OCR Specialist

II. SCOPE OF WORK Harcom is seeking a consultant to conduct two activities: 1) Identify an appropriate OCR software (proprietary or open-source) and hardware device (digital camera) 2) Develop an installation guide and misuse awareness guide. Activity 1: Identification of appropriate OCR solution The selected consultant will begin the project with the selection, testing, and identification of different OCR hardware and software available in the market. The selection of OCR solution will be based upon but not limited to the list of attributes provided below for both software and hardware. A detailed assessment report will be submitted that covers: available OCR software and hardware, advantages and disadvantages of each, cost comparison (digitization platform specification), lab testing results of accuracy for each software and hardware presented, effectiveness and quality of each taking into consideration the format of the PEPFAR Mozambique data collection forms attached as Attachments D, E, and F (in Portuguese only) and overall recommendations of the most suitable hardware and software platform for a low-resource setting. This project is looking for a cost-effective, best value, either propriety or open-source, solution. Attributes to be considered during the selection of OCR solution: Software: Compatibility with Portuguese language (both handwritten and computer typed) Ability to convert the digitized data into MS Excel format (both tabular and CSV for analysis purpose) Hardware: Digital camera or smartphone equipped with optimal image-capture components including, but not limited to: 5-megapixel resolution or higher Flash disable mode Optical zoom An anti-shake/image stabilization feature Auto focus assist beam or manual focusing Manual aperture control or aperture priority mode Digital camera/smartphone docking station that ensures optimal image capture and accuracy. Key specifications include, but should not be limited to: Digital camera lens can be positioned parallel to the document Entire document can be fit into the image frame Different page sizes (A4, A3) Camera lens can focus onto the center of the page Activity 2: Development of user manuals Once an appropriate OCR technology is determined both for hardware and software, the selected consultant will develop: An installation guide for the operationalization of the recommended set of hardware and software. This installation guide should be no longer than 20 pages and written in English, covering the following topics: Required resources (human & technical) to operate it Step-by-step instructions to operate the set using the examples of shared templates and other necessary topics as needed. An awareness guide to prevent misuse of devices. It is important that all users of OCR technology use the platform for its intended use. Appropriate prevention tools could include standard safety protocol and security measures to prevent theft. All the produced manuals and guides must be submitted in soft copy format (both editable and PDF). The consultant may work remotely and will be required to provide an online demonstration of their selected OCR solution.