This process involves noise reduction, skew correction, and binarization. 
• Character Recognition – First, the image is divided into individual characters, and then the algorithm analyzes the segmented characters to understand the patterns and identify them. 
• Post Processing – After recognizing the characters, they are assembled into text, followed by formatting. 

What is the role of OCR in data extraction and document processing?

OCR acts like a digital bridge by transforming static images and physical documents into actionable data. By automating the data extraction process, OCR eliminates the inefficiencies and errors caused by manual efforts. 

This extracted information is available for all to analyze, streamline storage, and integrate effortlessly with diverse systems. Furthermore, OCR enables data extraction from legal contracts for quick analysis and compliance checks. It also automates the process of customer applications to speed up the onboarding process. 

What is RPA?

Robotic process automation (RPA) is a bot technology designed to automate routine tasks like email routing and response, claims processing, quote-to-cash, and mimic human actions like data entry, click-through applications, etc. It enhances businesses speed, reduce errors, and save costs on human labour. 

What is the role of RPA in automating repetitive and rule-based tasks?

RPA technology allows software to automate repetitive and rule-based tasks by mimicking human actions, such as clicking, typing, copying data, and navigating applications. These robots interact with applications and systems to execute tasks without manual intervention. Following predefined rules and workflows, RPA enhances accuracy, speed, and efficiency, freeing employees to focus on more critical tasks. 

Why Boomi (iPaaS) for OCR and RPA Integration?

To truly unlock the potential of automation and integration, even the most robust Integration Platform as a Service like Boomi iPaaS, benefits immensely from the strategic incorporation of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). While iPaaS platforms offer a robust foundation for connecting applications and streamlining data flow, they inherently possess certain limitations when handling the diverse realities of enterprise data and processes.

The Limitations of iPaaS Alone

iPaaS offers a comprehensive suite of capabilities like integration, transformation and automation. It can connect disconnected systems through API, transform data into various formats, and orchestrate automated workflows based on structured data. However, iPaaS alone lacks built-in capabilities like:

• Document Processing of Unstructured Data

  iPaaS platforms are designed to work with structured data (when information is available in predefined formats within application fields). However, when business information resides in semi- or unstructured formats like scanned documents, PDFs, images, and emails, iPaaS cannot read or extract meaningful data from these sources. iPaaS requires additional technologies to address these limitations, which can hinder the automation of document-intensive processes like invoice processing, contract management, and form digitization.
  

• User Interface Based Automation

  The iPaaS platform’s primary focus is backend integration using APIs. However, legacy applications lack robust APIs and have limited integration capabilities. Under such scenarios, manual interaction through the API is the solution. iPaaS cannot mimic human actions to automate repetitive and rule-based tasks like data entry and navigating through application screens. This lack of ability creates a significant gap in end-to-end automation possibilities, especially when dealing with legacy systems.
  That’s where OCR and RPA come in. OCR extracts data from scanned documents, and RPA can integrate it within other core systems like ERP and CRM by mimicking repetitive and predefined rule-based tasks.
  

Where OCR & RPA fill the Gap?

OCR: Extracts structured and unstructured data from Scanned documents 

OCR extracts the data from unstructured formats like images, PDFs, etc, so Boomi can transform it into a required format to process the data. Here is how OCR bridges the gap of iPaaS limitations:

1. Data Transformation for Boomi Workflows

OCR expands Boomi’s integration capabilities with other applications by translating data into readable text and then converting it into a standard format. 

• Bridging the Gap – Many businesses still depend on paper documents, scanned images, or PDFs for important information. Boomi can process structured documents, but these documents are unstructured. Boomi OCR integration acts like a translator. It converts these images or documents into text the machine can read, and then Boomi can process it further. 
• Data Mapping and Transformation – When OCR is done with text extraction, Boomi can use its mapping and transformation capabilities to structure the data into the desired format for integration with other applications.

2. Automating Document-Centric Processes

Incorporating OCR within the system is how Boomi automates document processing and enrichment. 

• Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) – Boomi OCR integration creates a foundation for IDP solutions. This helps businesses automate document-driven workflows like invoicing and contract management. 
• Triggering Boomi Processes – Boomi automates data processing by integrating OCR. This integration automatically triggers workflows when a new document is created.
  For instance, uploading a scanned invoice in a specific folder can trigger Boomi’s data extraction, validation, and routing processes. 
• Data Enrichment – OCR’s extracted data can enrich Boomi’s existing data. For instance, customer information extracted from scanned application forms can be updated in the CRM system for customer records. 

3. Enhancing Data Accuracy and Efficiency

In Boomi OCR integration, OCR enhances data accuracy and efficiency via automating workflows.

