Optical Mark Recognition: How it works? What are its pros & cons?
Optical mark recognition is a form of technology that has brought vast changes of advancement in educational as well as survey industry. These days some of the best OMR software available in the market is being used extensively by various industries to make their many OMR related tasks easier.
What is Optical Mark Recognition?
It is a convenient to apply process that is used to read data from OMR sheets that are specialized forms with bubble pattern on them. Once the data is retrieved from the forms they get stored into the computer system as an easy to access files. The data that is to be interpreted from the OMR sheets are mostly in the form of markings such as ticks, dots, darkened circles or dashes. These marks are identified when the OMR sheet passes through the scanner of OMR sheet reader software that extracts the data and stores it into separate files.
What are the functions of Optical Mark Reader?
Optical Mark Reader is an OMR scanner that reads the mark of pencils made on predefined positions on the OMR sheets.
The best OMR software available in the market can be paired with any normal scanner and have inbuilt sensors that are efficient in detecting dark pencil marked areas present on the OMR form. There are approx. 48 sensors that work together to make the scanning of OMR sheets possible. Once the scanning is complete the information is converted to a computer data file.
What is an OMR Sheet?
OMR sheet is a specially created sheet of paper that can go through the OMR sheet reader software and can be used as a source to extract data. The OMR sheet comprises of multiple choice questions that are specially placed in an order that can be detected by the scanner because of its unique alignment. The numbers of columns given on a form are equal to the number of sensors available in the scanner.
Pros and Cons of Optical Mark Recognition?
Pros
— OMR proves to be highly accurate and is the most recommendable technique when it comes to interpreting on simple yes or no answers.
— It greatly minimizes the chances of human errors as there is no need to process the data manually and everything is done by the use of technology.
— It decreases the cost on logistics as very less manpower is required and everything is done by just the use of a single computer where even the data can be stored.
— OMR forms are easy to read and extract data from, if good OMR sheet reader software is being used.
Cons
— If a pencil mark made on OMR sheet is very light, then it will pass on as undetected.
— The OMR sheets are subject to man-handling and can be folded and torn during the complete process. To be read effectively by the scanner it should be devoid of any worn and torn.
Application of Optical Mark Recognition
Consumer Surveys
Companies often conduct various types of surveys regarding their products or services. Since large volume of data is collected in this process, OMR technology is used to make it easy and fast.
Test sheets
In recent times many competitive as well as government exams have started to integrate OMR technology. They have recognized its vast functionalities and are using its various features to their benefit.
Election Poll Results
In elections counting the number of votes separately is a tedious task. By using some of the best OMR software available in the market the process becomes relatively fast and accurate as well as curtails the chances of cheating and rigging the vote counting.
Keeping the count of Inventory
In big warehouses, industries or factories, keeping the count of inventories is a mandatory aspect and with the help of Optical Mark Recognition it becomes very easy.
Lotteries
In Lotteries it is used to count the lucky lottery numbers.
Optical mark recognition is a technology that has made our life easier in numerous ways. This technology is being readily accepted and is only destined to evolve more in terms of providing convenience to us.
