eScan is a distributed capture solution that can be used by small remote centres to conduct their own scanning or by large regional centres to perform bulk scanning of paper documents from many centres.
The web-distributable scanning client has accurately captured 25 million paper documents since 2016 (4.3 million in 2023).
eScan is a distributed capture solution that provides users with scanning, reconciliation, error rectification and secure transmission of scanned image batches to data capture software such as TeleForm for further processing. It is deployed through a browser for simple installation on any modern Windows PC.
The system is compatible with widely available scanning hardware from manufacturers such as Fujitsu, Kodak, and Canon. This allows users to use a pen or pencil and enables them to locally source hardware, without the need to purchase or distribute expensive custom hardware such as OMR scanners.
The eScan App:
eScan will capture data from any structured paper document including your existing form designs. However, we recommend re-designing your form template(s) to include the following features to improve form recognition and verification later in the process:
During the distributed scanning phase, eScan performs real-time image processing and enhancement tests to resolve issues quickly and improve document capture and the quality of scanned images, including:
In any high-volume process, there is a risk of irregularities which can lead to errors if not properly detected and handled. Many common issues are picked up during the scanning phase with users alerted immediately and reducing the need to re-scan later in the day.
eScan uses a combination of automation and human intervention to identify and resolve exceptions. These include:
Scanned images are not released for marking until the batch is complete. This means all mismatched items are reconciled before being released for further processing.
eScan allows users to scan paper forms in a single batch, improving efficiency when dealing with high throughput.
Additionally, users can scan pages continuously while a background process uploads the images as they are ready. This is crucial as it allows the operators to utilise the scanners at their maximum throughput without being delayed by slow or intermittent internet connections.
Once a batch has been scanned, individual images will appear on-screen. At this stage, the scanning operator will categorise the batch and submit it for verification.
Intuitive dashboards highlight the current position for each scanning batch/session, allowing administrators to monitor system performance, download reports, and chase late actions.
eVerify provides users in distributed locations with web-based verification of unrecognisable characters from scanned form responses.
In a high-speed web interface, eVerify queues any discrepancies, duplicates, or unclear papers from a scanned batch for human verification.
eVerify is the ideal solution for verification teams that are distributed across multiple locations and not connected to the network.
Some of the benefits of distributed scanning with eScan include:
Users can select any installed image scanner from manufacturers such as Fujitsu, Kodak, and Canon, eliminating the need to purchase or distribute expensive hardware such as OMR scanners.
Validate image quality in real-time with automated checks to confirm barcode readability, page type/size, and presence of cornerstones.
This allows users to identify configuration issues and quality problems at the earliest possible opportunity rather than hours later when they have scanned potentially thousands of images incorrectly.
eScan allows distributed users to scan images at full speed and queue them for background upload in the event of poor connectivity.
Easy to install via a Click-Once installer with automatic deployment of scanning configurations to minimise setup time and user training.
To reduce physical storage requirements, eScan provides secure storage (for a configurable period) of scanned documents and data with easy retrieval for future reference.
eScan supports single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA) and synchronisation with user directories to protect sensitive information during both the scanning process and transmission of scanned batches to third-party systems for further processing.
Export scanned images to third-party systems for archival and on-screen marking (e.g., MarkManager and Janison).
Following an OJEU tender process, the British Council commissioned Civica as the prime contractor to deliver an on-screen marking (OSM) solution to mark up to 5 million ‘pen and paper’ IELTS tests each year.
As part of the agreement, Civica appointed ePC as its sub-contractor for the script capture, processing and verification work.
