Optical Scanning Applications.

The successful use of optical scanning at the University of the Pacific (UOP) indicates that such techniques can simplify a number of administrative data processing tasks. Optical scanning is regularly used at UOP to assist with data processing in the areas of admissions, registration and grade reporting and also has applications for other tasks such as football scouting, the compilation of graduation statistics and the maintenance of alumni records. The OPSCAN 100 with card output is currently used, but superior equipment has been designed and will be available when production problems are overcome. The error rates connected with optical scanning are tolerable and should approach 1% as the institution becomes experienced with its system. Errors can be well controlled if sufficient attention is given to providing students and other users with clear directions for marking input and if the data processing forms are carefully designed. (PB)