Use a value identifier to identify the layout of an invoice: Overview

In cases where the invoices from multiple suppliers look exactly the same (that is, they use the same layout), a value identifier can be used to improve interpretation by making it possible to identify the layout based on printed information, such as a number, even when the supplier cannot be identified.

It can also help to speed up automatic learning in the same way. When the first invoice from a supplier is processed (provided an invoice with the same layout for another supplier has been processed previously), the definition can be automatically learned based on the layout identifier of the previously processed invoice(s).

In addition, if the supplier was not identified automatically in Interpret, but the layout was, all definitions in the system that have been processed previously using the same layout are listed under the supplier box, in Verify, for easy selection if the operator can make a match there (saving the time it takes to type in the supplier number).

To specify a value identifier as a layout identifier

  1. Using Manager, click the Invoice profiles object bar.
  2. Double-click the invoice profile to open it and display its components.
  3. Right-click the Identifier profiles icon under the invoice profile you are working with, and select the value identifier you want to use as a layout identifier.
  4. In the General settings, select Use as a Layout identifier.
  5. Click OK to save the identifier profile.
  6. Right-click the invoice profile and select Save.
    Note Only one layout identifier can be specified per invoice profile.

How does it work?

Interpret first attempts to match invoices to definitions using master data and without using layout identifiers. If no match is found, it then looks for definitions with matching layout identifiers.

If only a layout identifier can be matched, the matching definition is used to improve interpretation and to automatically learn the new definition that is created.

Example

Due to government regulation, all Chinese invoices used for the same purpose have the same layout that includes a specific invoice code. Due to rubber stamps that are used to mark the invoices in different ways during processing, among other things, it can often be difficult to identify the supplier automatically. Consequently, two identifiers are used in the standard Chinese profile:

  • The supplier tax registration number is specified as a standard identifier. It is used to identify the supplier, but Kofax ReadSoft Invoices may not be able to recognize it due to stamps getting in the way, for example.
  • The invoice code is specified as a layout identifier. It is used to identify the underlying layout.

As a result, if Kofax ReadSoft Invoices can distinguish the tax registration number for an invoice in Interpret, the corresponding definition is automatically used to identify the supplier. If Kofax ReadSoft Invoices cannot read the number for some reason, a definition is created using the information from previous definitions that use the same layout instead. Then the operator can either select the supplier from the list of suppliers, for which these invoices have been associated with previously, or they can type in the tax registration number manually.