• Accelerating Processing Time – OCR reduces the dependency on manual efforts, and by automating document processing with OCR, Boomi speeds up workflows for quicker document processing. 
• Better Data governance – Businesses can gain control over data quality and compliance with centralized data extraction within Boomi. 

4. Integration with Boomi Connectors

Boomi offers connectors to connect with OCR for data extraction and translation. 

• Using API Connectors – Boomi API connectors can integrate with various OCR services. This allows Boomi OCR to extract and process data within workflows in real-time. 
• Custom Connectors – Boomi’s extensibility even allows it to develop custom connectors to integrate with specific OCR solutions based on requirements.

RPA: Automates manual UI-based tasks that don’t have APIs

RPA mimics humans and automates the repetitive and rule-based tasks within Boomi integration. Here is how RPA works:

1. Filling the Gaps in Boomi Workflows

RPA bridges Boomi’s automation-related gaps by automating tasks and ensuring seamless interaction with traditional systems. 

• UI-Based Automation – Boomi is known for API-driven integration; however, many legacies applications have limited integration capabilities. In such scenarios, RPA automates UI interactions like data entry, form filling, and navigation, effectively bridging the gaps in Boomi workflows.
• Legacy Systems Integration – For organizations that rely on older systems and want to integrate modern applications, RPA acts like a digital glue and automates user interaction, allowing Boomi to interact with the legacy system. 

2. Automating Repetitive Tasks in Boomi Processes

By integrating RPA into the system, Boomi can automate the data entry, extraction and report generation process. 

• Data Entry and Extraction – For applications that are not connected with Boomi via a connector, RPA can automate the data entry process. It can also extract data from these applications and feed it into Boomi for further processing. 
• Report Generation and Distribution – RPA can even automate the generation and distribution of reports from various systems and then distribute them via email or other channels. It seamlessly integrates with Boomi’s notification and communication capabilities. 
• Data Validation and Reconciliation – Integrating RPA with Boomi can validate extracted or transformed data to ensure consistency. This integration can even automate reconciliation tasks, comparing data across multiple systems and flagging discrepancies. 

3. Enhancing Boomi’s Efficiency and Accuracy

Accelerate integration efficiency by reducing dependency on manual efforts, enhancing data accuracy, and eliminating error-resolving efforts.  

• Reducing Manual Effort – RPA automates repetitive tasks and frees up human resources to focus on more strategic initiatives. Boomi RPA integration follows pre-defined rules to enhance data quality and governance features within the system.
• Accelerating Processing Times – As a bot, RPA performs repetitive tasks much quicker than humans and speeds up Boomi processes. 

4. Complementing Boomi’s Capabilities

RPA enhanced Boomi integration’s advantages by complementing its capabilities. It makes Boomi a complete solution for API integration with legacy systems. 

• Triggering Boomi Processes – During Boomi RPA integration, the RPA bots can be programmed to initiate processes based on specific events or conditions. 
• Extend Boomi Capabilities – RPA extends Boomi’s reach and capabilities by allowing the platform to interact with old and legacy systems to ensure seamless integration with modern applications. 

Benefits of Boomi OCR and RPA Integration

Integration of OCR and RPA with iPaaS platforms creates a powerful engine for business transformation. Boomi OCR and RPA integration streamlines data handling and offers numerous advantages that drive efficiency and innovation. 

1. Strategic Automation

Boomi is known for its ability to connect systems and streamline data flow. By integrating OCR with Boomi, businesses can bridge the gap in extracting unstructured data.
After extraction, RPA automates the subsequent data processing with Boomi and the flow from document capture to system integration. It eliminates the bottlenecks of manual data manipulation and enhances workflow efficiency. 

2. Precision and Speed

Reduce the data inaccuracies and ensure data integrity by automating the data extraction and processing.
Accelerate the operational speed by eliminating manual dependencies, processing documents quickly, and enhancing response time. 

3. Unlocking Legacy Value

Due to limitations and incompatibility, integrating Boomi with legacy systems via APIs can be challenging. RPA acts like a digital adapter, allowing Boomi to connect with old systems through UI automation.
Extend Boomi’s potential by incorporating RPA and allowing the iPaaS to connect with more applications. 

4. Unified Efficiency

It eliminates the need to manage multiple tools, such as Boomi and third-party OCR and RPA. The integration simplifies IT management, reduces costs, and provides a unified platform.
Businesses can create more streamlined and manageable IT architecture by combining these technologies with the Boomi platform.  

Use Case

Our client, Frelan Hardware, was facing inefficiencies in handling a high volume of supplier invoices, where manual data entry was time-consuming and error-prone. To address this, we implemented an intelligent automation solution using Boomi, OCR, and RPA to extract and validate invoice data seamlessly. This eliminated manual effort, improved accuracy, and accelerated invoice processing, enabling their team to focus on more strategic tasks.

