DataForceTM advanced capture technologies ensure you get precision data you can count on. These include digital capture equipment, scanning software, manual key entry and real-time data collection services technologies.
Data Scanning
We utilize a variety of scanning technologies to collect data, each with its inherent advantages. DataForce project managers will consult with you to determine which types of respondent forms and underlying scanning technologies would be best suited to extract your desired data. We primarily use:
OMR Scanning
Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) technology is the most common, quickest, easiest form of data collection we offer.
Image Scanning
An image scanner is a device that optically scans images, printed text, handwriting, or objects, and converts them into digital images.
Web Surveys
Paper Scanning
Data Processing
Quantitative Data Collection
Online Surveys
Web Scraping
HIPPA Complaint Data Collection
Data Capture
Data Collection Simplified
Data collection takes place in stages, including pre-scanning, data extraction, data verification and output. Following is an overview of these important steps:
Tables and Rules
Tables and rules can be specifically defined for the project to ensure accuracy and to trap erroneous information. Dataforce can develop these for documents, providing fill validation, precise error checking features, and output design based upon the record format requirements.
Pre-Scan
After the respondent sheets have been prepped for scanning, scan operators will verify that all forms are oriented in the same direction, fan through the forms to make sure that there are no foreign objects, and load the scanners.
Data Extraction
Dataforce specializes in the scanning and data capture of OMR, ICR (Image Scanning), and OCR forms. The data extraction process requires strict quality control measures to ensure the utmost accuracy of the data. We start by employing computerized validation routines to verify that the correct digits, characters, codes, etc. have been entered.
Data Verification
Data captured both manually and electronically are thoroughly checked by our Data Verification Department through a range of edit checks, data validation and database management functions.
Exceptions
'Exceptions' is a term used to describe a set of business rules provided by the customer. These rules direct the operator as to how to handle anomalies as they occur during the scanning process. Example instructions include "what to do if a form doesn't have the name properly filled in," and "what to do if an answer has two responses for a single response question."
Sample Data Output Formats
These output formats are submitted during the testing phase and agreed upon prior to releasing the project to production. If file mapping, schema or data output format is provided, the file format will be programmed during the template design process.
Key Entry
Key entry is a process of operators keying fields directly into a spreadsheet or our data collection software. This is commonly used for small data collection projects, comment fields, ‘other’ response choice fields, email addresses or any field where there is free-form writing.
Real-Time Collection
DataForce online surveys are a great way to capture feedback in real time. Our powerful online platform can handle single and multi-modal projects with ultimate design flexibility – including pictures, videos, complex skip patterns and more. Importantly, online surveys tend to favor certain demographic audiences. We’ll review your project and help you determine if our online component is right for you.
DataForce can manage all aspects of your research project, from printing and fulfillment to data processing, reporting and analytics. Whether you need one-stop shop support, or help with any aspect of your survey and test administration, DataForce has a solution for you. We can even put a team onsite with our equipment to do the processing for you.