IBM i print to digital solution that takes standard printer character streams and allows conversion to a digital PDF file
AS/400, iSeries, and Power Systems (IBM i) Native PCL to PDF converter for Spool Files,iPDF converts standard HP Laserjet output (Printer Control Language) into the popular Adobe PDF (Portable Document Format). Much more than a simple conversion tool, iPDF enables report distribution, PDF document archival and retrieval, bursting, sorting and outputting COLORED PDF reports and custom business forms in the open PDF standard where they can be easily viewed using the free Acrobat Reader.
Key Benefits of iPDF:
Native conversion leverages the power of your iSeries investment
Eliminates the need to download to a PC or secondary server
Provides more security and faster processing of documents and reports
PDF documents are text conversions so all text is searchable
Fully automated processing, there is no need for any manual intervention
IBM i users and developers can integrate iPDF into in-house software solutions using available APIs
iPDF integrates with other companion modules to provide the ultimate distribution tool through fax, email, the IFS (Internal File System), or an external server repository for private secured convenient retrieval
The IBM i (iSeries, i5, AS400, Power Systems) platform has been delivering valuable new business capabilities for many, many years. As new generations enter the IT world, many have diverse backgrounds that lack specific knowledge of the ‘i’. New managers inherit legacy systems that they don’t always understand and may question the future of the IBM i.
IBM has made it easier than ever to develop solutions on IBM i by making the most popular native language (RPG) capable of using some of the newest technologies (services, XML, etc.), They have also added new languages and improved the strategic development tools both in function as well as in platforms supported.
The IBM i development team is currently working on the releases after 7.3 and will be delivering many new capabilities to the platform in the next several years. IBM has always listened to their solution vendors and will empower the technologies they see as important to them and their future. IBM is committed to investing in the programming languages, environments and tools which will be needed to build the solutions.
In the past several years, one of the key technologies we’ve needed to enable is mobile devices. There are now tools that make it easy to transform your 5250 green screens into stunning RPG, PHP and mobile applications by using your existing development skills and IBM i assets. We are seeing software vendors offering frameworks that make it easier for developers to create native applications specifically built so RPG apps can be extended to run natively on the iPad, and other mobile devices. These frameworks are not unique to RPG and exist for other programming languages as well.
IBM i clients predominantly use their systems on site, but in line with evolving technology trends, many are considering cloud options for their everyday business applications. In response, IBM has recently introduced new end-to-end solutions that better connect the IBM i to the cloud. One of the key growth areas for the platform is when it’s used by software providers to provide Software as a Service, or Cloud-based solution. Additionally IBM and its many partners are finding new ways to provide value to some of their clients by providing cloud services, whether it’s backup in a cloud or fully hosting customers. IBM is dedicated to making the combination of IBM i and Power Systems as good in that cloud environment as they have always been if you own the box on site.
Simplified security and availability have been the hallmarks of this platform from the day it was created, and IBM is continually working to ensure they remain strengths making it one of the most reliable, secure and trusted platforms in the industry.
In association with committed software partners such as inFORM Decisions, which has been a Document Automation provider specializing in state of the art Document Automation solutions for the IBM i – iSeries – AS/400 arena since 1994, we believe it is clear that the IBM i systems will be relevant for a long time offering the stability and security that you’ve come to expect from IBM i. inFORM Decisions is committed to the IBM i iSeries AS/400 platform forever!
Call (800) 858-5544 / (949) 709-5838 or visit us at www.informdecisions.com for more information about our acclaimed iDocs suite of IBM i products.
The iSeries/AS400 contains an integrated file system (IFS). This means applications written on other file systems, PC, Unix, etc., can access data stored on the AS/400. The IFS integrates all file systems on the AS/400 with one interface and one set of rules. How the AS/400 developers accomplished this was to use a single root, like a PC file system, and put all other file systems under it. From a Windows client the AS/400 would appear as a network drive. Under that drive you would have PC-like subdirectories for all the file systems the AS/400 supports. Currently there is support for PC file systems, Unix file systems, OS/400 libraries, and others. The IFS provides access to the data. The data must be in compatible format for the requesting application. The IFS includes Spool files.
