8 Best Automated Data Entry Software: Features, Pricing, and Review

Data is a business's most valuable asset. Managing it efficiently is crucial to staying competitive in the market. Today, one of the main bottlenecks of any data capture system is the management of manual data entry. Automated data entry software, in particular, has become the perfect tool. 

It helps you with automated data processing, saving your company precious time and money. This blog explores the top 8 automated data entry software solutions of 2024, providing insights into their features, benefits, and limitations.

What is Data Entry Software and How Does it Work?

Data entry software automatically processes information from filled-in forms, documents and databases. It stores the information in a database, using technologies such as Optical Character Recognition (OCR), AI and ML to determine what to capture.

Data entry tools pull information from structured and unstructured data sources, transform it, and embed it within current databases or systems of work. For example, these tools can read text from images via OCR, use AI to interpret the data, and automate interaction to simplify it.

Features and Benefits of Using Data Entry Software

• Automated data entry software reduces errors and speeds up data processing.
• These data automation softwares can integrate with various data sources and formats.
• They automate repetitive tasks, freeing human resources for more strategic activities.
• Modern data entry tools are designed for ease of use.
• They ensure data privacy and compliance with regulations.

How to Choose The Best Data Entry Software?

Choosing the right data entry software for your business involves evaluating several vital factors. Here are some critical considerations:

1. Accuracy and Speed of Data Input

One of the most critical aspects of choosing data entry software is its precision and speed. It must employ integrated technologies such as OCR and AI to extract data accurately. 

Furthermore, its speed should handle a large volume of data within a concise time frame. Thus, businesses can save costs and time and enhance their productivity and scope.

2. Compatibility with Data Sources and Formats

Compatibility with data sources and formats is another important factor. The chosen software must integrate with your existing data sources, such as documents, spreadsheets, databases, or APIs. It should also support a range of formats, including CSV, Excel, and PDF.

3. Automation and Integration Capabilities

Data entry software should have strong automation and integration capabilities. Automation reduces the need for manual effort by managing repetitive tasks and simplifying manual data collection across multiple online sources. 

Regarding integration, look for software that works well with commonly used business applications and systems.

4. User Interface and Ease of Use

The software should offer an intuitive design, simple navigation, and easily accessible support resources. The associated training and onboarding process should be as streamlined and explicitly accessible as possible to help minimize and offset the associated downtimes and enhance the adoption process. 

User-friendly software can lead to a more positive user experience and boost productivity.

5. Security and Data Privacy Features

Ensure the data entry software has comprehensive security measures, where the information stored and shared is encrypted. Also, ensure your software provider has a strong record of keeping up with industry standards. 

This includes regulations (like GDPR or HIPAA) and security best practices. 

Top 8 Data Entry Software in 2024

1. Docsumo

Docsumo is AI data entry automation software designed to process information from invoices, receipts, GST bills, medical records, and other forms. Docsumo extracts data from documents with increased accuracy using OCR and ML technology.

Key Features

• Uses artificial intelligence and machine learning for accurate data extraction.
• Advanced OCR for precise text recognition from scanned documents and images.
• Customizable workflows to fit specific business needs.
• Integrates smoothly with accounting, ERP, and other business systems.
• Offers real-time data processing and validation for quick decision-making.

Benefits

• Reduces manual data entry errors, providing reliable data.
• Automates repetitive tasks, allowing staff to focus on more important activities.
• Streamlines workflows and speeds up operations with real-time processing.
• Easily scales to handle increasing data volumes and business growth.

Limitations

• Initial setup and training can be time-consuming and require technical knowledge.
• Pricing might be high for small businesses and startups.
• There is a learning curve for users new to AI and automation tools.
• Some users have faced challenges integrating Docsumo with older systems.

Pricing

Docsumo offers a subscription-based pricing model with various tiers to cater to different business sizes and requirements:

• Growth plan starts at $500/ month
• Business plan: Contact for pricing
• Enterprise plan: Contact for pricing

2. Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)

Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) is a cloud-based database service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It helps set up, operate, and scale relational databases in the cloud, automating tasks like hardware provisioning, database configuration, software patching, and backups.

