Master Enterprise AI

AI, Automation, and Data Intelligence—Essential Things You Need to Know

Stay ahead in the AI revolution with this essential glossary of enterprise AI and automation terms.
AI Jargon Made Simple

IDP vs. OCR vs. RPA vs. AI Document Understanding​

From AI to NLP, explore key concepts and definitions shaping the future of intelligent automation.

Feature
OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
RPA (Robotic Process Automation)
IDP (Intelligent Document Processing)
AI Document Understanding
Definition

Extracts text from images or scanned documents

Automates rule-based tasks through scripts or bots

Combines OCR, AI, and NLP to extract and classify data

Uses deep learning to interpret document meaning and context

Core Foundations

Pattern Recognition

Rule-based Automation

Machine Learning, NLP, OCR

AI, NLP, Context Awareness

Tasks

Text recognition only

Automating repetitive, structured tasks

Extracting and understanding data from structured & unstructured documents

Context-aware document interpretation

Strengths

Fast and accurate for scanned text

Great for automating workflows & reducing manual work

Handles semi-structured & unstructured data effectively

Capable of analyzing meaning & intent in documents

Weaknesses

Cannot understand context, only extracts characters

Limited to structured data, cannot process unstructured documents

Requires training data to improve accuracy

Computationally intensive and slower

Example

Extracts text from a scanned invoice

Automates invoice processing but requires structured input

Classifies and extracts key fields from invoices, regardless of format

Reads contract terms, extracts obligations, and flags risky clauses

Enterprise AI Explained

Glossary of Terms​

Welcome to Haystac’s comprehensive glossary. Below you’ll find a list of key terms and their definitions, designed to help you better understand the concepts behind our services and the technology we leverage.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, but keeping up with its evolving terminology can be challenging. This glossary serves as your go-to resource for understanding key concepts in enterprise AI, automation, and intelligent document processing. Whether you’re exploring machine learning, NLP, or data governance, our definitions provide clear, concise explanations to help you stay ahead in the AI revolution. Use this guide to navigate the complexities of AI-powered business solutions and make informed decisions with confidence.

A

Algorithm

A set of rules or instructions designed to perform a task or solve a problem. Algorithms are the backbone of Haystac’s AI-driven processes.

Analytics

The process of discovering, interpreting, and communicating meaningful patterns in data. Haystac provides advanced analytics tools for actionable insights.

Application Programming Interface (API)

A set of protocols and tools that allows software applications to communicate with each other. Haystac’s platform integrates seamlessly with APIs to connect your systems.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. In the context of Haystac, AI powers advanced data extraction, pattern recognition, and automation.

Automated Document Processing (ADP)

A technology that streamlines document-centric workflows by automatically classifying, extracting, and validating data. Haystac’s IDP solutions optimize ADP for efficiency.

Annotation

Labeling data in documents for AI training. Annotations help improve machine learning models used in IDP.

 

B

Big Data

Extremely large datasets that require advanced tools to store, process, and analyze. Haystac enables organizations to handle and make sense of big data.

Blockchain

A decentralized, digital ledger used to record transactions. While not directly a focus of Haystac, blockchain can complement secure data management strategies.

Business Intelligence (BI)

The use of software and services to transform data into actionable insights. Haystac’s solutions are designed to enhance BI strategies.

Business Process Automation (BPA)

Using technology to automate complex business workflows, reducing human intervention. IDP plays a key role in BPA by handling document-intensive processes.

C

Cloud Computing

The delivery of computing services—such as storage, processing, and software—over the internet. Haystac supports cloud-based solutions for scalability and accessibility.

Cognitive Capture

An advanced form of data capture that combines AI, OCR, and NLP to extract meaning from unstructured documents. Haystac enhances cognitive capture for better accuracy.

Compliance

Adherence to laws, regulations, and policies. Haystac ensures your data management practices comply with standards like GDPR and HIPAA.

Computer Vision

A branch of AI that enables machines to interpret visual data from images and scanned documents. Haystac leverages computer vision for document recognition.

Content Analytics

The analysis of digital content to extract meaningful insights. Haystac’s AI-driven tools excel in content analytics.

Continuous Learning

An IDP system’s ability to improve over time by learning from user corrections and feedback.

Cybersecurity

The practice of protecting systems and data from cyber threats. Haystac incorporates secure methods to safeguard sensitive information.

D

Data Archiving

The process of storing historical data securely for long-term access. Haystac simplifies data archiving while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Data Capture

The process of extracting structured data from documents, images, or scanned files. Haystac automates data capture to enhance document workflows.

