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A Virtual Printer for Electronic medical records

RedTitan provides the “glue” that transforms electronic documents and helps migrate legacy printer data to electronic medical record formats so it was no surprise to get a call from Zeiss with a interesting challenge. Some of the equipment made for the ophthalmology industry could not produce an electronic document, all it could do was print!

Surely a software upgrade and perhaps a TCP/IP hardware interface
would be good enough?
No – you don’t understand – If we change anything it has to go back
through the very expensive TYPE APPROVAL procedure.

It turns out that the world is full of “black box” devices in medical and industrial applications that can only print. Sometimes the law or security prohibits any attachment to a network. (nobody wants a “virus” on an ophthalmic lance) – The concept of Virtual Printer hardware was born.

Virtual printer

The principle is easy enough. Build a small piece of hardware that just looks like the same old printer to the “black box”. A powerful microprocessor handles the printer interface – we used a MICROCHIP PIC 16 device. Data is collected on a USB connection to a PC controlled using an FTDI package. The device gets its power from the USB interface avoiding the need for a special power supply.

Of course data collection is only half the story. Processing the collected printer data is the work of RedTitan EscapeE. You can even recover data straight off the printed page for re-processing, filing or even patient identification.

Now, six years on, many thousand of these devices have been rolled out in data capture applications. The chances are that, the next time you take an eye test, you will find the RedTitan Printt2PC box doing its job in the back of a Zeiss Humphrey Field Analyser.

Today RedTitan offer various models of the Print2PC system – Parellel Port, USB Port, Serial Port and Network attached printers, taking care of everything from Pacemaker Programmers through to Blood Analysis controllers. There is even a bowling alley on an island in northern Germany that owes its scoring system to Print2PC.

USB Virtual Printer

Make Your File Into A Searchable PDF

How to make a PDF searchable – transform any printed image file or electronic document into a searchable PDF.

Have you ever attempted to search through a PDF or attempted to ‘cut & paste’ text from it, only to discover that it’s merely an image with no actual text?

The result is having to manually re-type the desired text or, even worse, struggling to locate the correct document initially. In this guide, we will show you how to make a PDF searchable.

What is a Searchable PDF?

A searchable PDF is a type of PDF document that contains machine-readable text, allowing users to search, select, and copy text within the document. Unlike image-based PDFs, which are essentially pictures of text, searchable PDFs are created when a document is electronically generated, such as when a Word document is saved as a PDF. This makes the text within the PDF searchable and selectable.

Searchable PDFs are essential for individuals who need to quickly locate specific information within a document, making them a crucial online tool used for researchers, students, and professionals. By converting your documents into searchable PDFs, you can significantly enhance your ability to manage and retrieve information efficiently.

Why Are Some PDFs Not Searchable?

Some PDFs are not searchable because they are image-based, meaning they contain scanned or photographed text rather than machine-readable text. This type of PDF is often created when a document is scanned or photographed, resulting in a PDF that is essentially an image of the original document.

Image-based PDFs do not contain searchable text, making it difficult for users to locate specific information within the document. This can be particularly frustrating when dealing with large volumes of documents or when trying to find specific details quickly. Understanding why some PDFs are not searchable is the first step towards converting them into more user-friendly, searchable formats.

To resolve this, the RedTitan Document Processor offers a robust solution. By leveraging its advanced Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities, users can convert image-based PDFs into searchable text efficiently.

The RedTitan Document Processor scans the document, recognising the text within images and transforming it into a format that can be searched, copied, and edited. This not only enhances the document’s accessibility but also ensures that the original layout and formatting of PDF documents are preserved, maintaining the document’s integrity.

Additionally, the RedTitan Document Processor is designed to handle large volumes of documents, making it an ideal tool for businesses and organisations that require efficient document management. Its batch-processing capabilities allow for the simultaneous conversion of multiple PDFs into searchable formats, significantly improving productivity and workflow.

Converting PDFs to Searchable Text

Converting PDFs to searchable text is a process that involves using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software to recognise and extract text from image-based PDFs. This process can be efficiently accomplished using the RedTitan Document Processor, which offers advanced OCR capabilities. Once the text is extracted, it can be saved as a searchable PDF, allowing users to easily locate specific information within the document.

By making a PDF searchable, you transform it from a static image into a dynamic, interactive document that can be searched, copied, and indexed, greatly enhancing its usability and accessibility.

The RedTitan Document Processor is a powerful tool that not only recognises text but also preserves the original layout of the page within the document, ensuring that the converted document closely resembles the original. This feature is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the document’s appearance while making all the text searchable.

