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How to Choose the Right Extraction Method in Lightyear

Steps to get the best possible extraction for your documents.

Written by Sean O'Connor

Lightyear has a number of methods for getting extracting data from the documents your suppliers send you. This article runs through which extraction method is best for each scenario.

1. Review the suppliers document to identify the type of extraction you need, i.e.

  • Line Items (Products) – Line level extraction that includes Product Code, Description, Quantity, Unit Price & Line Amount. Required extraction type for Inventory invoices is using feature in Lightyear)

  • Service (Lines) – Line level extraction that only includes Description & Line Amount. Best used when needing to code to multiple GL accounts or want the invoice description.

  • Service (Summary) – Document level extraction that combines all lines on an invoice into one or two lines depending on calculations. Best for coding the whole invoice to once account or when the line details are not needed

2. Check the Suggested Maps or Search for a map

Lightyear will automatically suggest a Map if the document type or layout matches one from our Map Library. When viewing maps, check it is the correct extraction type i.e. Lines or Summary and if the totals are displaying correctly.

  • Review the suggested Maps or use the Find Map button to search for additional Maps.

  • Please note that GL coding and Job coding are not shown in the processing tab for Maps.

2. If No Map Is Suggested

If Lightyear can’t find a suitable Map, it will automatically switch to Smart Extract or if there are maps that aren't suitable, you can manually switch over to Smart Extract. (Note it's best to disregard maps that aren't suitable first before switching over)

3. If Data Isn’t Captured Correctly

Use Smart Extract – Edit Mode to resolve issues such as:

  • Due date not capturing

  • Product codes or descriptions appearing in the wrong columns

  • Any other incorrect field mappings using Labels, Words, or Tables

4. If Smart Extract Still Doesn’t Work

If there’s no suitable Map available and Smart Extract doesn’t resolve the issue, submit a request for a new Map to be created.

When adding notes to your Map request, please be specific about what you need. For example:

“Please map the Reference field on the invoice to the Purchase Order field.”

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