Human-in-the-Loop (HITL): The Synergy of AI and Humans Working Together in Document Processing

Processing incoming documents, whether these are invoices, customer orders, order confirmations, delivery documents or more, is a critical process in many companies. This process, traditionally time-consuming and error-prone, is undergoing a revolution thanks to the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and optical character recognition (OCR). A concept that is becoming particularly important is known as human-in-the-loop (HITL). It describes a working model in which humans and AI systems work together to maximize accuracy and efficiency. This synergy makes it possible to overcome the challenges of processing incoming documents while leveraging the strengths of both sides.

What is human-in-the-loop (HITL)?

At its core, HITL involves human intelligence and systems interacting with technologies such as AI and OCR in a continuous feedback cycle. The systems take on the task of automatically processing large volumes of incoming documents. This includes steps such as scanning, text recognition, extracting and classifying relevant data. Humans intervene whenever the system encounters uncertainties during automated processing or if a decision requires human judgment. This collaboration not only improves the accuracy of data extraction, but also enables the AI-based system to learn from the corrections and decisions made by humans and to continuously improve.

Figure 1: HITL improves the accuracy of data extraction

The advantages of HITL in processing your accounts receivable

• Accuracy: Even the most advanced automated systems occasionally encounter challenges in recognizing data from differently formatted invoices. An HITL approach allows employees to resolve discrepancies, which increases the accuracy of data extraction.

• Ability to learn: By using self-learning or artificial intelligence to learn from human decisions, systems improve their ability to handle similar tasks autonomously in the future. This reduces the workload for humans while also increasing the efficiency of the entire process.
• Flexibility: Companies need to be able to adapt quickly to changing business conditions. HITL enables new invoice formats or business rules to be quickly integrated into the processing procedure by giving the AI the guidance it needs in the early stages.

HITL challenges and solutions

Although the HITL approach offers numerous advantages, it also presents challenges. Reliance on human interaction can lead to bottlenecks whenever there is a high document volume. Implementing a HITL system also requires careful planning and considerable employee training to ensure effective use of the technology.

One solution to these challenges lies in optimizing the HITL workflow. By prioritizing cases where human intervention is required and automating routine tasks, companies can increase overall efficiency. In addition, employing advanced AI models that are able to recognize complex patterns and minimize uncertainty can reduce the reliance on human review.

Integrating HITL into processing of incoming documents is a promising approach to overcoming the challenges of traditional methods. By combining human and machine, companies can not only improve the efficiency and accuracy of their processes, but also gain valuable insights into their data. As AI and OCR technologies continue to evolve, HITL will play a central role in effectively using these technologies.

Revolution in document management: How SEEBURGER and TCG are shaping the future of work with HITL

Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and optical character recognition (OCR) are increasingly helping companies to increase efficiency and automation. In particular, integrating a human-in-the-loop (HITL) approach into these technologies opens the door to a new world of process optimization and increased productivity. SEEBURGER and TCG, leading providers of inbound document solutions in the SAP environment, among others, are at the forefront of this development. By introducing a transparent and seamless HITL process into their solutions, SEEBURGER and TCG offer their joint customers the opportunity to significantly improve their workflows without disrupting their users’ daily work.

The seamless integration of HITL in everyday work

The HITL process at SEEBURGER and TCG is characterized by transparency and user-friendliness. While users are busy processing documents and data, self-learning, extraction, AI and OCR technologies work in the background to process documents automatically. These technologies are not only trained to achieve high accuracy in data processing, but also to integrate and learn from human feedback. And what marks out this joint solution from SEEBURGER and TCG is that this process is almost invisible to the user.

HITL – automation with a human touch

A key element of the SEEBURGER and TCG approach is the seamless integration of human judgment into the automated process. When the technologies encounter data that raises uncertainties or requires closer scrutiny, the user is discretely brought in. This may be through a simple notification asking the user to review and confirm or correct the data. These interactions are carefully designed not to interrupt the workflow, but rather to increase the accuracy and reliability of data processing.

Continual learning with HITL

Another key aspect of SEEBURGER and TCG’s solution is the AI’s ability to learn from every interaction. Every time a user makes a correction or addition, this information is automatically integrated into the AI’s learning process. Over time, the AI learns to avoid similar mistakes in the future and continuously adapts to the company’s specific requirements and preferences. This dynamic learning process helps to continuously improve the efficiency of document processing while reducing the need for human intervention.

HITL – improve efficiency and employee satisfaction through intelligent automation

The use of technologies that leverage the HITL approach is revolutionizing the processing of incoming invoices and other document-intensive processes. SEEBURGER and TCG’s advanced AI and OCR solutions enable fast and accurate processing of documents. By automating routine tasks, employees can focus on more complex and value-adding activities. This leads to a significant reduction in processing times and increases the efficiency of the entire company.

The adaptive learning process offered by SEEBURGER’s and TCG’s AI and OCR solutions also enables companies to continuously refine and improve their processes. This adaptability is crucial in a business world characterized by rapid technological advances and changing consumer needs.

Future-proof through innovative technology

SEEBURGER and TCG recognize the importance of constant innovation and continuously invest in the further development of its technologies. By implementing solutions that utilize the HITL approach, companies are not only preparing for the challenges of today, but also those of tomorrow. The ability to integrate technology and human intelligence is a crucial step towards creating intelligent, autonomous systems that push the boundaries of what is possible today.

Takeaway: HITL is the path to an intelligent future

The integration of SEEBURGER and TCG technologies into business processes marks the beginning of a new era in the business world, where efficiency, flexibility and employee satisfaction go hand in hand. Companies that adopt the HITL approach benefit from improved data processing, increased adaptability to market changes and a future-oriented focus. SEEBURGER and TCG offer companies the right tools to not only keep pace, but to take the lead.

With SEEBURGER and TCG solutions, companies are well prepared to meet the challenges of digital transformation and take a leading role in shaping the future of work. The combination of advanced technology and human judgment opens up new opportunities to increase productivity and realize business goals that previously seemed unattainable. The future is smart, adaptive and human-centered – and with SEEBURGER and TCG at your side, you’re ready to shape it.

Source: https://blog.seeburger.com/human-in-the-loop-hitl-the-synergy-of-ai-and-humans-working-together-in-document-processing/