Xerox 6180N Generic MICR Fundamentals Guide  - Page 75

5. Document processing The life cycle for a MICR document involves three types of processing equipment: • Proof machine • Reader sorter • Repair station Proof machine The proof machine transfers the amount from the Convenience Amount field to the MICR encoded Amount field. It prints the Amount field onto the check using either a thermal transfer or an impact ribbon printer. The proof machine may be manually operated or automated using a scanner and character recognition technology. Reader sorter The checks are then sent through a series of reader sorter passes. The reader sorter inputs data from the checks, captures each check image, endorses the checks, and sorts them according to their destination. The checks are separated into either "transit items" drawn on other banks or On-Us items, drawn on the processing bank. Transit items are segregated into different groups and may receive several reader sorter passes, depending on the destination. Repair station If an error occurs in the reader sorter, the document usually goes to a repair station. Here, the MICR line is read both magnetically and optically, with operator intervention in severe cases. A new, corrected MICR line is applied to the check. The final measure of the quality of the MICR document is how well it passes through the automated payment processing system. Generic MICR Fundamentals Guide 5-1