The inFORM Decisions iDocs product interfaces with both the Spool Files and the DB2 database and can create custom reports and spread sheets from this stored data.
Generate forms, reports, and checks natively on the IBMi
Upload document designs and mapping instructions to our iDocs software on the IBMi and immediately utilize our iDocs Engine or use our API commands to start generating your forms, reports, and checks.
Distribute generated documents, reports, and files natively from the IBMi
Automatically deliver documents and reports in a variety of different formats including .PDF, .XML, .TXT, .TIF, and .XLS via email, fax, FTP, SFTP, FTPS, as wells as into local and remote directory. Additionally delivery Positive Pay reports to banks, and more.
Capture documents and data to convert into useful electronic versions
Import files from scanned documents, email attachments/email body, shared folders, or directly from originating systems. Identify different incoming documents, extract useful data from imported documents, run database look ups, validate collected data, and export to a repository and accounting/ERP systems.
Automate and manage the flow and circulation of documents, forms, and files.
Controlling how the flow and circulation of documents moves in, out, and around of an organization is a critically important to the efficiency of an organization. Automatically route files based on triggers and conditions to help improve the speed of the flow of information.
iCapture provides all the required features for any scanning or document capture project. OCR, copier integration, and automated extraction can help you convert your paper to digital format.
The K2 no-code Business Applications Platform provides workflow, forms, reports and data integration capabilities to any organiztion. It is an essential piece to any digital transformation strategy. With K2 blackpearl you can provide workflow in SharePoint, mobile forms and powerfulw reporting dashboards in a snap.
iDocs monitors Output Queues for spool files , database files or XML data to process and route based on user-defined business rules on the IBM iSeries.
Barcodes are pervasive in our world. From daily documents to the QR code we scanned with our phone, businesses are using barcodes on everything. Besides being printed on documents for tracking and embedding information, with labels, they can be placed on just about anything. Barcodes can be leveraged for all types of business purposes.
A valuable and viable choice for businesses looking to improve efficiency and reduce overhead, barcodes are both cost-effective and reliable. Barcode technology is constantly improving, and companies are looking to embed more and more data within the symbol.
iBar now offers IBM i native users the ability to scale barcodes, and to output to industry standard HP PCL cut sheet and continuous form label printers iBar is now capable of producing industries’ most popular bar code symboligies, including QR, IMb, 3of9, EAN, Datamatrix and more.
For current, iBar and iDocs users, its important to note that you will no longer be confined to working with fixed pitch HP fonts. You can now size the font to accommodate your print requirements, as now the user simply selects a barcode symbology, and enters the size they need. In addition, barcodes can be embedded into *SCS spool files or integrated with API commands.
Benefits and Features of iBar:
Create “intelligent” spool files with embedded barcodes
Embed barcodes for print or digital file creation (PDF)
Are you looking to break up and convert a spool file to PDF or Excel format or improve your AS/400 reports by processing and outputting an AS/400 spool file with conditions in the text?
If you depend on complex spool file data to generate your business documents, such as invoices, purchases orders, bills of lading, etc., then you are faced with many different reporting challenges. There are ways that you can work with the spool file output without hand coding and tedious development effort. inFORM Decisions, SmartRouterTM, can be used to facilitate complex filtering and distribution requirements for IBM i spooled reports, forms and business documents, as well as, controlling the bursting and processing of spool files by individual page based on user-defined criteria. The solution can easily and intelligently sort, burst, re-bundle and deliver spool content to any defined target: email address, fax address, Printer Output Queue, the IFS, or any mapped or cloud drive in a PDF format
iSeries reporting challenge:
The spool file data does not contain all of the information you need on your business document.
Solution:
SmartRouter can include any combination of DB2 data, external spool file attributes, internal spool file content and targets for accurate implementation of unique or complex output requirements. Conditional spool file mapping can easily determine where on the page to include that data. Or simply add text to the iSeries spool file, that can be used as a trigger or mapped and printed.
iSeries reporting challenge:
The spool data output is long and you only need a portion of that data for your business document.