NeosAlpha’s OCR & RPA Capabilities for Boomi

As a Boomi Gold Partner, we understand that sometimes there are unique challenges in handling unstructured data and automating UI-driven tasks. To address the pain points related to document processing and interaction with systems lacking robust APIs, we developed our OCR and RPA capabilities to ensure effortless integration within the Boomi ecosystem. To ensure the benefits of Boomi OCR and RPA integration, we address customer pain points like:

• Manual efforts are needed to extract data from invoices, forms, contracts, and other documents. 
• Integrating Boomi with legacy systems that lack robust API capabilities is complex. 
• Relying on third-party OCR and RPA solutions increases costs and might cause compatibility issues with Boomi. 
• Many off-the-shelf solutions lack features that are required for scalability and business needs. 

How NeosAlpha’s OCR and RPA Engines Integrate Seamlessly with Boomi?

Our approach was to build OCR and RPA capabilities that feel nothing less than the native extensions of the Boomi platform. To ensure this, we’ve built custom engines:

• Custom Boomi Connectors – Developed custom Boomi connectors that allow direct interaction with our custom OCR and RPA engine.
• Pre-built Boomi Components – Significantly accelerates development time by offering pre-configured Boomi components and process libraries that leverage our OCR and RPA capabilities. 
• Familiar Boomi Interface – As a Boomi partner, our solutions are designed to be easily used by Boomi users. You can incorporate OCR and RPA actions directly into Boomi. 
• Secure and Reliable Integration – Our OCR and RPA engines adhere to Boomi’s security and reliability standards.

Benefits of NeosAlpha’s OCR and RPA Capabilities:

You can extend Boomi iPaaS’ power using our custom-built OCR and RPA engines.

• Save investment in hiring Boomi partners and third-party OCR/RPA tools independently; as we provide both services.
• Eliminating the dependency on separate OCR and RPA tools and provides a custom OCR and RPA engine that integrates well with Boomi. 
• Pay as you take the specific OCR and RPA functionalities, making our solution scalable and budget-friendly to you. 
• Our OCR and RPA capabilities are designed to scale seamlessly along with Boomi to ensure performance and adaptability.

Conclusion

Boomi OCR and RPA integration significantly enhance the capabilities of data extraction and processing with high accuracy. It overcomes the limitations of iPaaS alone, and this powerful combination ensures seamless management of structured and unstructured data while automating the interactions with even the most challenging legacy systems. 

From extracting data to mimic human actions on user interfaces, the synergy of Boomi, OCR, and RPA accelerates operations and significantly reduces costs. With our OCR and RPA engine, you can leverage the benefits within the Boomi environment without being dependent on third-party tools. 

Streamline the data extraction process from any source (scanned documents, PDF) and automate the repetitive tasks to let your employees work on more strategic tasks. Enhance Boomi’s capabilities with these two technologies for effortless integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does RPA use AI and OCR to automate manual processes?

RPA automates repetitive tasks by mimicking human actions. It requires OCR to translate text from images or scanned documents. After extracting and intrepriting documents by OCR, RPA process it within the systems like ERP and CRM. Then the system can easily understand, classify and validate extracted data combined with AI (NLP or ML) and OCR.

2. What is the difference between RPA and OCR?

Robotic Process Automation automates structured data and repetitive workflows and mimics human actions like data entry, clicking through applications, etc. However, RPA cannot interpret text within images alone.
Where Optical character recognition is designed to extract text from scanned files, PDFs, and images and convert them into standard digital data. Likewise, OCR doesn’t perform actions on its own.

3. What added advantage does an RPA Integrated with OCR Technology bring?

Boomi OCR and RPA integration have numerous benefits, such as automating document-intensive processes by extracting and processing data from invoices, forms, and contracts, eliminating the need for manual efforts. Another advantage is seamless ERP and system integration, as RPA bots can directly transfer extracted data into different systems, like HR and CRM. Overall, OCR-powered RPA ensures end-to-end automation, increasing operational agility and scalability.

4. How do you use RPA with Boomi?

Boomi integrates with RPA tools like UiPath, Automation Anywhere, or Boomi Flow for seamless application automation. This ensures continuous data exchange between ERP, CRM, and other platforms. Businesses can reduce manual efforts, errors, and enhance operational efficiency using Boomi’s integration capabilities with RPA. To get the most reliable Boomi RPA solution, you can talk to our experts. 

5. Is the OCR function in RPA reliable?

OCR reliability in RPA relies on numerous factors, such as document quality, OCR engine capabilities, and AI enhancements. OCR works well for structured and high-resolution documents, and to increase reliability, uses AI-powered OCR with ML and NLP. When integrated with RPA, OCR becomes more robust and automates document processing with high accuracy.