If you have a scanner with a USB connection, you will need to purchase a USB cable if your scanner did not come with a cable. If you intend to replicate your forms internally instead of sending them to a printer, you will also need a laser printer from which to print all forms or laser masters, and a high-quality copier on which to duplicate your forms.

Do I need to buy a scanner?

You may not need to purchase a scanner if you already own one. AutoData Systems software operates in conjunction with an imaging scanner to read and extract data from paper forms. To function properly with the software, scanners should have a TWAIN driver and an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). Many clients have a dedicated scanner at the workstation on which their AutoData software is installed.

However, if you have a centralized scanner/copier, you may be able to use that instead. Scan your completed forms into a multi-page TIFF file and save it on a network drive. Be sure to save your file as a Black & White 300 DPI TIF File. After obtaining file, you can import it into your AutoData Systems software for processing. Please Note: The downside of using a centralized scanner/copier occurs when there is a problem with a page in the middle of a stack. For example, there could be a missing page, the pages could be out of order or otherwise unreadable. For that reason, we recommend the use of a desktop scanner whenever possible.

What scanners work with AutoData Systems software?

Unlike other systems that require proprietary scanners, AutoData Systems software functions with brand-name imaging scanners. We sell Canon, Fujitsu and Panasonic scanners. Tested models are listed in the Product section of the AutoData website. Many other TWAIN-compliant scanners also function with AutoData software. Please contact our sales department to discuss your particular scanner.

I have an OpScan, Scantron or ScanMark scanner. Can I use it with AutoData software?

OpScan, Scantron and ScanMark scanners use Optical Mark Read (OMR), bubble-read technology and cannot be used with AutoData Systems software. These scanners only have the ability to sense dark markings on a page and cannot read the scannable form field types possible with AutoData software.

What are the computer requirements for AutoData software?

Generally, you will need a PC with sufficient memory to accommodate the software program. Specific computer requirements differ by product. Please go to the Scannable Office orExpertScan product pages to see specific technical requirements for that software.

What is the licensing arrangement for AutoData Systems software?

AutoData Systems sells software on a single computer license basis. Each license entitles the user to install the software on a single computer. If you wish to install the software on additional computers, additional software licenses must be purchased. AutoData Systems offers discounted pricing on multiple license sales to the same institution. Click here to view the AutoData Software License Agreement.

Does technical support come with the software?

Purchase of first-year technical support is required with the purchase of a new software license. Annual technical support renewal is optional thereafter. There are many reasons to continue on technical support after the mandatory period. They include: updates that keep the license current, help with software and scanner migration to a new computer, technical troubleshooting, form design assistance and ability to receive substantial discounts on software upgrades and new titles.

What are the terms of your technical support agreement?

If you would like to review our Software Support and Maintenance Contract before you purchase, please click here to view a PDF copy of the contract.

Can I return the software and scanner?

AutoData Systems offers a 30-Day money-back guarantee on domestic software sales to end users. If you are dissatisfied with the software for any reason, you may return it within the 30-day period for a refund of the purchase price. Scanners are non-returnable.

What kinds of forms can I automate with AutoData Systems software?

AutoData Systems software automates a wide variety of structured forms. Structured forms are those that have a consistent format, with key information appearing in the same place every time. Our software helps users create a new scannable form or recreate existing forms in scannable format. The software processes completed forms automatically with an imaging scanner and extracts data from scannable fields on the form, placing that data directly into a database. Clients across the US and the world use AutoData Systems software to automate research surveys, satisfaction surveys, healthcare forms, human resources forms and more. See the Industry Solutions or Applications section of our website for more information about forms that can be automated.

Are special forms required?

No special forms are required, making AutoData Systems software a good choice when total cost of ownership is a concern. Unlike other systems, you don’t have to purchase special paper or custom forms. You can copy or print your forms on plain paper from your laser printer or high-quality copier.

Is this bubble-read technology like I used when I was in school?

AutoData Systems software has no bubble-read technology like you used in school. Unlike those systems, AutoData software does not require checkmark circles and squares to be filled in completely so they can be read by the software. AutoData software recognizes checkmarks, X’s and partially filled circles and squares, which often means less verification by the person processing the forms.

In addition, AutoData Systems software reads hand-printed information and barcode tracking fields, and captures images of verbatim comments and signatures. Some AutoData software will also read OCR text, also known as machine print. AutoData ExpertScan with NetE-nable creates web forms that can be completed online. With AutoData software, you’ll get more ways to gather the data you need–automatically.

What kind of recognition technology does AutoData software contain?

AutoData Systems software utilizes several recognition technologies to offer clients the ability to automate collection of a variety of data types using the method that best suits their needs. All our software contains Optical Mark Read (OMR) or checkmark recognition, Intelligent Character or constrained handprint (ICR) recognition, barcode recognition and image capture recognition. Some AutoData software products also contain Optical Character or machine print (OCR) recognition as well. See the Product section of our website or ask our sales departemnt for details.

Does AutoData software read handwriting?

AutoData Systems software reads constrained handprint. Constrained handprint is printed (not cursive) writing within a row of connected boxes, where each individual letter must be entered into a separate box. AutoData software can read the printed letters or numbers within the handprint boxes and place that information into a database. Following is an example of constrained handprint.

Can I archive and retrieve documents with AutoData Software?

AutoData software is a forms processing software that reduces or eliminates manual data entry of information from paper surveys or forms. It is not document archival and retrieval software. However, in batch mode you may direct AutoData Scannable office software to save the TIFF images after processing them.

I have a retired AutoData software product. What are my options?

We recommend upgrading to ExpertScan software, which is backward compatible with all AutoData Survey products. An upgrade discount is available when you provide the Survey product serial number.

How can I purchase software from AutoData Systems?

AutoData Systems sells directly to end-users. If you wish to purchase our software, please call (800) 662-2192, or email your order to sales [at] autodata [dot] com. If your organization requires a purchase order for payment of invoice, please provide a hard copy of the purchase order you intend to use. Alternatively, you may purchase by use of a credit card. AutoData Systems accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Do you give customer or volume discounts?

Yes. If you already own a license of AutoData Systems software, you may be entitled to discounts on additional single computer licenses and software upgrades. We also offer substantial discounts on purchase of 5-pack bundles of software licenses.

FAQs

(Technical FAQs about Scannable Office and ExpertScan software)

What other items will I need to use Autodata’s software?