Check the report before starting
This workflow fits a report containing columns such as Sample, Test, Result, Unit, and Method. A product datasheet with specifications scattered across prose, diagrams and footnotes is a different extraction problem.
| Check your PDF | A suitable starting point | Requires a different approach |
|---|---|---|
| Text | Words can be selected and copied | Scans or photographed pages need OCR first |
| Headers | Exact single-word labels, such as Sample or Result | Merged or multi-line column headings |
| Rows | Values align under their columns | Nested tables, prose specifications, or diagram labels |
| Continuation | The header repeats on each table page | Continuation pages without a recognisable header |
A register that preserves the question marks
The worked example contains tensile strength, elongation, moisture, residue and density results. The register keeps 42.60, < 0.0100 and 00042 as written. The density value 1,234 needs a human decision about its meaning.
Do not let the existence of a spreadsheet imply that these values are comparable. Materials, methods, test conditions and units still need review. The sample is synthetic and says nothing about a real supplier’s performance.
From one report to a checked export
- Start with one representative report. Keep the original PDF and confirm that its table matches the fit checklist.
- Confirm the exact headers. The current parser uses the confirmed column names. A written instruction is saved as context; it does not create arbitrary semantic extraction.
- Review by source. In the workspace, select cells to inspect evidence on the PDF. Correct values only when the source or a documented decision supports the edit.
- Export the reviewed revision. Excel contains Data, Sources and Exceptions sheets. CSV is useful for transfer, but check how your spreadsheet imports text identifiers.
- Repeat the column set. Save the schema for another report with the same headers, then review that report independently.
When you need a supplier comparison
Process suitable reports individually, keep a document identifier with each exported row, and combine reviewed outputs in your own comparison workbook. ParseMill does not currently reconcile different supplier terminology, normalise units or automatically rank products. Those decisions belong in an explicitly reviewed comparison step.
Inspect the exact input and output before requesting access for your own documents.
Sources and evidence
- ParseMill synthetic material report (CC0) · Checked 2026-09-28
Public examples are synthetic. Each example and evaluation describes its tested inputs and limitations. This page is authored by ParseMill.