| OMR is an acronym for Optical Mark Recognition. | | | | through it. A timing mark determines when to |
| OMR forms are used for collecting data. | | | | begin and end the viewing of the corresponding |
| Preparation of this type of form involves several | | | | row of bubbles and record the results. A typical |
| critical steps. | | | | form can have up to 48 bubbles across the |
| Obviously, one needs to thoughtfully determine | | | | sheet. In order for the scanner to know what |
| the kind of data that needs to be gathered and | | | | bubbles to look at, a file called a scanning definition |
| layout the questions in a clear, understandable | | | | needs to be created with the scanning software |
| format. These questions are then sent to the | | | | prior to the actual scanning process. This scanning |
| designer to figure out the best way to present | | | | definition tells the scanner which bubble or bubbles |
| these questions in an attractive layout. The | | | | in the grid to look at to determine if they are filled |
| designer needs to understand how the OMR | | | | in and then record the assigned value. These |
| scanner reads this information and position the | | | | values or results are then added to an Excel type |
| questions and related response bubbles in just the | | | | data file as each form is scanned. When the |
| right position on the form to assure that the | | | | scanning is finished the results are then tabulated |
| scanner can accurately read the information. | | | | with the use of special reporting software. If the |
| When the form design or layout is approved by | | | | quality of the original scan form has been |
| the customer, the electronic form is moved to | | | | compromised by sloppy layout or printing |
| the printing phase. It is critical that the printer also | | | | processes, then the scanned data and the |
| understands the importance of consistent | | | | tabulated results potentially may not be reliable. |
| positioning of the printed sheet according to the | | | | OMR is a great time-saving process in collecting |
| layout. | | | | data but can also create a huge headache if not |
| The layout is based upon a grid system that is | | | | done correctly. It's important to do some |
| determined by the specific parameters of the | | | | homework and get a good handle on how OMR |
| scanner. The two basic elements of this grid are | | | | works before jumping into an OMR evaluation |
| the timing marks and the response bubbles. The | | | | survey project. There are many good resources |
| timing marks appear in one column on one edge | | | | to be found on the internet that can assist you in |
| of the sheet. These rectangular marks are | | | | one or all of the steps involved. Just google "omr |
| viewed by the scanner as the sheet travels | | | | data collection services" for an extensive list. |