Tools for Metadata Extraction

Metadata, or data about data, is structured information that makes it easier to find, use or manage an informational source by locating, explaining or describing it. The term has a slightly different meaning depending on what industry you are working for and in the language of information pros it is very important. Getting help with metadata extraction from your company’s projects can make the project run more smoothly and help with other projects in the future. So what exactly is metadata extraction, why do you need it, and how do you find it?

What Is Metadata Extraction?

Metadata extraction refers to a set of tools that can automatically create metadata from a digital resource by analyzing it. You will find that these types of tools are usually limited to text sources, but with the right algorithms and content, they can save a significant amount of time and hassle. This is especially true when used in conjunction with other metadata tools such as templates, markup tools, and conversion tools. It is always a good idea to manually review the metadata to ensure that the extraction tools have done what you wanted them to do.

Why Do You Need It?

Metadata is important because it can help save you time when looking for information on your shared file system. If you do not have the right metadata converted to use then you would have to manually open every file to find the one or ones that you need. To save time on the generation and extraction of metadata it is a good idea to have the right toolset and training.Without metadata extraction tools you would have to have the metadata manually generated for every document that you generate. This could be done by the content writers or by a team of extractors; however, it generally saves time and money to have the right extraction tools and a reviewer.

How Do You Find It?

Finding the right extraction and other metadata tools can help give your company and project the right boost to save time and money without sacrificing your work. One of the best ways to find the tools that you need is to do some research. If you already have a company that helps with your information needs then it is quite easy to ask them for tools to fit the needs of your company. If you do not already have a trusted source then you should focus on finding a company that can meet your needs for more than just metadata extraction. Many companies who cater to information professionals can also help with file management questions as well as with manpower on difficult projects.

Metadata extraction can be just the ticket to make your job easier and the work flow more smoothly. It can help you find the files that you need without having to spend a lot of time and effort on the search. With the right tools for metadata generation, extraction, and conversion you can do more with less work. No matter what the job is having the right tools can mean the difference between being on time and budget,and falling behind.

Stacy Toolson is a writer that simply loves words. She can spend hours discussing 'their' vs 'there', and the placement of an Oxford comma.