Solution:
Instead of printing and sending unnecessarily large business documents, reduce the output on the page through useful prompts to quickly define custom conditions. Split out, process, regroup and distribute individual pages of a spool file in order to expedite delivery of business forms, reports and other documents.
iSeries reporting challenge:
How do I convert spool to PDF or Excel format ?
Solution:
Utilizing iDocs and SmartRouter, you can convert AS/400 spool file into PDF. PDF documents are intelligent text, so all text is searchable. You can even turn spool file data into html, Text, or ZIP formats. Documents can be burst, sorted collated and routed to email recipients or posted to a storage location for web access.
In iDocs, how do I use different logos and signatures?
iDocs allows the user to configure an iSeries form or check application to conditionally print a logo based on a trigger value. You can for example, configure a form or check application to use a company number to print a corresponding logo to that number. This can be true with any trigger data and any image whether it be signatures, logos, pictures or even a completely different form overlay.
Can we use form designs we already have from another forms design software?
Yes. iDocs allows the user to export their iSeries forms from MS Word, Excel, Adobe, PDF’s etc. into iMap to take over data mapping and other form definitions.
Can I setup reports or form to email (distribute) to multiple emails or targets ?
iDocs with its Smart Routing functionality allows the user to route iSeries forms and reports to dynamic targets, such as, email addresses, fax numbers, printer output queues, or stored drives in PDF format. You can use AS400 PDF functionality to provide a paperless stream to any document management system.
Can I print to a color printer natively from my IBM iSeries AS/400 ?
Yes. iDocs supports printing to color PCL printers natively from the IBM iSeries. Forms can be printed in PCL or PDF NATIVELY with high quality and high speed, and no need to download to a PC server.
Can I print labels with or without barcodes ?
Yes on both. You can print labels to PCL capable printers and there are many to choose from. inFORM supports hundreds of barcode symbols.
Do I need a modem or PC Server to fax documents?
No. With iFax the software uses the internal IBM i modem.
How much is does your product cost?
This question really requires a conversation with our sales rep. There are various requirements and multiple modules and ways our product can be configured and sold. Our pricing is modular and competitive by design which allows us to package just the solution you needed without being forced to purchase a bundle of items that you don’t need.
Does your product support IPDS or AFPDS ?
No. On the IBM iSeries AS/400, we support PCL output which is really what 90% of the marketplace uses (HP compatible). It is usually a relatively simple switch to output SCS spool file output which can be converted to PCL. IPDS code is complex and expensive and proprietary to the IBM i, and PCL is a more broadly accepted printer datastream with more flexibility.
Does your product run natively on the IBM i – iSeries – AS/400 ?
Yes, iDocs and associated suite of software all run on the IBM iSeries natively. Some modules require Windows for the graphic requirements – like iSeries forms and image design – but once designed, the objects can upload to the iSeries for native integration
What software is required for your IBM i native forms archive and retrieval module iView?
The community edition of the Zend Server. You can download free from zend.com.
Can I save a PDF to the IBM IFS or to a networked Microsoft Server?
Yes. This requires the iPDF Monitor or iCapture modules. AS400 PDF provides all the value of having digital documents.
Will the iDocs forms merge engine start automatically?
Yes. Simple set this operation up through the job scheduler or the system startup program.
Can iView be an export target for iCapture and what does this require?
Yes. It requires ODBC connection software, which is part of IBM Access for i.
Feature-rich, affordable document capture software for faster searching and retrieval
Product and Solution description:
With an innovative document capture software platform engineered to combine automation, efficiency, stability and Enterprise-class scalability, inFORM Decision’s iCapture is poised to continue advancing document processing technology well into the future. iCapture provides scanning functionality, or can utilize simple expressions through its Advanced Data Extraction feature to automate processing tasks. With the ability to export or migrate the data to over 60 industry ECM and DMS systems, iCapture represents the next generation of document processing software.
Document Capture and Scanning is a challenge in any organization. With an array of scanning devices, capture needs and backend content management systems, it is ineffective to settle for multiple applications to accomplish one goal. iCapture provides a single capture platform that can meet all the needs of an organization: document scanning and import, forms processing, data capture, OCR/ICR, data extraction and the ability to migrate the information into a backend. iCapture advanced capture system enhances the capabilities of any scanning device, providing a powerful onramp to any Enterprise Content Management (ECM) or Document Management Systems (DMS). For more information on scanning into Microsoft’s SharePoint 2010/2013 click here.
