Why did we start using OCR technology?<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.
<!--[endif]-->It saves us time by combining several processes<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·
<!--[endif]-->You import a batch of check donations through a
CSV file instead of keying each one into the system.<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·
<!--[endif]-->The scanning process makes a copy of the check,
endorses the check, and sets up the CSV file for import.<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.
<!--[endif]-->It makes record keeping and retrieval more efficient
by storing the check image and return receipt in an electronic file that can be
easily searched, printed or emailed.<o:p></o:p>
What do you need to start using this technology?<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.
<!--[endif]-->You have to edit your receipt so that it prints a
scan line at the bottom of the return receipt that includes the Donor ID,
Designation ID, Last Gift Amount in a font call OCR-A. We were able to hire a contractor to make the
edits for us using Crystal Reports. Cost us about $160.<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.
<!--[endif]-->You would need to purchase the software and
check scanner.<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·
<!--[endif]-->EZ-Scan Pro Software<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·
<!--[endif]-->Cannon CR-80 check scanner<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·
<!--[endif]-->Cost us about $4000 with a yearly cost of about
$630 for updates and support<o:p></o:p>
What are the steps when you scan a batch?<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.
<!--[endif]-->For personal checks-Open your checks and
put them in a stack with return receipt follow by related check.<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.
<!--[endif]-->For bank checks, which arrive from the
bank without a return receipt, I have an alphabetical file of printed return receipts
for each bank check donor. I sort the
bank check by last name then find the related return receipt from my file and
stack with return receipt follow by related check.<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.
<!--[endif]-->Turn on the check scanner and open the software
and provide the details of the new batch.
I look in Donor Wise to see want the next batch number should be and
label my batches in EZ-Scan accordingly.<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.
<!--[endif]-->Scan the checks.<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.
<!--[endif]-->Verify the batch-this is a process the software
walks you through to be sure you have the correct data.<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.
<!--[endif]-->Print the batch deposit report-a list of all the
checks, amounts and totals the batch. I
include this with my deposits to the bank.<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7.
<!--[endif]-->Export the data to a CSV file<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8.
<!--[endif]-->Edit the CSV file-simple process of removing
some lines you do not need.<o:p></o:p>
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9.
<!--[endif]-->Import the batch file into Donor Wise<o:p></o:p>