The automation of data extraction from documents, especially invoices, has become a key necessity for companies seeking to improve operational efficiency, reduce errors, and free up time for higher-value tasks.
Thanks to advances in Artificial Intelligence, it is now possible to transform manual and repetitive processes into automated, integrated, and scalable workflows.
At Bravent, we help our clients implement this type of solution by leveraging the full potential of the Microsoft ecosystem and technologies such as Power Platform, Azure, and OpenAI.
Benefits of automating invoice data extraction
Implementing a document automation solution offers multiple advantages:
- Time savings in document management and validation.
- Lower error rate, thanks to the accuracy of AI models.
- Automation of processes that previously required manual intervention.
- Scalability without increasing the team’s workload.
- Integration with business tools such as SharePoint, ERPs, or CRMs.
Three approaches to automating data extraction: Low Code and High Code
At Bravent, we work with three approaches that allow us to adapt to each organization’s level of technological maturity:
1. Low Code approach: data extraction with SharePoint Syntex and Power Platform
For companies that use Microsoft 365 and want a quickly deployable solution integrated into the tools they use daily within the collaboration and document management ecosystem, we offer an option based on:
- SharePoint Syntex, which is a module belonging to SharePoint Premium and allows the creation and training of AI models capable of identifying key information in documents in order to classify them. It is possible to create models that work with structured documents (such as invoices, delivery notes, or contracts) and with unstructured documents (such as resumes, narrative reports, or offers).
- AI Builder and Power Automate, to design document classification models using AI and then automate them with workflows or processes that make it possible to clean the information, transform data, or even send the information to external systems such as SAP or Dynamics.
With this approach, it is possible to extract fields such as supplier, amount, issue date, or due date, and trigger automatic workflows (for example, sending it to the person responsible for payments).
It is even possible to use natural language models from a Power Automate process to interpret phrases like “pay in 30 days” and automatically calculate dates, which maximizes the automation of these processes.
2. High Code approach: SmartDoc, a custom solution based on Azure and GPT
For organizations requiring a higher degree of customization or dealing with more complex documents, we offer SmartDoc, our proprietary solution developed by Bravent.
SmartDoc combines:
- Azure Document Intelligence, to process scanned or PDF documents.
- OpenAI GPT, to interpret free text and answer natural language questions.
- Integrations via API, Azure Functions, or Power Automate, to connect with systems such as SAP, Business Central, or Dynamics.
SmartDoc makes it possible to perform intelligent searches within document content, interpret instructions in natural language, and easily adapt to different formats, languages, and requirements.
3. Hybrid approach: the best of both worlds
Both solutions are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many of our clients choose a hybrid approach, taking advantage of all the benefits of SharePoint as a document manager for users, combined with the extended capabilities of SmartDoc where:
- SharePoint acts as the document manager and entry point for documents.
- SmartDoc handles advanced processing and decision automation.
- Power Automate connects both solutions to provide an integrated and seamless workflow.
Want to see a real example?
Click here to see a live demo where we explain step-by-step how the approaches work and how you can apply them in your company:
Conclusion
Automating invoice data extraction with artificial intelligence is not just a technological trend, but a strategic lever to gain efficiency, reduce costs, and improve accuracy in document management.
From Low Code options with Power Platform and SharePoint Syntex to custom High Code developments with Azure, OpenAI, and advanced solutions like SmartDoc, this technology enables the transformation of processes into intelligent, scalable workflows ready for the future.
Do you want to implement document automation in your company?
At Bravent, we help you design and implement data extraction automation solutions tailored to your needs.
Whether you are looking for a simple, fast solution with Power Platform or need an advanced architecture with Azure cognitive services, we can help you.
Let’s talk, at Bravent, we are ready to accompany you on that journey.
For more details, you can contact us at Info@bravent.net