Fast, Efficient Scanning and Capture:
iCapture provides unmatched integration with just about any ECM platform, and allows the utmost in flexibility for deployment in large or small organizations. Whether you want a simple scan workflow, or complex document capture, we provide an affordable, scalable solution.
Easy configuration through templates | Use MFPs, copiers, scanners or fax | Database Lookups | Dynamically create libraries, folders and file names | Create searchable PDFs | OCR-OMR-ICR | Import from SharePoint libraries, RightFax server and FTP/SFTP server.
Overview of Features and Functionality:
OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) support allows conversion of scanned images into meaningful text. The OCR solution feature can be used to extract document metadata as well as create searchable PDF documents or text. It can also be used in conjunction with other modules to provide classification and data extraction. MORE
Convert Scanned Documents to Searchable pdf or Text
How do you convert scanned/captured documents into searchable files and migrate them to your Document Management System? iCapture provides several Optical Character Recognition (OCR) engine options, to provide your organization with the ability to perform full text conversions, or focus on specific areas of the page, with Zone OCR and Optical Mark Recognition (OMR).
There are several output format options, including the following: searchable PDF and text formats.
Below is a full OCR feature set for iCapture Enterprise
Full text Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Features:
Create searchable PDF s within a Microsoft SharePoint Document Library
OCR output formats include: Searchable PDF, Text, and many others
Scan paper files for conversion, or import digital images from folders
Convert PDF, TIFF, BMP, JPG, PNG and GIF to searchable files
Broad range of language support
Performance tuning options to choose between recognition speed and accuracy
Fast performance, up to 700 ppm.
PDF creation engine allows for PDF with hidden text, text PDF and image PDF
PDF fields can be populated with index field information
Support for PDF encryption, versioning and Fast Web.
Zone Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Features:
Zone OCR Separation – ability to split files based on key terms
Create Zone OCR processing templates based on document types to gather data from capture images
Automatically create SharePoint Document Libraries from captured text
Specify zone types and filters
Perform imagine processing prior to OCR to insure the best accuracy
Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) Features:
Read check boxes on forms
Create Scanning Routing Sheets
Process surveys
ICR (Intelligent Character Recognition) Module provides the ability to extract metadata from documents with hand-printed information, and translates the information into data fields. It also provides the ability to “rubberband” hand printed text during the indexing process and auto-populate fields. MORE
Convert Scanned Documents to Searchable pdf or Text
How do you convert scanned/captured documents into searchable files and migrate them to your Document Management System? iCapture provides several Optical Character Recognition (OCR) engine options, to provide your organization with the ability to perform full text conversions, or focus on specific areas of the page, with Zone OCR and Optical Mark Recognition (OMR).
There are several output format options, including the following: searchable PDF and text formats.
Below is a full OCR feature set for iCapture Enterprise
Convert Hand-printed Information to Text
How do you convert scanned/captured documents with hand-printed fields to data and migrate them to your Document Management System? iCapture provides several Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) engine options, to provide your organization with the ability to perform text conversions, or focus on specific areas of the page, with Zone ICR.
ICR can be used for forms processing, or for free form hand-printing extraction.
Below is a full ICR feature set for iCapture Enterprise
Forms Processing Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) Features:
Extract hand-printed text from scanned forms and map the information to index fields
Utilize ICR zone-based iamge processing to remove form lines and improve accuracy
Assign field character sets to allow for interpretation of mis-identified printed terms
Utilize Advanced Data Extraction (ADE) to extract printed information
Other Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) Features:
Zone ICR Separation – ability to split files based on key terms
Create Zone ICR processing templates based on document types to gather data from capture images
Automatically create SharePoint Document Libraries from captured text
Specify zone types and filters
On demand ICR provides the ability to interactively extract hand printed portions of a document
The Advanced Data Extraction (ADE) Module is an advanced data extraction and parsing engine to intelligently script or pattern match logic to metadata to provides recognition accuracy. The ADE feature virtually eliminates the need to hand-key information, increases accuracy, and reduces the time required for the metadata capture process. MORE
Harvesting Document Data Automatically
Automating and adding efficiency to the scanning and capture process can have a huge impact on your organization. The less time required to enter document data, the more time employees have for other tasks. The ADE module is utilized with our OCR module and parses through converted text to look for key terms and expressions. Once these expressions are recognized, they can be associated with documents. This feature allows the automated collection of information on documents that typically required manual data entry. The module can be used for invoice processing, correspondence scanning, accounts receivable scanning and a wide variety of other uses.