For those who handle a large volume of documents, the RedTitan Document Processor offers batch processing capabilities. This allows for the simultaneous conversion of multiple PDFs into searchable documents, saving time and increasing efficiency. This is particularly beneficial for businesses and organisations that need to manage extensive collections of scanned documents regularly.

Benefits of PDF Searchable Documents

PDF searchable documents offer numerous benefits, including:

  • Improved accessibility: Searchable PDFs can be easily accessed by individuals with disabilities, as screen readers can read the text aloud.
  • Enhanced productivity: Searchable PDFs allow users to quickly locate specific information, saving time and increasing productivity.
  • Increased collaboration: Searchable PDFs can be easily shared and collaborated on, making it easier for teams to work together.
  • Better organisation: Searchable PDFs can be easily organised and managed, making it easier to keep track of large volumes of documents.

By converting PDFs to searchable text, individuals can unlock the full potential of their documents, making it easier to work, collaborate, and access information.

Whether you are a student, researcher, or professional, having searchable PDFs can significantly streamline your workflow and improve your efficiency.

Make Your PDFs Searchable Today

Don’t let your important information get lost in static, image-based PDFs. Transform your documents into dynamic, searchable PDFs with ease. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or professional, converting your PDFs to searchable text can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency.

RedTitan’s OCR solution for documents enables the creation of searchable PDF files, with searchable text from nearly any print file or pre-existing electronic document, making it easy to make a PDF file searchable. By opening your file in the RedTitan Document Processor and utilising its advanced OCR function, you can effortlessly obtain a text-searchable PDF.

This task can be performed manually for occasional document processing or set up as an automated process for multiple conversions.

Take it a step further and generate an indexable PDF, allowing for easy storage and retrieval within an industry-standard indexing system. No indexing system? It’s not a problem – utilise the RedTitan nQ indexer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I make a PDF searchable without Adobe?

You can make a PDF searchable without Adobe by using tools like the RedTitan Document Processor, which offers powerful OCR capabilities to convert scanned documents into searchable PDFs.

Can PDF/A be searchable?

Yes, PDF/A can be made searchable. By using the RedTitan Document Processor, you can apply OCR to a PDF/A document, ensuring it includes searchable text while maintaining the archival standards of the PDF/A format.

How do I convert a PDF to an editable PDF text format?

To convert a PDF to an editable PDF, use the RedTitan Document Processor’s OCR technology to recognise and extract text from the PDF, then save it in an editable format like a Word document.

How to OCR a PDF for free?

You can OCR a PDF for free using tools such as Google Drive, which allows you to upload, download and convert a PDF into a searchable document. While RedTitan offers robust OCR solutions, please note some free online services also provide basic OCR functionality.

Can I convert a PDF file into a Word doc I can edit using OCR?

Yes, with the RedTitan Document Processor, you can convert a scanned PDF into an editable Word document. This process involves recognising text within the scanned PDF documents and exporting it to a Word format for easy editing.

How Fillable PDF Forms Can Help Your Business: Boosting Efficiency and Enhancing Customer Experience

In today’s digital age, businesses are increasingly looking for ways to improve efficiency, reduce paperwork, and enhance customer interactions. One tool that has gained popularity is the fillable PDF form. These electronic forms allow users to easily enter information, save it, and share it, all within a convenient and universally compatible PDF format. From customer surveys to employee onboarding documents, fillable PDF forms offer a flexible and efficient solution for businesses of all sizes.

Here’s a closer look at how fillable PDF forms can benefit your business and help you streamline your workflows.

1. Save Time and Reduce Manual Errors

One of the primary benefits of fillable PDF forms is the time savings they offer. Traditional paper forms or static PDFs require printing, filling out by hand, and re-entering data into electronic systems, which is time-consuming and error-prone. Fillable PDF forms eliminate these steps, allowing users to enter data directly into fields that can be automatically validated and stored in a digital format.

This process reduces the risk of manual errors, which can lead to costly mistakes or the need to redo work. Fields in a fillable PDF can be customized to ensure the correct data format is entered, such as phone numbers, dates, or email addresses, which ensures that the information collected is accurate and complete.

2. Enhance Customer Experience

Customers appreciate simple, user-friendly forms that are quick and easy to fill out. Fillable PDFs provide a streamlined experience for users, whether they’re filling out a registration form, a survey, or an order request. With digital forms, customers can complete and submit forms from their own devices, on their own time, without needing to print, scan, or physically mail documents back to your business.

For businesses, offering this level of convenience can make a positive impression on customers and set you apart from competitors who may still rely on paper-based processes. Fillable PDFs can also be made interactive, using buttons, dropdown menus, and checkboxes, creating a modern, professional user experience.

3. Increase Accessibility Across Devices and Platforms

One of the unique advantages of PDF files is their universal compatibility across devices and operating systems. Fillable PDF forms work on nearly any computer, smartphone, or tablet, making it easy for users to fill out forms from anywhere. Whether your customers or employees are using Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android, they’ll have a consistent experience with a fillable PDF form.

This flexibility is particularly useful for businesses with remote employees or customers who prefer to work on mobile devices. The ability to complete forms digitally without any platform limitations can significantly increase participation rates for surveys, applications, or feedback forms.

4. Streamline Data Collection and Management

Managing and organising physical forms or static PDFs can be a logistical nightmare, especially as your business grows. Fillable PDFs allow for easy data collection, storage, and retrieval. Once a form is completed, it can be saved as a digital file that can be instantly shared with relevant departments, such as HR, accounting, or customer service.

Fillable PDF forms can also be integrated with data management systems, allowing information to be automatically saved to databases. This feature reduces data entry tasks for staff, cuts down on storage space for physical forms, and ensures that important documents are not misplaced or lost.

5. Reduce Costs Associated with Printing and Storage

For businesses still reliant on paper forms, the costs associated with printing, shipping, and storage can add up quickly. By using fillable PDF forms, companies can save on these costs. Going paperless means there’s less need for office supplies, printing equipment, and physical storage space.

Beyond the direct cost savings, fillable PDF forms align with environmentally conscious business practices, which can also be a selling point for customers who prioritise sustainability.

6. Enhance Security and Compliance

Security and data privacy are crucial for businesses handling sensitive information. Fillable PDF forms provide a secure way to collect and store data, with options for encryption, password protection, and digital signatures. These features protect the information collected from unauthorised access, helping your business comply with industry standards and regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

For businesses in industries where confidentiality is essential, such as finance, healthcare, and legal services, fillable PDFs offer a secure and reliable way to collect and manage information.

7. Enable Seamless Integration with Other Software

Many PDF tools offer integration options with popular business software such as customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, project management tools, and cloud storage services. This interoperability allows fillable PDF forms to automatically populate data into your CRM, for example, streamlining your marketing and sales processes.

Furthermore, automation tools like Zapier can connect fillable PDF forms with other applications, making it easier to automate workflows such as invoicing, sending follow-up emails, or updating contact lists. This kind of integration eliminates redundant tasks and allows employees to focus on more critical, value-added activities.

8. Support Remote Work and Digital Transformation

As remote work becomes more common, the need for digital solutions that enable seamless remote collaboration has increased. Fillable PDF forms support remote work by allowing team members to access and complete forms from anywhere. They make it easy for employees to submit timesheets, expense reports, or feedback forms without needing to visit a physical office.

With fillable PDF forms, your business can facilitate a smooth transition to digital workflows, improving collaboration and maintaining productivity across distributed teams.

9. How RedTitan can assist with your fillable PDF needs

RedTitan offers a robust suite of tools designed for efficient creation and customisation of fillable PDF documents. With our platform, you have complete flexibility to create forms from the ground up or to adapt existing content. You can start with a blank canvas, import a Word document, utilise an existing static PDF, or even incorporate pages from any printer-ready or digital document.

Our solution is built to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible to users with any level of technical skill. For those needing extra protection for sensitive information, RedTitan also supports advanced document security, allowing you to add encryption, password protection, and other security features as needed. Whether you’re designing interactive forms, secure documents, or simply converting static PDFs into fillable formats, RedTitan provides a seamless and comprehensive solution to meet your document creation needs.

Please download an example fillable PDF here.

Conclusion

Fillable PDF forms offer a simple yet powerful tool for businesses looking to improve efficiency, enhance customer experience, and reduce costs. From saving time on manual data entry to supporting remote work and securing sensitive information, the advantages of using fillable PDF forms are extensive. As more businesses embrace digital transformation, fillable PDFs will continue to play an essential role in streamlining operations and enabling seamless data collection and management. Investing in fillable PDF form capabilities today could be a cost-effective, customer-friendly way to position your business for future growth and success.

The Importance of Signing and Encrypting PDF Files: Leveraging RedTitan EscapeE

In our digitally driven world, the necessity for secure and authenticated document management is more crucial than ever. The Portable Document Format (PDF) is widely used across various sectors for its versatility and consistency in preserving document formatting. However, PDFs, like any other digital files, can be susceptible to tampering and unauthorised access if not properly secured. Signing and encrypting PDF files are essential practices to ensure their integrity and confidentiality. Tools like RedTitan EscapeE are instrumental in this process, offering robust solutions for managing and securing PDF documents.

Understanding Digital Signatures and Encryption

Digital Signatures: A digital signature is an electronic, encrypted stamp of authentication on digital information such as messages or documents. It verifies the document’s origin and ensures that it has not been altered after signing. Think of it as a virtual fingerprint that uniquely identifies the signer.

Encryption: Encryption is the process of converting data into a coded form that can only be deciphered with a specific key. For PDFs, encryption ensures that only authorised parties can access and read the document’s content, protecting sensitive information from unauthorised access.

Certificate Management

RedTitan’s EECerts application enables easily management of the certificates used to secure and encrpty a PDF.

The Benefits of Signing and Encrypting PDFs

  1. Authenticity and Integrity: Digital signatures validate the identity of the document’s sender and confirm that the document has not been altered, providing assurance to the recipient about its authenticity and integrity.
  2. Confidentiality: Encryption safeguards sensitive information by restricting access to only those who have the decryption key, ensuring that confidential data remains private and secure.
  3. Legal Validity: Digitally signed documents are recognised as legally binding in many jurisdictions, making them crucial for contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
  4. Regulatory Compliance: Industries subject to data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) benefit from the security provided by signing and encrypting PDFs, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
  5. Prevention of Unauthorised Modifications: Digital signatures create a secure hash of the document, making any unauthorised modifications detectable and thereby preserving the document’s original state.
  6. Professionalism: Securely signed and encrypted documents demonstrate a commitment to data security and professionalism, enhancing trust and credibility with clients and partners.

Leveraging RedTitan EscapeE for PDF Management

RedTitan EscapeE is a powerful tool designed for creating, editing, and managing PDF documents. It provides advanced features for both signing and encrypting PDFs, ensuring comprehensive security and compliance.

Features of RedTitan EscapeE:

  • Document Conversion: Convert various file formats to PDF, maintaining the original layout and content integrity.
  • Digital Signatures: Add digital signatures to PDF documents, verifying the identity of the signer and ensuring document integrity.
  • Encryption: Encrypt PDF files using robust encryption standards, protecting sensitive information from unauthorised access.
  • Batch Processing: Efficiently handle large volumes of documents, applying signatures and encryption to multiple files simultaneously.
  • Compliance: Ensure documents meet industry-specific regulations and standards, providing peace of mind regarding legal and regulatory compliance.

How to Use RedTitan EscapeE for Signing and Encrypting PDFs

Digital Signature:

  1. Open your PDF in RedTitan EscapeE.
  2. Navigate to the digital signature feature.
  3. Follow the prompts to create or insert a digital signature.
  4. Save the signed document.

Encryption:

  1. Open your PDF in RedTitan EscapeE.
  2. Access the encryption settings.
  3. Select the desired encryption method and set a strong password or use a digital certificate.
  4. Save the encrypted document.

Conclusion

In today’s digital landscape, securing PDF documents through signing and encryption is not merely a best practice but a necessity. By implementing these measures, you protect sensitive information, ensure document integrity, comply with legal standards, and uphold a professional standard of data security. Tools like RedTitan EscapeE make this process seamless, offering robust solutions for managing and securing PDF files efficiently. Embrace the power of digital signatures and encryption to safeguard your documents and enhance trust in your digital communications

Streamline Your Lab Data Management with RedTitan’s Virtual Printer

Are you utilizing a HACH TL2360, TL3250 or a similar laboratory water turbidimeter? If so, you might still be printing results and manually entering data, a time-consuming and error-prone process. Fortunately, there’s a way to enhance your workflow efficiency and accuracy—by incorporating RedTitan’s Virtual Printer into your lab operations.

The Challenge of Manual Data Entry

For many labs, the process of printing test results and then entering them manually into a digital system is standard practice. This method, while traditional, comes with several downsides:

  • Time-Consuming: Manually entering data takes significant time, which could be better spent on more critical tasks.
  • Error-Prone: Human error is inevitable, and even small mistakes in data entry can lead to significant issues in data analysis and reporting.
  • Inefficient Data Management: Printed results need physical storage, and retrieving old data can be cumbersome.

Introducing RedTitan’s Virtual Printer

RedTitan’s Virtual Printer offers an innovative solution to these challenges by seamlessly capturing printed output on a Windows PC in PDF, Text, or CSV format. This advancement means you can maintain your existing workflow while significantly improving efficiency and accuracy.

How It Works

The best part about RedTitan’s Virtual Printer is its simplicity and compatibility. There’s no need to modify your current laboratory device. Here’s how you can get started:

  • Connect the Virtual Printer: Simply connect the RedTitan Virtual Printer to your laboratory equipment.
  • Print as Usual: Continue to print your test results just as you normally would.
  • Seamless Data Capture: The Virtual Printer captures the printed output and converts it into a digital format that is easy to store, search, and analyze.

Versatile Compatibility

RedTitan provides comprehensive solutions that cover various connection types and protocols:

  • Hardware Solutions: Capture output from Parallel, USB, and Serial ports.
  • Software Solutions: Utilize TCP/IP attached printers using IPP, LPR, or streamed printing protocols.

Benefits of Using RedTitan’s Virtual Printer

  • Enhanced Efficiency: Automate the data capture process, freeing up valuable time for more critical lab activities.
  • Improved Accuracy: Reduce the risk of human error associated with manual data entry.
  • Streamlined Data Management: Easily store and retrieve digital records, making data analysis and reporting more efficient.
  • Cost-Effective: Minimize the need for paper, ink, and physical storage space.
  • Compatibility: Works seamlessly with a wide range of laboratory devices without requiring modifications.

Conclusion

Integrating RedTitan’s Virtual Printer into your laboratory workflow can transform the way you manage data, making the process faster, more accurate, and more efficient. If you are still printing and manually entering test results, it’s time to embrace this innovative solution and take your lab operations to the next level. Ready to streamline your lab’s data management? Explore the benefits of RedTitan’s Virtual Printer today and see the difference it can make in your laboratory’s efficiency and accuracy.

For further details see RedTitan Virtual Printer or contact us via email.

#papertopdf #printtopdf #savepaper #pdf

Data merge with direct PDF generation

Create a professional looking business document, merge your database files and produce a PDF all with the powerful yet simple to use RedTitan Document Designer – PDF.

A windows application for creating anything from a business letter, customer bill or financial contract.

The Intuitive design interface is used to produce sophisticated dynamic layouts with scalable fonts, shaded areas, lines, boxes, and graphics, in black & white or full colour.

Merge your customer data right on screen and output it directly to a PDF file.

It’s that simple.

Product brochure download

Contact RedTitan

RedTitan UK computer programming jobs – a chance for ideas.

Join one of the oldest IT start-ups in the UK. Small and agile by design, RedTitan creates some of the most powerful digital document products serving blue-chip companies – Worldwide.

We believe computer programming means creativity and innovation – not selling stale third-party software. If you want to make an impact from day one, write to jobs@redtitan.com

More important than a long CV – you must be bright, enthusiastic, resilient, and clever. In return, we offer a good salary, large company benefits, flexible conditions and a real career.”

Email directly with Microsoft® Word

Design and send emails with Microsoft® Word. Why I hear you ask!  Well for several reasons.

  • We all know how to use Word.
  • Email directly from within Word to a single address or list of addresses from a simple CSV file, no other software required.
  • Save as an HTML email template for use by an advanced automated email application like RedTitan’s Qemail.

For more information and a free trial version please click here.

Electronic Medical Records

(GE CARESCAPE ™ – Patient monitoring systems and the RedTitan Virtual Printer)

The Royal Sussex County Hospital is an acute teaching hospital in Brighton, England. Together with the Princess Royal Hospital, it is administered by the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.

The Royal Sussex County Hospital uses a wide range of GE patient monitoring equipment including CARESCAPE™ monitors which use locally attached printers or can route print via the GE central control station. Their requirement was to route crucial documents to departmental printers as well as reduce the overall paper and print costs by allowing all documents that would have been printed to be saved as an Electronic Medical Record in PDF format on the hospital’s LAN. A key requirement of this was for the PDF files to be named with the correct patient information, i.e. their name, ward and bed number etc so that they could be filed electronically and accessed simply at later appointments.

RedTitan was able to supply a solution that enabled the patient monitoring devices to route its print to a windows Server running the RedTitan Virtual Printer software. Users of the CARESCAPE™ monitors would just print as if the real printer was attached. The RedTitan Virtual Printer would automatically manage both receiving the documents, printing to departmental printers where required as well as converting to PDF, naming and storing remotely.

Documents that would traditionally be printed 1 page at a time are now concatenated onto a single electronic document, making storage and retrieval much simpler and more efficient.

The RedTitan Virtual printer is able to capture and process documents intended for a printer from virtually any piece of medical equipment or central control station.

Product brochure download.

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