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

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 DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

OMR from image DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture Data Capture Image Storage Scan Database Processing

Dedicated OMR Scanners DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture Scan Data Capture Database

Data Capture - OMR OMR from image Forms Design Typical stock grade paper (90GSM) Corner Stones advised Dropout colour is recommended but not essential DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

Data Capture - OMR Dedicated OMR Scanners Forms Design CBS2 Standard Paper Layout of form designed using grid system Dropout colour is mandatory DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

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 DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

OMR from image Hardware Image Scanners –TWAIN or ISIS Database Server Storage Server Network Administrator PC CS-Pro PCs Key correction PCs Scanner PCs Image interpretation PCs Dedicated OMR Scanners Hardware OMR Scanners Database Server Network Administrator PC CS-Pro PCs Data Capture - OMR DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

Data Capture - OMR Typical Workflow OMR from image DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

Data Capture - OMR Typical Workflow OMR from image DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture Dedicated OMR Scanners

OMR from image Software Software for Scanner PCs Software for Administrator PC CS-Pro PCs Software for Key correction PCs Software for Direct Data Entry PCs License per Image interpretation PCs MS-SQL or other database Data Storage, Archive and Retrieval Dedicated OMR Scanners Software Software for OMR Scanners Software for Administrator PC CS-Pro PCs MS -SQL or other database Data Capture - OMR DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

Data Capture - OMR OMR from image Accuracy Typically tolerance level applied Dedicated OMR Scanners Accuracy Typically 16 levels of discrimination DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

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 DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census 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 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. DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

Data Capture - OMR Cost Comparisons (A general guide) OMR from ImageDedicated OMR Scanner Forms Design Same Forms Production-Higher Enumerator Training-Higher Scanners-Higher PCHigher- PC OperatorsHigher- ServersHigher- DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

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’ DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture

UNSD Census Workshop Day 2 - Session 6 Thank you for listening Andy Tye – International Manager DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture