Xerox 6180N Generic MICR Fundamentals Guide  - Page 76

Document processing Proofing checks All checks start automated processing in the Proof of Deposit department. Check processing relies on a series of debits and credits throughout the process to identify errors as close to the source as possible. The first step is to prove that the deposit is valid. A deposit slip is balanced against the value of the items deposited with it. Errors in MICR amount encoding or deposit ticket completion show up as a failure to balance. Amount determination errors To encode the amount, an operator may read the check and manually enter the amount, or an automated scanner may capture and analyze an image of the check to determine the correct MICR Amount field content. Poorly designed checks may interfere with amount determination in the following ways: • Non-standard amount location • Amount value written too small or too large • Interference of check background design elements with amount field identification • Lightly written check amounts • Use of colored inks that do not provide sufficient contrast Whenever the value of the check cannot be quickly and accurately determined, the cost of processing the item increases. The balancing process continues throughout payment processing, but the impact of check design most critical here. Proofing equipment errors Another potential problem in proof encoding is compatibility of the laser printed check with the encoding equipment. For many years, all proofing equipment used impact ribbon technology, which proved to be stressful for matrix head reader sorters (see next section). 5-2 Generic MICR Fundamentals Guide