Create a Blank Zone OCR Template

Summary

Most COAs are in image formats (JPG, BMP, etc.) and require OCR Templates for processing. However, low-quality or illegible COAs may need the Blank Zone as a last-resort option. This method captures all text in a single zone but requires manual data entry, making it less desirable. Consult your CSM before using the Blank Zone.

Preparing COAs for Processing

• If the COA is a paper document, scan it into a PDF, TIFF, or TIF format.
• If the COA is an electronic file but not in PDF, DOC, DOCX, TIFF, or TIF format, convert it:
  • Use Adobe to load and save as a PDF.
  • Use an image editor to save as a TIF.

Creating a Blanks Zone OCR Template

Step 1: Hover over Configuration Icon and select 'Import Templates' under the Data Extraction Section.

Step 2: At the top of the Import Templates page, click 'New', then 'OCR Template'.

Step 3: Open the Process Type drop-down and select "COA, CAR, or PO Data". When you've finished filling in the basic OCR Template header (see the first part of Creating a New Zone Template), click 'Zone File Editor'. 

Step 4: Click 'Browse' to find and select the COA file on your computer. Once added, click 'Save' and then 'Back' to return to the Template Editor.

Step 5: Click 'Mapped Attributes' and the default source when you first open this page will be "Next Zone". Click 'Attribute to Map' and scroll until you find 'Blank Zone File ID'. If you don't find this attribute in the list, you may need to add it on your Configuration > Attributes page. Click 'Add'. Click 'Save' at the top.

Step 6: Return to the Zone File Editor to draw the zone box. Use your mouse to draw a box around all the text. Click anywhere else on the page, outside the zone-box, to lock that box in. You will see the box turn red and the number of the box pop up inside the box. Also, make sure both the Source boxes have a "1" in them.

Step 7: Click Save, at far upper-right in your browser window. Then click 'Back'.

Step 8: Now back on the Manage OCR Template screen, click 'Mapped Attributes'. Click the 'Source' drop-down and select the entry 'Zone 1' ; because you only want one zone on this template, setting the source to this value will keep the system from looking for the 'Next Zone' for the next attribute to be added.

Step 9: In 'Attribute to Map', find and select the Data Entry Required attribute and add it to the list. If cannot locate this attribute in the drop-down list, you may need to add it via Configuration > Attributes.

In the 'Norm Sql Script' field it needs to have a Normalization Script added. Click the edit gear.

In the pop-up, click 'Configuration Library' and choose the "Blank Zone - Data Entry Required Attribute". Type some text to 'Validate' at the top, then click 'Apply to Attribute'.

It then should appear like this.

Step 10: Click 'Save.'

Your Blank Zone OCR Template is now complete. Test it in the Template Tester to ensure it is working properly.