Processing time depends on several factors, but PaperSurvey automatically scales to handle large volumes efficiently.

Expected processing speeds

For large uploads, expect approximately:

• 1,000 pages - 30-60 minutes
• 10,000 pages - 3-5 hours
• 50,000 pages - 12-24 hours

These are estimates for typical surveys. Actual times vary based on survey complexity and current system load.

Factors affecting processing speed

Survey complexity

• Simple surveys (multiple choice only) - Fastest
• Mixed surveys (checkboxes + text) - Moderate
• Text-heavy surveys (handwriting) - Slower

File characteristics

• File format - PDFs process faster than individual images
• Scan quality - Clear scans process more quickly
• Page count per file - Larger files take longer to initialize

System factors

• Current queue size - Busy periods may add wait time
• Auto-scaling - System adds resources for large jobs
• Priority processing - Available for urgent needs

What happens during processing

1. Upload phase - Files transfer to our servers
2. Queue entry - Job enters processing queue
3. Page extraction - Multi-page documents are split
4. Field Processing - Each page is analyzed
5. Verification - Results are validated
6. Compilation - Data is assembled for review

Monitoring your upload

Real-time status

• Track progress in the Uploads section
• See pages completed vs. total

Processing states

• Uploading - File transfer in progress
• Queued - Waiting for processing
• Processing - Active OCR scanning
• Completed - Ready for review
• Error - Requires attention

Tips for faster processing

Before scanning

• Use recommended scanner settings (300 DPI, grayscale)
• Ensure pages are properly aligned
• Remove staples and fix torn pages

File preparation

• Combine pages into single PDFs
• Keep individual files under 100MB
• Use consistent formatting

Upload strategy

• Upload during off-peak hours when possible
• Split extremely large batches across multiple uploads
• Use wired internet for large files

Handling urgent deadlines

If you need faster processing:

Contact support

• Explain your deadline requirements
• Provide total page count
• Request priority processing

Plan ahead

• Upload as early as possible
• Process in smaller batches
• Run test batches first

System scaling

PaperSurvey automatically handles high-volume periods by:

• Adding processing servers during peak loads
• Distributing work across multiple servers
• Prioritizing active customers
• Maintaining performance standards

Common questions

Q: Can I upload while processing? A: Yes, you can upload additional files while others process.

Q: Will my job slow down others? A: No, the system scales to maintain performance for all users.

Q: What if I need to cancel? A: You can stop processing at any time from the Uploads page.

Q: Do uploads expire? A: Completed uploads remain available indefinitely.

Best practices for large projects

1. Test first - Process a small sample to verify settings
2. Batch wisely - Upload in logical groups (by location, date, etc.)
3. Monitor progress - Check periodically for any errors
4. Plan time - Allow extra time for verification after processing

Large-scale processing is routine for PaperSurvey. Our infrastructure is designed to handle enterprise volumes while maintaining accuracy and reliability.