A batch is a set of pages or page images to be processed. A batch class is the definition of how Ephesoft will process these pages. A batch instance is the actual process of performing the operations defined by the batch class. Each batch class can monitor different sources for incoming content and create a batch instance when the content arrives. Batch classes can monitor a variety of sources, including folders in the file system, e-mail accounts, and standards-compliant content repositories.

As an example, we are going to create a new batch class for an accounts payable group that wants to automate the processing of invoices.

As we work through the example in this chapter, we will cover the following topics: