Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
A transformational transcription service
The Challenge
Storm ID is working with COPFS on their digital transformation programme which aims to use digital technology to transform, innovate and improve the way the organisation works and delivers services.
A key component of the digital strategy is to leverage AI, Automation and Data Analytics to help automate business processes, deliver operational efficiencies and free up time for staff to focus on more complex and value added activities.
Following a legislative change, COPFS had a requirement to transcribe sensitive video/audio statements to text. However, the effort involved in doing this manually would be a significant overhead.
Storm ID was invited to investigate, recommend and develop a transcription solution to reduce the significant human effort required to transcribe video and audio statements.
The Objectives
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Speed of development
Due to a legislative change, COPFS required a solution that could be deployed quickly. It was important therefore that existing COPFS infrastructure could be leveraged. -
Security and governance
The sensitive nature of the files meant that the solution needed to offer secure data storage and user authentication mechanisms. Governance requirements such as audit trail and retention policies were also important considerations. -
Easy to use
The solution should be easy for non-technical staff to use with a straightforward business process, user friendly UI and easy to manage transcription outputs.
The Insight
Utilise SharePoint as a starting point and end point for the transcription workflow and leverage SharePoint version control, policies, security, authentication and file structures.
Leverage Microsoft video indexer API for speech to text conversion. Benefits of Video Indexer API over other MS Cognitive Services evaluated such as Speech to Text, include transcription of both video and audio and multiple speaker detection.
Utilise Azure Logic Apps and Azure Blog storage for automated workflows to trigger transcription of video/audio files, send for transcription into text and conversion into Microsoft word and placed back within COPFS SharePoint file structure.
Key Features
Secure login for COPFS staff to a dedicated SharePoint online site within COPFS tenancy.
Logic App
Logic app to copy files to Azure blob storage on COPFS tenancy. Once files are in blob storage, another logic app is triggered to make a call to Azure cognitive service for transcription.
Easy File Upload
Easy method of uploading multiple files and adding any associated meta data.
Automated Transcription Output Generation
The transcription output is generated, converted to Word document and added into another storage library within COPFS SharePoint site.
The Process
Requirements definition
- Define business processes, permissions model, data classification, retention policies and produce technical architecture
Proof of concept
- Proof of concept to demonstrate technology using sample videos
MVP
- Development of MVP solution that can be piloted with COPFS staff
- Scope included Azure infrastructure set up, SharePoint site for storage of files, logic apps for sending files to Azure Cognitive Services and covert transcription and generate word document, which is stored in SharePoint alongside original audio/video file.
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Get in Touch
If you're considering how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) could be applied to your digital services, get in touch and we can discuss your requirements.