Key Features

• Daily automated backups and point-in-time recovery for data protection.
• High availability and failover support with Multi-AZ (Availability Zone) deployments.
• Support for read replicas to enhance performance and scalability.
• Compatible with multiple database engines, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server, and Amazon Aurora.
• Keeps databases up-to-date with the latest patches and improvements.

Benefits

• Reduces administrative work by automating database management tasks.
• Easily scale compute and storage resources with just a few clicks.
• Offers high availability and disaster recovery capabilities.
• Enhances security with encryption at rest and in transit, meeting compliance requirements.

Limitations

• Managing and predicting costs can be challenging, especially with variable usage.
• Initial setup and configuration can be complex for users new to AWS services.
• Advanced customization options might be limited compared to self-managed databases.
• Some users report performance variability, especially under high load conditions.

Pricing

Amazon RDS pricing varies based on several factors, including the database engine, instance type, storage, and data transfer. Some key pricing components include:

• On-Demand Instances: Pay by the hour with no long-term commitments.
• Reserved Instances: Commit to a one- or three-year term for significant discounts (up to 75%) compared to On-Demand pricing.
• Storage Costs: Charged per GB of monthly provisioned storage, with additional costs for provisioned IOPS (input/output operations per second).
• Data Transfer: Costs for data transfer in and out of RDS vary by region and usage.
• Backup Storage: Free up to the total size of all databases for a region, with additional storage costs.

3. JotForm

JotForm is an easy-to-use online form builder that lets you create and manage custom forms for data collection and entry. Its drag-and-drop interface means you don't need any coding skills, making it perfect for businesses, schools, and non-profits.

Key Features

• User-friendly interface for creating forms without coding.
• Offers a variety of customizable templates to meet different needs.
• Integrates with many applications like Google Drive, Dropbox, and CRM systems.
• Provides detailed analytics and reports to monitor form performance.
• Forms are responsive and working well on mobile devices.

Benefits

• The drag-and-drop interface makes form creation quick and easy for anyone.
• A wide range of templates and customization options fit specific needs.
• Integrations with third-party apps streamline data collection and management.
• Advanced analytics help track form performance and user engagement.

Limitations

• The free version limits form submissions and storage, which may not be enough for larger organizations.
• Higher-tier plans can be pricey for small businesses or individuals.
• Some users report slow or unresponsive customer support.
• While basic features are easy to use, advanced functionalities can be complex and have a learning curve.

Pricing

JotForm offers a freemium model with various pricing tiers:

• Free Plan: Includes basic features, with limits on the number of forms (5), form submissions (100 per month), and storage space (100 MB).
• Bronze Plan: Costs $34 per month, includes up to 25 forms, 1,000 monthly submissions, and 1 GB of storage.
• Silver Plan: Priced at $39 per month, offers up to 50 forms, 2,500 monthly submissions, and 10 GB of storage.
• Gold Plan: For $99 per month, users get unlimited forms, 10,000 monthly submissions, and 100 GB of storage.
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing based on specific business needs, with advanced features like single sign-on (SSO), white labeling, and dedicated support.

4. Microsoft Power Automate

Microsoft Power Automate, formerly called Microsoft Flow, is a cloud service that lets you automate workflows between different apps and services. It helps you streamline tasks and processes by connecting various systems, boosting efficiency and productivity for both personal and business use.

Key Features

• Automate repetitive tasks with customizable workflows.
• Connects with Microsoft Office 365, Dynamics 365, and many third-party apps.
• Offers a library of pre-built templates to make creating workflows easier.
• Uses AI and machine learning for smarter automation and data processing.
• Includes built-in templates for automated approval workflows.

Benefits

• Reduces manual effort by automating routine tasks, freeing up time for more strategic activities.
• Enhances interoperability and data flow across systems by connecting a wide range of applications.
• Provides the flexibility to create tailored workflows to meet specific business needs.
• Improves operational efficiency by streamlining processes through automation.

Limitations

• Setting up and configuring complex workflows can be challenging, especially without prior experience.
• Higher-tier plans can be costly, particularly for small businesses or individual users with limited budgets.
• Some users report occasional performance issues and delays in workflow execution.
• Advanced features may require premium plans, and some users feel the capabilities are limited compared to other automation tools.

