FAQs: Answers to All Your Questions About Auto-Extraction & Structuring

DDC’s Auto-Extraction & Structuring solution leverages machine learning to catalyze freight operations by dramatically reducing the time, labor, and errors associated with document processing.

We have been receiving inquiries from Freight Process Insights subscribers about how our Auto-Extraction & Structuring solution works. To answer these questions, we have compiled FAQs for this and our other solutions as part of our recent FAQs series.

If you have a question that is not answered in this article, please email education@ddcfpo.com.

What does Auto-Extraction & Structuring do?

DDC’s Auto-Extraction & Structuring solution leverages machine learning to automatically extract raw data and transform it into actionable information in real time, dramatically accelerating collections, increasing profitability per shipment, and enabling proactive logistics planning.

What are the advantages of Auto-Extraction & Structuring? 

Auto-Extraction & Structuring reduces the amount of keying required, empowering you to save or reinvest overhead costs to align with your strategic priorities. Faster, cleaner data delivered seamlessly to your preferred systems allows for smarter decision-making and exponential efficiency, providing a competitive advantage through digital transformation, a critical component of the next-generation supply chain.

Does Auto-Extraction & Structuring integrate with DDC Sync, or do they function independently?  

Auto-Extraction & Structuring and DDC Sync offer versatility, enabling standalone usage, combined implementation, or seamless integration with our traditional freight billing solution. When integrated, DDC Sync’s in-cab capture technology removes speed limits within operations – pushing performance and revenue potential faster, farther, and higher. 

Does DDC’s Auto-Extraction & Structuring provide cost savings by reducing manual data entry?  

Yes, Auto-Extraction & Structuring is designed to deliver significant time, labor, and error savings associated with traditional document processing. By automating manual data entry, this innovative solution reduces man-hours, minimizes errors, and cuts costs, enabling the redirection of overhead costs towards strategic priorities.

This solution also achieves additional savings through addressing data consolidation challenges but also enhances service quality by proactively routing shipments, optimizing capacity, ensuring accurate invoicing, and increasing overall profitability by streamlining collection processes and minimizing administrative time and costs.

How effective is Auto-Extraction & Structuring in retrieving precise company information? 

DDC’s Auto-Extraction & Structuring ensures high accuracy across all data elements through a virtuous learning cycle within the feedback loop. This cycle actively and consistently upholds accuracy levels. 

Additionally, reducing manual keying by up to 50% minimizes human error and delivers precise data when needed most.

Can documents be secured from a mobile device or flatbed scanner, and what limitations come with this capability? 

There are no inherent limitations. However, it's important to acknowledge that optical character recognition (OCR) and data extraction, much like humans, perform better with images of reasonable quality – those that are in focus and level.

Does the accuracy differ between documents captured on mobile devices and those scanned on flatbed scanners?  

While it's true that flatbed document images inherently excel in providing controlled conditions, at DDC, we have consistently witnessed that mobile document images can be captured with remarkable reliability and quality, often rivaling the standards set by flatbed images. The advancements in mobile imaging technology have played a pivotal role in this achievement. 

For example, DDC Sync's innovative OCR data capture technology delivers high-quality images and takes automation to a whole new level. DDC Sync eliminates the risk of human error by seamlessly capturing, enhancing, and precisely cropping various types of freight paperwork directly in the cab.

After processing client data, is any data retained in the platform, or is it all returned? 

You can elect to return all processed data or allow it to remain in the platform. Keeping the data in the platform opens the door to a dynamic process of learning and enhancement. Our machine learning algorithms analyze corrections and iteratively refine their understanding, leading to increasingly accurate results over time.

Does the 15-minute standard turnaround time (TAT) remain consistent regardless of volume? 

No, smaller volumes will typically be returned more swiftly, typically within approximately three minutes.

How does the 'feedback loop" work? 

DDC’s Auto-Extraction & Structuring solution requires a completed version of Bill of Lading (BOL) details for comparison with the original extraction. This completed version may originate from either the quality assurance (QA) system or your transportation management system (TMS) with a slight time lag. The variances are then scored, categorized, and analyzed to furnish the Auto-Extraction & Structuring platform with the essential data for refining algorithms and settings.

Is integration with third-party systems dependent on the assistance of those system providers? 

DDC’s Auto-Extraction & Structuring platform leverages existing interfaces, APIs, and document exchanges for implementation, thereby minimizing the effort and time required from both you and your systems partner.

Will we have to change our APIs to utilize DDC’s Auto-Extraction & Structuring solution? 

No. Auto-Extraction & Structuring utilizes existing APIs for two reasons. First, it offers the fastest and simplest integration method. Second, these APIs guide how your systems manage BOL data, covering your downstream requirements.

Can DDC assure a minimum of 50% data keying after the implementation phase? 

Absolutely, and even more. With DDC’s Auto-Extraction & Structuring solution, you can anticipate attaining superior accuracy rates, spanning a range of freight documents, including BOLs.

Is it possible to identify which documents are inputted into the Auto-Extraction & Structuring platform? 

Certainly. You have the ability to manage document flow within the Auto-Extraction & Structuring platform through various methods.

Is it possible to differentiate and separate EDI customers? 

Yes, the Auto-Extraction & Structuring platform can independently handle EDI customers, providing their data with quality checking and integrating your business logic. This guarantees consistent and reliable data feeds from all sources.

As a new user without information in a Master File for data matching, is there a process for extracting data? 

Yes, even without a Master File for data matching, DDC’s Auto-Extraction & Structuring continues effectively. It operates within the limitations of each specific implementation. While Master File inputs allow verification and cross-checking of data output quality, and business rules help align the data with your end goals, these elements are optional enhancements. 

What is the duration of the onboarding process? 

The onboarding process involves collaboration between DDC's development and the carrier's IT teams. The timeline's efficiency depends on client responsiveness and data complexities. Our aim is seamless and efficient onboarding tailored to each client's unique needs.

What is the time frame for system implementation after a Proof of Value (POV)? 

The system timeline is inherently flexible, as it is intricately tied to your organization's unique dynamics and the specific requirements at hand. Acknowledging variability in each client's situation, our team has meticulously assessed and projected a time frame ranging from one month to a maximum of three months.