OMR is an acronym for Optical Mark Recognition.

OMR forms are used to collect data. Preparing this type of form involves several critical steps.

Obviously, it is necessary to carefully determine the type of data to be collected and to design the questions in a clear and understandable format. These questions are then sent to the designer to figure out the best way to present them in an attractive design. The designer must understand how the OMR scanner reads this information and place the questions and related answer bubbles in the correct position on the form to ensure that the scanner can read the information accurately. When the customer approves the design or layout of the form, the electronic form goes to the printing phase. It is critical that the printer also understand the importance of evenly positioning the printed sheet according to the layout.

The design is based on a grid system that is determined by the specific parameters of the scanner. The two basic elements of this grid are sync marks and response bubbles. Timestamps appear in a column on one edge of the sheet. The scanner sees these rectangular marks as the sheet passes through them. A timestamp determines when to start and end the display of the corresponding row of bubbles and record the results. A typical shape can have up to 48 bubbles on the sheet. In order for the scanner to know which bubbles to look at, a file called a scan definition needs to be created with the scanning software prior to the actual scanning process. This scan definition tells the scanner which bubble or bubbles on the grid to look at to determine if they are full and then record the assigned value. These values ​​or results are added to an Excel type data file as each form is scanned. When the scan is complete, the results are tabulated with the use of special reporting software. If the quality of the original scan form has been compromised by careless design or printing processes, the scanned data and tabulated results may not be reliable.

OMR is a great process to save time collecting data, but it can also create a huge headache if not done correctly. It is important to do some homework and get a good idea of ​​how OMR works before launching into an OMR evaluation survey project. There are many good resources on the Internet that can help you with any or all of the steps involved. Just Google “omr data collection services” for an extensive list.