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# How to Use OCR to Read Invoices Inside Approval Flows
- URL: https://blog.jestor.com/ocr-read-invoices-approval-flows/
- Published: 2026-09-15T20:20:35.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T20:20:35.000Z
- Author: Bruno Bannach

Using OCR to read invoices inside approval flows means attaching the invoice to the request, letting the system extract supplier, value, and date automatically, and having that data feed directly into the **alçada**\-based approval — no manual typing before the approval even starts. In **Jestor**, this is a native part of the **OCR** field.

The slowest part of many approval flows isn't the approval decision itself — it's the data entry that happens before anyone even sees the request.

## What OCR removes from the approval process

- Manual typing of invoice data before a request even reaches an approver
- Typos in supplier names, values, or dates from manual entry
- Delays caused by someone reading a PDF and transcribing it by hand
- Inconsistent formatting between different people entering data

## How OCR fits into the approval flow

- Attach the invoice photo, scan, or PDF to the **OCR** field on the request
- The system extracts and fills the connected fields automatically
- The pre-filled request then follows the **alçada** rules as normal
- Once approved, the same data flows into **Omie** without re-entry

## Why Jestor fits this use case

- OCR is native to the platform's tables, not a separate tool bolted on
- Extracted data feeds directly into the same approval and ERP flow
- Usage is tracked as processed pages, visible inside your usage metrics
- Reduces both the time to submit a request and the error rate in the data

| Without OCR                   | With OCR in the approval flow               |
| ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| Manual typing before approval | Fields fill automatically from the document |
| Typos reaching the approver   | Data comes straight from the invoice        |

## Video Tutorial: See It in Action

🎥 **Video Tutorial:** [Leitor de documentos com AI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soXaHSfImPs&ref=blog.jestor.com)

See how AI-powered OCR fills invoice data automatically.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Can OCR read handwritten invoices?** Results are best with printed or digital documents; handwriting can vary in accuracy. More at [jestor.com](https://www.jestor.com/?ref=blog.jestor.com).

**Does OCR replace the approver's review?** No, it removes data entry; the approval decision still follows your alçada rules.

**Is OCR usage limited?** It's tracked as processed pages within your usage metrics.

With Jestor, you can automate workflows, connect teams, and build internal systems your way — all without code and powered by AI. Discover Jestor at jestor.com and see how to take your company's operations to a new level of efficiency and control.