How does Microsoft Intelligent Document Processing work?

If you are looking for a way to automate the extraction of data from documents, you might be interested in Microsoft Intelligent Document Processing (IDP). IDP is a cloud-based service that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to analyze and process various types of documents, such as invoices, receipts, forms, contracts, and more. IDP can help you save time, reduce errors, and improve efficiency in your document workflows.

Microsoft offers four solutions for IDP: Microsoft Syntex, AI Builder, Power Automate, and Azure Form Recognizer. Each solution has its own features and benefits, depending on the use case and the level of customization required. Here is a brief overview of each solution:

Microsoft Syntex: is a cloud-based service that applies AI models to automatically extract metadata and classify content from documents. It also allows users to create their own custom models using a no-code interface. Microsoft Syntex integrates with Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft 365 to enhance content management and collaboration.

AI Builder: is a low-code platform that enables users to build and deploy AI models using pre-built templates or custom data. It supports various scenarios such as form processing, receipt processing, object detection, text recognition, sentiment analysis, and more. AI Builder integrates with Power Apps and Power Automate to create intelligent applications and workflows.

Power Automate: is a cloud-based service that automates workflows across applications and services. It supports various triggers and actions, such as sending emails, creating tasks, updating records, etc. Power Automate also integrates with AI Builder and Azure Cognitive Services to add intelligence to workflows.

Azure Form Recognizer: is a cognitive service that uses ML to extract text, key-value pairs, tables, and layout information from forms and documents. It supports both pre-built models for common document types (such as invoices, receipts, business cards, etc.) and custom models for specific document types. Azure Form Recognizer provides a REST API and SDKs for various languages to integrate with applications.

To illustrate how IDP works with an example, let's consider a scenario where a company wants to automate the processing of invoices from different vendors.

The company can use Azure Form Recognizer to create a custom model that can extract the relevant information from the invoices, such as vendor name, invoice number, date, amount, etc.

The company can then use Power Automate to create a workflow that triggers when a new invoice is received in an email attachment.

The workflow can use the Azure Form Recognizer API to analyze the invoice and extract the data.

The workflow can then use the extracted data to update a database or an accounting system, send a confirmation email to the vendor, or perform any other action.

By using IDP, the company can save time and money by eliminating manual data entry and validation. The company can also improve accuracy and compliance by reducing human errors and ensuring consistent data quality. The company can also gain insights from the invoice data and optimize its business processes.

IDP is a powerful technology that can transform how businesses handle documents and data. Microsoft provides various solutions for IDP that cater to different needs and preferences. By using IDP, businesses can unlock the value of their unstructured data and achieve better outcomes.