UNSD Census Workshop Day 2 - Session 6 Data Capture: Optical Mark Recognition Andy Tye – International Manager DRS are Worldwide specialists in data capture from paper

Data Capture Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) 2 methods to automate Mark data capture –OMR from Image –Dedicated OMR scanners Forms design, Hardware, Software, Advantages, Disadvantages for each method are different

Data Capture - OMR OMR from Image Forms Design Typical stock grade paper (90GSM) Corner Stones advised Dropout colour is recommended but not essential

Data Capture - OMR Dedicated OMR Scanners Forms Design CBS2 Standard Paper Layout of form designed using grid system Dropout colour is mandatory

Data Capture - OMR Forms Design Whichever OMR method chosen make sure you: Design your form in collaboration with technology provider Finalise the form design in good time well in advance of census Prove your forms design with a Pilot exercise Census forms need to be designed precisely and with enumerator task in mind

Data Capture - OMR OMR from Image Hardware Image Scanners –TWAIN or ISIS Database Server Storage Server Network Administrator PC CS-Pro PC’s Key correction PC’s Scanner PC’s Image interpretation PC’s

Data Capture - OMR OMR from Image Hardware Image Scanners –TWAIN or ISIS Database Server Storage Server Network Administrator PC CS-Pro PC’s Key correction PC’s Scanner PC’s Image interpretation PC’s Dedicated OMR Scanners Hardware OMR Scanners Database Server Network Administrator PC CS-Pro PC’s

Data Capture - OMR Typical Workflow Dedicated OMR Scanners

Data Capture - OMR Typical Workflow Dedicated OMR Scanners OMR from Image

Data Capture - OMR OMR from Image Software Software for Scanner PC’s Software for Administrator PC CS-Pro PC’s Software for Key correction PC’s Software for Direct Data Entry PC’s License per Image interpretation PC’s MS -SQL or other database Data Storage, archive and Retrieval

Data Capture - OMR OMR from Image Software Software for Scanner PC’s Software for Administrator PC CS-Pro PC’s Software for Key correction PC’s Software for Direct Data Entry PC’s License per Image interpretation PC’s MS -SQL or other database Data Storage, archive and Retrieval Dedicated OMR Scanners Software Software for OMR Scanners Software for Administrator PC CS-Pro PC’s MS -SQL or other database

Data Capture - OMR OMR from Image Accuracy Typically tolerance level applied

Data Capture - OMR OMR from Image Accuracy Typically tolerance level applied Dedicated OMR Scanners Accuracy Typically 16 levels of discrimination

Data Capture - OMR OMR from Image Advantages No Specialist hardware required An Image archive is automatically produced of every form Very high speed scanning can be achieved

Data Capture - OMR OMR from Image Advantages No Specialist hardware required An Image archive is automatically produced of every form Very high speed scanning can be achieved Dedicated OMR Scanners Advantages Very accurate time proven technology A Guaranteed accuracy of data from properly shaded forms ‘Problem’ forms are identified at point of scanning and can be ‘out- sorted’ Validated data is produced immediately as forms are accepted Overall a low cost option for paper based data capture

Data Capture - OMR OMR from Image Disadvantages Not all data can be collected using OMR. Such as name, occupation, etc. Need trained enumerators to complete the form. As OMR fields take up space, so forms can be more pages as a consequence Accuracy suffers from image technology Significant Hardware/software and trained IT staff will be required Accuracy dependant on manual intervention

Data Capture - OMR OMR from Image Disadvantages Not all data can be collected using OMR. Such as name, occupation, etc. Need trained enumerators to complete the form. As OMR fields take up space, so forms can be more pages as a consequence Accuracy suffers from image technology Significant Hardware/software and trained IT staff will be required Accuracy dependant on manual intervention Dedicated OMR Scanners Disadvantages Not all data can be collected using OMR. Such as name, occupation, etc. Need trained enumerators to complete the form. As OMR fields take up space, so forms can be more pages as a consequence Accurately printed forms are required.

Data Capture - OMR Cost Comparatives (A general guide) OMR from imageDedicated OMR Scanner Forms Design Same Forms Production-Up to 50% More Enumerator Training-Up to double the cost Scanners-Up to double the cost PCUp to 3 times the cost- PC OperatorsUp to double the cost- ServersUp to double the cost-

Data Capture - OMR Summary For both methods The single most important factor for timely and accurate data capture is to make sure ‘the forms are filled in correctly and are returned in good condition’

Worldwide specialists in data capture from paper