1. Introduction

Tungsten Automation, earlier known as Kofax, is a global leader in intelligent automation software. The company rebranded in 2024 to highlight its vision of simplifying business processes through AI-driven automation. With solutions covering document capture, workflow orchestration, robotic process automation (RPA), PDF management, and print management, Tungsten empowers organizations to handle information-intensive tasks efficiently.

2. Tungsten Capture Overview

Tungsten Capture (formerly Kofax Capture) is one of the company’s flagship products. It is designed to capture and process large volumes of documents—whether scanned, faxed, emailed, or imported electronically. The captured data is then validated and routed into business systems such as ERP, CRM, or content management platforms.

Key features include:
  • High-volume document ingestion
  • OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and classification
  • Centralized or distributed scanning options
  • Integration with downstream workflows and databases

3. Installation Essentials

Tungsten Capture can be deployed in two main modes:

  1. Standalone Mode
    • Suitable for small organizations.
    • Scanning, recognition, and export all happen on a single workstation.
  2. Client/Server Mode
    • Designed for enterprise deployments.
    • Allows distributed scanning at remote offices while processing happens at a central server.

Installation Steps at a High Level:

  1. Check system prerequisites (OS, database, .NET).
  2. Install Tungsten Capture server components.
  3. Configure database connections.
  4. Install client applications for scanning and validation.
  5. For distributed setups, deploy the Tungsten Capture Network (TCN) service to manage remote capture nodes.

Both interactive wizard-based installation and silent (command-line) installation are supported.

4. Upgrade Process

When upgrading Tungsten Capture, planning is critical:

  • Database Upgrade: Use the installation assistant to migrate existing Capture or TotalAgility databases. Always back up databases before upgrading.
  • Certificates: If secure communication is configured, export certificates (with private keys) and re-import them after the upgrade.
  • Custom Components: Review compatibility of custom scripts, connectors, and workflows with the new version.

5. Integration with IBM Datacap

One of the strong use cases is integrating Tungsten Automation with IBM Datacap. This is achieved using ControlSuite or AutoStore components.

Integration Workflow:

  1. A document is scanned using Tungsten Capture.
  2. The image and extracted metadata pass through OCR and validation steps.
  3. ControlSuite/AutoStore adds processing logic (for example, barcodes, form recognition, or data enrichment).
  4. The Datacap component is configured as a route, sending the processed data into IBM Datacap workflows.
  5. Datacap then applies its rules for indexing, approval, or downstream distribution.

This ensures a smooth flow from document intake to business application.

6. Conclusion

Tungsten Automation continues to deliver enterprise-class automation solutions with Tungsten Capture as a core enabler. Its flexible installation options, smooth upgrade paths, and strong integration with systems like IBM Datacap make it a preferred choice for organizations aiming to modernize document handling.