Do you use the Postal Address File (PAF) for address capture?

Yes – and we go further than other data capture suppliers too: we double key the house number and also key in part of the street name which is used to compare with the PAF result for the entered postcode. This ensures very high accuracy in addresses. Finally, we batch process all addresses using the PAF file again to allow manual intervention by an experienced QC clerk.

How do you capture names?

Forename and surname fields are batch processed against look up tables we have compiled which contains over 100,000 of the most commonly used examples of each. Exceptions are listed allowing the QC operator to assess each one and determine ambiguities.

And emails?

Emails are captured using code that ensures that there is always an @ character preceding a period. We then batch process them against a look up table of common domain names. This gives very high accuracy without the added expense of double entry (key verify).

What capacity can you manage on a daily basis?

Our production facility gives us the ability to instantly expand to process huge volumes when the need arises. On busy days we often capture over 50,000 consumer name and address based records.

Can you capture foreign data?

Yes – we have wide experience of capturing most European languages.

Do you offer envelope opening and sortation?

Yes, we will be pleased to open envelopes prior to capture of the information on the contents. We can sort and extract other documentation too.

Will my data be kept confidential?

All of our staff are committed to absolute confidentiality with regard to the data that we process. We are registered with the data protection registrar and consider confidentiality to be central to the confidence that our clients have in us.

What sort of documents do you have experience of?

We have captured data from every conceivable document type including competition entries, application forms, direct debit mandates, newspaper articles, shareholders lists, traffic management surveys, loyalty card applications – the list is endless.

What accuracy rates can you guarantee?

Whilst some foreign data capture bureau are keen to quote arbitrary accuracy rates such as 99.9% etc, these figures are meaningless. They have no control on the legibility of handwriting and often guess, whereas with our better cultural understanding we can still interpret correctly. In this way we achieve a higher accuracy level.

What output file layout can I have?

We can produce data files in any industry recognised format including CSV, Excel, Access, Snap and SPSS to name a few.

How do you collect my documents?

We have our own vans and in most cases this is the preferred method. Sometimes we also use reliable couriers.

How will you send data to us?

We can either send you an email, CD or ftp depending on what is most convenient for you.

If you have any other questions, please get in touch!