I would like to build a field agent(s) that extract data from an attachment uploaded to one field, and the enters the extracted data into corresponding fields in the same record. Example: .jpg or .pdf contains a customer’s name, DOB, email, etc. I would like for the field agent to then extract the data from the attachment and enter it into similarly titled fields, i.e. name, DOB, email, etc. Is this possible? Any insight/instructions? Thank you!
Question
Using Field Agent to Extract Data from Attachment Field, enter in corresponding record fields.
+5
+28Hey
This should be pretty straight forward using Airtable AI fields.
To avoid running multiple Analyze attachment agents (uses up a lot of credits), I would suggest you use this ONCE on a helper field, prompted extract all the data you need in a structured way, and then you either use formulas (regex) or other AI fields to get the actual data you need from the mentioned helper field.
Completely different matter, but would love to have you join our Airtable Hackathon! Make sure to sign up!!
Mike, Consultant @ Automatic Nation
YouTube Channel
+1Mike's suggestion is spot on! Let me add a few more approaches depending on your needs:
1. Document Intelligence Platforms
If you're processing lots of documents, consider integrating with dedicated OCR/document AI services like:
- Docparser: Specializes in extracting data from PDFs and images with custom templates
- Parsio: Great for email attachments and documents
- Nanonets: Excellent for invoices, receipts, and forms
These can push data directly into Airtable via automation or Zapier/Make.
2. Scripting Extension Approach
For more control, use the Scripting Extension with a combination of:
- Convert attachment URL to base64
- Call an external OCR API (Google Vision, AWS Textract, Azure Document Intelligence)
- Parse the response and populate fields
This gives you full customization but requires JavaScript knowledge.
3. Automation with External Services
Create an automation that:
- Triggers when attachment is added
- Sends attachment URL to Make.com or n8n
- Process through OCR service
- Returns structured data back to Airtable fields
4. Cost-Effective Alternative
If AI field credits are a concern, you can use a free-tier OCR API through automation scripts. Google Cloud Vision offers 1000 free requests/month.
Pro tip: Always add a "Confidence Score" field when using AI extraction to track accuracy and catch errors.
Need help setting up any of these approaches? Feel free to DM me and I can share some templates and workflow examples.
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