In September at the Florida CPA Show in Ft. Lauderdale I ran across
a really interesting new product --- and I've been waiting for their marketing to catch up before I wrote about it. Then, last week at the CCH User Conference I saw it again. This time I decided to let you know about it, despite the fact that their website is barely adequate and their sales collateral almost non-existant. The company, DocuMatters, LLC is an offshoot of the 60+ person Florida firm, CPA Associates. Their product, BOCDIP (yes, there IS a story here -- see post script) uses a proprietary data dictionary and database engine to take a scanned pile of client "stuff", determine what each page is, and produces an organized and bookmarked PDF file.
The BOCDIP process was automates an accounting firm’s need to prepare 1040s in a paperless office environment. It takes tasks previously performed by time-strapped professionals and automates them utilizing technology and administrative staff. In addition to building digital workpapers the product also includes an Adobe® Acrobat plug-in, PDFlyer, which helps in working with multiple PDF files in a dual screen environment. The system is actually quite amazing --- a set of client documents are scanned and directed to the BOCDIP server where they are examined, identified, and organized. Minutes later there is a fully bookmarked PDF file ready for the preparer. The amazing thing is that is works! It can accurately identify a W-2, K-1, interest statement, contribution reciept, etc., and those not categorized are dropped in a special "Notes" file. The system sells for ~$3,000 for 5 professionals and $100 for each additional (unfortunately, in packs of 5).
This is a product that produces an "ah ha" moment in almost everyone who spends time looking at it. I was fascinated by the practitioners at the CCH 
User Conference crowding around the BOCDIP booth trying to get a better view of the magic going on inside. While BOCDIP has no official relationship with CCH (at this point) the creators are ProSystem Fx Tax (and engagement) users and consequently are particularly interested in any additional integration that might be possible.
This is one that's most definately worth a look --- I bet you'll be amazed, too.
gll
PS -- The unofficial acronym explanation is "Bag of Crap Document Imaging Program" --- to memorialize all those clients who bring us just that every spring.
