Unique page marking is a powerful feature within the PaperSurvey.io platform designed to streamline and enhance the processing of paper surveys. This feature automates the matching of survey pages with their corresponding responses, reducing errors and simplifying the scanning process.

The Choice to Enable or Disable

Unique page marking can be enabled or disabled according to your survey's specific needs.

Multi-page Surveys

For multi-page surveys, unique page marking is the default setting. It allows you to upload a single file containing multiple pages without concern for page order. This feature not only prevents duplicates and missing pages but also empowers you to link survey responses with an internal database and create dynamic forms. Dynamic forms adapt their content to each paper survey copy.

However, it's important to note that unique page marking has its limitations. For instance, it may not be suitable for scenarios where you need to print on-the-go or make copies of pages. Additionally, in some countries, the cost of printing a large document might be higher than producing copies.

Single-page Surveys

Unique page marking is not the default choice for single-page surveys. In this case, a single QR code at the bottom-right corner of the page identifies the survey. However, you have the option to activate unique page marking, which adds an additional QR code at the bottom-left corner to identify the participant.

When unique page marking is disabled, multi-page surveys must be uploaded as separate PDF files or in the correct page order. This ensures that each response is scanned as a separate file and then uploaded to Papersurvey.io for processing.

The Benefits of Unique Identifiers

1. Automated Page Matching for Each Response

   • Automatically matches pages to their respective survey responses, regardless of their sequence.
   • Eliminates the need to scan each response separately, streamlining the data collection process.

2. Prevention of Duplicate Uploads/Scans

   • Prevents the processing of duplicate uploads and scans.
   • Only the initial upload of a duplicated page will be processed.

3. Linking Identifiers with Internal Databases

   • Enables the matching of survey responses with an internal database.
   • Simplifies the process of connecting survey responses to your database after exporting data.

4. Dynamic Forms

   • Allows the creation of dynamic forms with content that adjusts for each paper survey copy, enhancing efficiency.

The Considerations of Unique Identifiers

1. Inability to Copy Pages or Print on the Go

   • Disables the ability to duplicate pages or print on-the-go.
   • Requires generating new batches of survey copies through the platform.

2. More Expensive Printing

   • Printing with unique identifiers may be more costly than making copies in certain countries.

3. Limitations in Usage

   • Unique identifiers may not be appropriate for all distribution methods, such as newspaper or magazine inserts.

Activating Unique Page Marking

You can choose to enable or disable unique identifiers in your survey settings based on your specific needs.

• To enable unique page marking, simply select this option. It will add a QR code to each page of your survey, allowing you to match pages with ease. When you're ready to print your survey, specify the number of copies you need, and a PDF file will be generated. Page order becomes inconsequential, and there is no need to scan each response separately.

• To disable unique identifiers, you will need to upload each survey response as a separate PDF file or ensure that the page order is correct when scanning them in a single document.

Let's consider an example for clarity. If you have a 10-page survey and you've printed 5 copies with unique page marking turned off, you will need to upload or scan 5 separate PDF files, each containing 10 pages. Alternatively, if you scan them in a single document, it's crucial to ensure the page order is accurate.