About two years ago I read an advertisement on a software package that
could turn printed reports into database data. I think you could scan
the
report with OCR and then map the report fields into a database. The
printed report I have is in a columnar format which should be fairly
easy if the program works the way it was advertised. I can't
rememember the name of the package. Does anyone know of such a
program? I'm getting data in a report format that is almost impossible
to decypher because of so much detail. If I had this software I could
import the data from the selected fields and then
manipulate and group it the way I need to see it.

Hello Terry,

I think your memory is 100% correct. I dug up one business that
carries
what you are looking for. I have listed the site of the one that I
found with
a short description, and link to the product :

EZ Forms from EZX Corporation
"...scan your form into EZ-Forms GOLD ULTRA, and start typing. Or, add
automated
filler fields, create a database with the wizard, and you are done"
http://www.ezx.com/ezformsgold.htm

I came across a few more companies that offer similar features as
well. This
solution is more of an Enterprise package:

Cardiff Corporation
http://www.cardiff.com/TELEform/import.asp

The rest offer various services/software in the same area of interest:

Root 3 - Click on the link that says 'Click here for more details'
http://www.root3.com/html.html

Nuerascript
http://www.neurascript.com/solutions.html

PrimeRecognition OCR software
http://www.primerecognition.com/

There is also a section in the Google Directory that deals with these
types of businesses. ( They handle Data Capture and/or importing )

http://directory.google.com/Top/Computers/Software/Document_Imaging/Automated_Forms_Processing/?tc=1

I hope you find the software to be what you were looking for. If you
find
that this answer is acceptable, please feel free to rate it. If
however you
desire more clarification, please ask before rating, and I will be
glad to
assist you further.

I found these resource sites by searching for:
scan forms import to database
data capture import

Thanks for the great question!
SgtCory

---

Clarification of Answer by sgtcory-ga on 24 Oct 2002 18:22 PDT

Terry,

Please excuse the formatting of my answer. I have been running into
this problem all day. If you need a re-post, feel free to ask.

Thanks again,
SgtCory