Pricing

Microsoft Power Automate offers several pricing tiers to suit different needs:

• Free Plan: Basic features for personal use, with limits on the number of flows and runs.
• Per User Plan: $15 per user per month, includes unlimited flows and access to premium connectors.
• Per Flow Plan: Starts at $150 per month and allows up to five flows usable by an unlimited number of users within an organization.

5. Formstack: Form Building and Data Capture Solution

Formstack is an easy-to-use tool for building and managing forms, surveys, and data collection. It helps you create customized forms, automate data collection, and integrate with various apps to make workflows smoother and improve data management.

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop interface for designing forms easily.
• Detailed analytics and customizable reports for form performance and data trends.
• Dynamic form behavior based on user responses for a better user experience and accurate data.
• Connects with a variety of third-party apps like CRM, marketing tools, and payment processors.
• Supports secure electronic signatures for form submissions needing approval or authentication.

Benefits

• Simplifies form creation with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, no coding required.
• Highly customizable with conditional logic and custom workflows to meet specific needs.
• Automates data collection and integrates with other systems, streamlining data processing and reporting.
• Reduces manual data entry and speeds up form processing through automation and integration.

Limitations

• Can be expensive, especially for advanced features and higher-tier plans, which might be a barrier for small businesses.
• Some users report a learning curve for advanced features and integrations.
• Customer support can be slow or less responsive, especially during busy times.
• Basic plans may limit customization and functionality, requiring upgrades for more advanced features.

Pricing

Formstack offers various pricing plans:

• Forms: $83/month for 25 forms and 2GB storage.
• Suite: $250/month for 100 forms and 10GB storage.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing based on specific needs.

6. Zoho Forms

Zoho Forms is an easy-to-use online form builder that helps you create and manage forms and surveys. 

It offers a complete platform for collecting data, seamlessly integrating with other Zoho apps and external services to streamline workflows and improve data management.

Key Features

• Simple drag-and-drop interface for creating forms.
• Wide range of customizable pre-designed templates.
• Integrates with Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, Google Sheets, Mailchimp, and more.
• Detailed insights and reporting tools for analyzing form data and performance.
• Responsive design ensures forms work well on all devices, including mobiles and tablets.

Benefits

• User-friendly design makes form creation easy, even for those without technical skills.
• Integrates effectively with Zoho’s suite and other popular tools, enhancing workflow automation.
• Robust analytics and reporting features help track and analyze form responses.
• Forms are accessible and functional across all devices, improving user experience and data collection efficiency.

Limitations

• Basic plans may lack some advanced features and customization options available in higher-tier plans.
• Some users find the interface less intuitive compared to other form builders, which can affect the learning curve.
• Advanced features and integrations are often only available in more expensive plans, potentially increasing costs.
• A few users have reported delays in customer support responses, which can be an issue for urgent needs.

Pricing

Zoho Forms offers various pricing plans to suit different needs:

• Free Plan: Basic form creation features with limits on the number of forms and submissions.
• Basic Plan: $10 per month, includes unlimited forms, 1,000 monthly submissions, and basic integrations.
• Standard Plan: $25 per month, features conditional logic, 10,000 monthly submissions, and enhanced reporting.
• Professional Plan: $50 per month, higher submission limits, advanced analytics, and priority support.
• Premium Plan: $90 per month, 150,000 form submissions.

7. Talend

Talend is a top-notch platform for data integration and quality management, designed to make handling, transforming, and analyzing data from various sources easier. It offers a full suite of tools for data integration, quality, and governance, helping businesses keep their data accurate and accessible for better decision-making.

Key Features

• Connects and integrates data from various sources, including cloud and on-premises systems.
• Provides tools for data cleansing, validation, and enrichment to ensure high-quality data.
• Supports real-time data processing and synchronization for up-to-date information.
• Manages data lineage, metadata, and compliance to ensure data governance.
• Scales to handle growing data volumes and complex integration needs.

Benefits

• Enhances data accuracy and consistency with comprehensive data quality tools.
• Integrates data from diverse sources, including cloud services and legacy systems.
• Enables real-time data processing and updates for timely, informed decision-making.
• Ensures compliance and data integrity with advanced governance features.

