Document processing automation: what to automate first
“We check 300 applications every month manually” is a useful starting problem. The next question is which checks consume time: opening files, extracting fields, checking completeness, comparing records or making a judgement.
Separate extraction from decisions
- Accept permitted file formats through a controlled intake process.
- Extract fields and retain a reference to the original source.
- Apply explicit rules to required fields and document combinations.
- Route missing, uncertain or conflicting information to a reviewer.
- Write approved results to the destination system and retain an appropriate review record.
Reading a document does not prove it is authentic. A name match or completed field is not an identity check. Define separate verification requirements if authenticity matters.
Test before expanding
Use representative, authorised examples, including difficult scans and incomplete documents. Compare field-level output, false flags, missed issues and total review time. Do not use an assumed accuracy figure to justify a deployment.
One Blueprint, one process
The €290 Automation Blueprint maps the current steps, proposed automation, human controls, architecture and approximate implementation effort. It does not include building the system.
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