Data Classification

The organization of data into categories for efficient management. Haystac automates this process for better productivity.

Data Extraction

Retrieving specific information from documents or databases. Haystac’s AI tools streamline data extraction with high accuracy.

Data Governance

A framework for managing data availability, integrity, and security. Haystac’s solutions enable robust data governance practices.

Data Privacy

Protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access. Haystac helps organizations comply with privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

Data Transformation

The process of converting data from one format to another. Haystac automates data transformation for seamless integration into workflows.

Document Management System (DMS)

A software system for storing, organizing, and tracking documents. Haystac enhances DMS capabilities with advanced search and analytics.

Document Classification

Sorting documents into predefined categories based on their content and structure. Haystac’s AI-driven classification improves organization and retrieval.

Document Digitization

The process of converting paper-based documents into digital formats. Haystac enables seamless digitization with IDP.

Document Lifecycle Management (DLM)

Managing a document from creation to archiving, ensuring compliance and efficiency.

Dynamic Extraction

AI-powered extraction that adapts to variations in document structure without predefined templates.

E

Enterprise Search

A system that enables users to search across an organization’s data assets. Haystac’s enterprise search solutions ensure fast, accurate results.

Entity Recognition

A process in NLP that identifies key data points (names, dates, numbers) in a document.

Exception Handling

A mechanism in IDP where documents that cannot be processed automatically are flagged for human review.

Extraction Rules

Predefined criteria for identifying and extracting data from unstructured content. Haystac leverages these rules to automate data workflows.

 

Explainable AI (XAI)

AI that provides transparency into how it makes decisions, ensuring trust in IDP systems.

F

File Indexing

The process of cataloging files for easy retrieval. Haystac’s technology enables rapid and accurate indexing across large datasets.

File Versioning

The management of multiple versions of a file. Haystac ensures version control for better document tracking.

G

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

A European Union regulation that governs data protection and privacy. Haystac helps organizations meet GDPR compliance standards.

Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)

A framework for aligning IT with business goals while managing risk and ensuring compliance. Haystac supports GRC initiatives with secure data management.

H

Hybrid Cloud

A cloud environment that combines on-premises and cloud-based resources. Haystac supports hybrid cloud integrations for flexibility.

I

Information Governance

A strategy for managing information throughout its lifecycle. Haystac supports governance with automated data organization and tracking.

Information Retrieval

The process of finding and extracting relevant data from a dataset. Haystac enhances retrieval with AI-powered search capabilities.

Internet of Things (IoT)

A network of interconnected devices that collect and exchange data. Haystac’s tools can process IoT-generated data when needed.

M

Machine Learning (ML)

A subset of AI that enables systems to learn from data and improve over time. Haystac uses ML to enhance automation and insights.

Metadata

Data about data, such as file creation date or author. Haystac uses metadata to improve data categorization and retrieval.

N

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

A strategy for managing information throughout its lifecycle. Haystac supports governance with automated data organization and tracking.

O

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Technology that converts scanned documents into editable and searchable data. Haystac’s OCR capabilities streamline document digitization.

Open Source

Software whose source code is publicly available. Haystac incorporates open-source technologies where applicable.

P

Predictive Analytics

The use of data, statistical algorithms, and machine learning to predict future outcomes. Haystac integrates predictive analytics for better decision-making.

Process Automation

Using technology to automate repetitive tasks. Haystac specializes in automating workflows to save time and reduce errors.

R

Regulatory Compliance

Adhering to industry and legal standards. Haystac ensures your data management processes comply with relevant regulations.

Retention Policy

A strategy for retaining data for a specific period. Haystac helps automate and enforce retention policies.

 

S

Scalability

The ability of a system to handle increased workload. Haystac’s solutions are designed to scale with your business needs.

Structured Data

Data that is organized in a defined format, such as databases. Haystac works with both structured and unstructured data seamlessly.

T

Taxonomy

A classification system used to organize information. Haystac supports custom taxonomies for improved data organization.

Text Analytics

The process of extracting insights from text data. Haystac’s NLP capabilities power advanced text analytics.

U

Unstructured Data

Data that does not have a predefined format, such as emails or social media posts. Haystac specializes in extracting insights from unstructured data.

User Permissions

The access levels assigned to users for data and systems. Haystac ensures secure access through customizable user permissions.

 

W

Workflow Automation

The use of technology to streamline workflows. Haystac automates complex workflows to increase efficiency and reduce costs.