Limitations

• The platform can be complex and challenging to navigate, especially for non-technical users.
• It can be expensive, particularly for small businesses, with extra costs for advanced features and support.
• There is a steep learning curve, requiring significant training and time investment.
• Some users report performance issues and slow response times, especially with large data volumes.

Pricing

Talend offers various pricing options to fit different needs:

• Talend Open Studio: A free, open-source version providing basic data integration capabilities without advanced features and support.
• Talend Cloud Integration: Subscription-based pricing starting at around $1,170 per user per year, offering cloud-based data integration and management.
• Talend Data Fabric: An all-in-one suite for data integration and quality with pricing available upon request, including advanced features and enterprise support.
• Talend Data Quality: Standalone pricing for data quality management tools, with costs based on scale and specific requirements.

8. WinAutomation: Desktop Automation Software for Data Entry Tasks

WinAutomation is a desktop automation tool designed to make repetitive tasks easier and boost productivity by automating routine operations. It helps users automate data entry, file management, and other everyday tasks, streamlining workflows and reducing manual work.

Key Features

• Easily create and manage automation workflows without coding.
• Handles a variety of tasks such as data entry, web scraping, and file management.
• Set up triggers and define actions based on specific conditions.
• Extracts data from different sources and works with other apps and databases.
• Built-in features for error handling and logging to ensure smooth operation.

Benefits

• Automates repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus on more important work.
• The visual process designer makes it easy to create automation workflows, even for those with little technical experience.
• Tailor automation to meet specific needs and conditions.
• Consistent and accurate execution of tasks reduces manual errors.

Limitations

• Some users find it challenging to master, especially for complex automation tasks.
• Pricing can be high, which may concern smaller businesses or individuals.
• Occasional reports of performance problems and software crashes, particularly with complex workflows.
• Focuses mainly on desktop automation, with fewer cloud-based integration features than some competitors.

9 Reasons Why You Should Invest in Data Entry Solutions

Here are some reasons why you should integrate data entry solutions:

• It helps streamline manual data entry processes to save time and resources.
• It minimizes manual entry errors for improved data accuracy.
• Seamlessly integrates with existing systems for enhanced workflow.
• It ensures data privacy and compliance with regulations.
• It reduces operational costs associated with manual data entry.
• It scales data entry operations to meet growing business needs.
• It accesses accurate data insights for informed decision-making.
• How data entry solutions improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Supporting flexible work environments through accessible data entry solutions.

Where Does Docsumo Stack Up Amongst All Data Entry Software?

Schedule a Free Demo and see Docsumo in action

Final Thoughts: Deciding the Best Automated Data Entry Software

Deciding on the best-automated data entry software is very important, irrespective of the size of your organisation. The choice of automated data processing  must not be random, but it should depend on what need the software must meet. 

From advanced OCR and AI capabilities to scalable solutions and seamless integrations, these data automation softwares can significantly streamline data entry processes, reduce manual errors, and drive cost savings. 

As businesses embrace automation, investing in the right data entry software will improve operational efficiency and support informed decision-making and growth.

Sign up to see how Docsumo can help you enhance the data extraction process.

FAQs

1. What is the primary purpose of automated data entry software?

Automated data entry software is designed to streamline the process of inputting large volumes of data accurately and efficiently. It minimizes human error and significantly reduces the time spent on manual data entry tasks.

2. Can data entry software handle multiple types of data sources?

Yes, most data entry software can integrate with various data sources such as PDFs, spreadsheets, databases, and APIs. This versatility allows for seamless data management across different platforms.

3. How does data entry software enhance data security?

Data entry software typically includes encryption, access controls, and compliance with data privacy regulations to protect sensitive information. Features like audit trails and user authentication ensure data integrity and security.

4. What factors should be considered when evaluating the data entry software user interface?

Consider the software's ease of use, intuitive navigation, and available support resources. An effective user interface can significantly reduce the learning curve and improve user productivity.

5. What are the benefits of integrating data entry software with other business applications?

Integration with other business applications allows for seamless data flow, reducing the need for manual data transfers and improving overall efficiency. It ensures data consistency and enhances the accuracy of business processes.