Below is a list of extraction features for iCapture Enterprise
Advanced Data Extraction (ADE) Features:
Examine, analyze and search OCR Text to identify key expressions or terms
Full Microsoft .Net regular expression support for character matching
Invoice Processing and AP Automation
Accounting data extraction
Apply filtering expressions to OCR zone (s)
Provides for proximity analysis, where expressions before or after terms can be read.
Extraction can be applied to just about any automated process in iCapture
Extended File Format (EFF) Have a need to import non-image files? The EFF module enablesiCapture to import and process all types of digital files including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, AutoCAD, etc. The module can be used for manual or auto-import and allows bulk digital file migration to any of the close to 60 ECM systems we support. MORE
capture and migrate all digital file types
How do you import, process and migrate non-image files into your Document Management System? The Extended File Format (EFF) module enables iCapture to import and process all types of digital files. Need to import, rename and send 10,000 word files to Microsoft SharePoint? We make it a snap with our auto-configuration template.
Below is a list of EFF features and iCapture for MFPs.
extended file format (EFF) module Features:
Import and process any type of digital file
Assign index data based on filename, folder structure or use any of the iCapture default value settings.
Use our powerful C# scripting engine to perform advanced processing with business logic
Migrate files and data to anyone of our 60+ supported ECM systems
Classification And Forms Processing: iCapture document classification feature set allows intelligent classification of forms and documents through the use of the OCR and ADE modules. iCapture’s engine will auto-extract complex data structures and information from disparate documents.
Enterprise scalability: iCapture can be priced inexpensively for the smaller to medium businesses (SMBs), and can scale to large complex corporate document workflow organizational needs.
inFORM Decisions was founded in 1994 to provide document management solutions to address the costs and inefficiencies of paper based business workflow. IFD solutions have been implemented worldwide in a multitude of open platform environments from small to Enterprise Fortune 100 sized organizations. Along with IBM iSeries AS/400 native document management and automation solutions, inFORM can provide solutions for Cloud, Unix and Windows based server environments.
inFORM’s paperless solutions include, forms scanning (capture), storage and workflow; variable data laser form merging and printing; laser MICR check printing and electronic payment solutions; and IBM i spool file report bursting, sorting distribution and management in various formats including Excel, PDF, Word, Text, XML, CSV and Zip formats.
inFORM offers demonstrations, discovery calls, consultations and training videos to interested prospects. if you’d like a representative to contact you.
Commitment
inFORM Decisions has always been committed to play a major role in delivering the promise of a paperless office by offering solutions that reign in runaway forms and documents and get document workflow streamlined and cost effective. The company initially developed software to manage heavy workloads of output jobs like laserforms, laser checks and formatted reports on a daily basis. The focus was on providing significant savings to enterprises in the cost and management of pre-printed business forms, laser checks, documents and reports.
In the late nineties and early 2000’s, the explosion of the internet and interconnected, globalized businesses and economies, spurned the growth of more technologies at inFORM Decisions that addressed more complex storage, retrieval and delivery options for edocuments. Web store fronts, document workflow technologies, information portals, intelligent email and fax document delivery… and other new modes of information delivery were demanded and are now part of inFORM’s product line. Along with IBM iSeries AS/400 native document management solutions, inFORM can provide solutions for Cloud, Unix and Windows based server environments.
inFORM is additionally committed to making its contribution to reduce the impact on our fragile ecosystem. Offering paperless solutions obviously saves trees, but in addition, through its alliance with The Arbour Day Society, inFORM plants 10 trees in each of its new customer’s names, and has planted so far thousands of trees around the world.
