A paper forms barcode electronically captures user-supplied data in an interactive PDF form. When an end user fills the form using Adobe Reader or Acrobat, the barcode is updated automatically to encode the user-supplied data. The user can then return the filled form by printing it and returning it by fax, mail, or hand. Upon receipt, the user-supplied data can be decoded using a scanning device.To use the paper forms barcode object, your organization must have implemented Adobe LiveCycle Barcoded Forms. For more information about LiveCycle Barcoded Forms and how to distribute or process forms containing a paper forms barcode, see the Authoring and Processing 2D Barcoded Forms guide.Here is a workflow example that includes the LiveCycle Barcoded Forms solution. As the user completes the form using Adobe Reader, the data is automatically encoded into the barcode. After the form is printed and the paper copy returned to you, you can extract the form data by using a common barcode scanner. The result is 100% data accuracy, eliminating the need for rekeying data.
Using the paper forms barcode in a form eliminates the need for manual data entry or OCR-based forms processing. Data captured from fill-and-print paper forms can be reinserted into the electronic workflow quickly and accurately, with no loss of data caused by scanning or manual rekeying mistakes. Furthermore, you can retain a digital copy of the transaction, complete with ink signatures.For example, a company has a PDF form that can be filled electronically. However, the form requires the user’s signature; therefore, the completed form must be printed, signed, and returned by fax or mail. By including a paper forms barcode on the form, the data entered electronically is encoded into the barcode. When the printed form is returned, a barcode reader can read all of the captured data into a structured data file. Only the signature needs to be verified.