PDF Parsing
PDF parsing refers to the process of extracting and interpreting data from PDF files. This is done by “reading” the content of the PDF via technologies such as OCR or parsing tools and then converting the data into a structured format, such as JSON or XML. This is so that the data can be further analyzed, stored, and processed.
Related article: Generating PDFs programmatically: Build or Buy?
PDF data extraction, data mining
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PDF Parsing Tool (PPT)
Examples
A bank receives customer onboarding applications as fillable PDFs. After the customer submits the completed form, the bank uses PDF parsing software to extract key information such as names, addresses, or identification numbers. This data is then transferred into internal systems for further processing, such as initiating KYC checks or creating customer profiles.
While PDF parsing can help automate part of the data entry process, it often requires additional validation and manual review due to the limitations of PDF formats.
FAQ
What types of data can be parsed from a PDF?
Text, tables, metadata, images, and even annotations can be extracted using parsing tools.
What are common challenges for PDF parsing?
Parsing is notably more difficult for unstructured or image-based PDF files, often requiring good OCR tools to accurately extract information.
Why is PDF parsing important for finance?
PDF parsing is essential for fully automating and streamlining key processes such as onboardings, loan approvals and regulatory reporting.
