In simple
terms it is the electronic typing of the spoken work, often done remotely. This
unfortunately often makes people worry that they won’t be able to do it as it
is too technical.
Contrary
to this however the process is actually very simple and straightforward.
Once upon
a time the secretary would have taken the dictation in the form of shorthand. This
then moved on to using analogue cassette records (which a lot of people to this
day still use). Well digital transcription is just the same as using the old analogue
machines.
Just like
we all, well those of us of a certain age anyway, used to use vinyl records and
cassette tapes to listen to music, then we moved to CDs and now we use MP3
players or phones/tablets more often than not. This is basically the same
evolutionary process as the dictation process has taken.
The disadvantages
of the old analogue dictations are many, from the tapes loose quality or become
mangled and played back on often and therefore quality deteriorates. If the
person transcribing is not close at hand then it needs to be either couriered
to them or they need to come and collect it.
With
digital dictations the process is actually much easier. Once the recording is
finished, the audio file is uploaded onto your PC or laptop via the USB port
and it can then be emailed or uploaded to a secure site for the safe arrival at
the other end. The documents are then emailed back to you once finished.
The advantages are numerous, starting with the
decrease in the amount of paper that is used and the best one is that you can
send work at any time of the day or night. Even when you’re travelling and are
halfway around the world your transcriptionist can still receive and process
your work.
Posted by Trish Donmall.