ReviewPSI:CaptureFrom Document Manager Magazine Vol 18 No 01 - January/February 2010 Datafinity is fast making a name for itself as an 'ahead of the game' distributor for DM and ECM technologies. Last year we took a look at Foxray's excellent xbound product, since which time Datafinity has struck up deals with the likes of Kodak and DRS, as well as US firm PSIGEN. This latest deal sees PSIGEN seeking partners in the UK for its powerful document capture solution aimed at small to medium size businesses.
PSI:Capture is a relatively sophisticated product within its market, while managing to remain surprisingly simple to setup and manage. With a straightforward pricing model based on monthly usage volumes, and connections (which PSIGEN perhaps confusingly calls 'migrations') to nearly 30 target applications and DM systems, PSI:Capture offers a simple and cost-effective capture 'on-ramp' for all sorts of users. Migrations currently available include EMC, DocuWare, OnBase, and OpenText, as well as the ubiquitous SharePoint. For SharePoint users PSI:Capture provides integration with over 250 direct connect scanners, and any network scanning device that can scan to folder.
The software can operate in two modes: Interactive and Auto-import. Interactive mode allows experienced users to utilise all the features and functions of the software from the desktop. In Auto-import mode, users can scan to a processing folder from any network scanning device and the documents will be automatically processed, named and filed based on the workflow configuration. The software takes the process a step further, allowing the use of cover sheets that can be placed on top of any document to provide instructions on where to route the file.
Boasting an up-to-the-minute architecture (.NET, C#) and embedded SQL back-end that obviates the need for an external database, PSI:Capture is available in MFP and Enterprise versions to suit the needs of those two distinct user bases.
PSIGEN clearly hopes to score with potential partners who are seeking an alternative to products such as Kofax Capture - PSI:Capture appears to offer an easy-to-use (and implement), flexible, affordable product that ought to almost sell itself in the hands of the right partner. Setup is faster and easier than almost anything else on the market, claims Datafinity, with typically half a day to set up and another half a day to install PSI:Capture. Certainly the whole product, from configuration to use, is based on a highly intuitive and easy to follow point-and-click design. Configuring the system to recognise any new document, for instance, is done with the aid of a nine-step Wizard, which includes a remarkably comprehensive list of possible options for every aspect of any document to be captured.
Another attractive aspect of PSI:Capture is its use of OAI (OCR Assisted Indexing): scanned documents are verified and indexed using a combination of 'best guess' OCR and operator 'hover and click' field completion. It might sound exotic, but the interface and the thinking behind the system is actually extremely useable and sensible, making for a user experience that both technical and non-technical users will quickly find natural.
Overall, PSI:Capture has the potential to enhance any scanning process. Its simple configuration and easy to use interface allows for quick deployment and adaptation by end users, resulting in an accelerated return on investment.
Verdict: Datafinity is displaying something of a 'Midas touch' with its choice of products and partners so far introduced to the UK - we can see no reason why PSI:Capture shouldn't continue that winning streak.
More info: www.datafinity.co.uk Review |
