THE
PRINT & SCAN CONCEPT REVISITED
With
the launch of a new version of the software, a number of potential
clients often ask to be updated on the concept of the system in
order that they may relate to the information regarding the new
release.
When
first released in 1992, Print & Scan was the first Windows
based system of its type to combine automated high speed data capture
and maximize the flexibility of approach for undertaking surveys,
assessments, monitoring, tests and examinations. The software combines
ease and simplicity of use along with versatility and can be utilised
for designing, printing, generating and processing your own forms
either electronically or on paper. A major plus point is the ability
to utilise not one but six different data capture technology types
and to use paper based, telephonic interaction or electronically
generated forms or a mixture of all format types. This makes the
system the first in the world to allow these different technologies,
(OMR, Image/ICR, Telephone, Networked, E-Mail or Web Based Internet/Intranet)
to use a common platform for designing, printing, linking and processing
data from outside sources. Continuing research and development,
as shown in the latest release (which also takes into account user
feedback), combined with a support service that receives constant
acclaim from our customers ensures that new clients receive a product
that is continually kept abreast with the change in technology.
Major
system features include:-
Form
Design
Unique features include powerful `drag and drop' facilities which
allow users to create, copy and move text/answer boxes on the screen
and which automatically adjust their position in relation to form
scanning points. A choice of font type, size and style is available,
plus the ability to use the inbuilt clip art/picture facility. Forms
can be created in black & white or full colour and in paper
sizes from A5 to Legal including A4 format quickly and easily without
needing to learn complicated procedures.
Question
Bank/Form Generator
A complete question bank option is included which allows users to
create as many sub headings to a main subject title as required.
A common question pool can be created with password-protected subsections
for individual administrators or lecturers with specialty options.
For those setting examinations, weighting of individual possible
responses to questions is also included. A form layout generator
for the question bank option allows questions to be merged automatically
onto a form with the correct number of response boxes against each
question. Additional form pages are automatically generated and
saved in sequence as required.
Database/Task
A comprehensive and flexible database, based on the Microsoft
Access engine, is also included within the system which allows users
to create training/educational course or survey details which can
include names, addresses, gender etc. according to the type of form
required. This information can either be entered manually or transferred
from another computer system or captured from your forms.
Distributing
and Processing Forms
Once the task details have been entered and the form created, users
can then distribute survey/ assessment/ monitoring forms either
over the network or Internet/Intranet and/or by printing and handing
them out for completion. On return, paper based forms can be scanned
using an Optical Mark Reader/Image Scanner and the details processed.
Electronic forms are retrieved from the network or Internet/intranet
and the results stored for later analysis or linking to other software
systems.
Reports
A range of standard reports and analytical information, including
graphical displays and structured queries are included in the software.
Should more sophisticated analysis of data be required then results
can be exported into other system such as Excel, SPSS,
Access etc.
Stuck
for Time
If you need to carry out a survey urgently but your time schedule
is extremely tight then as the originators of Print & Scan,
Trax UK are in an ideal position to undertake bureau service
functions. Our work practice includes attention to detail such as
making the form attractive by the use of graphics and easy to use
by respondees, as well as questioning any details that have not
been clearly defined. Scanning and analysis may also be included
in the service. Both Access and Excel files can be prepared for
users who wish to undertake their own-in-depth comparisons of the
data set or, alternatively, graphical and report formats can be
generated and supplied from within the system.
