Automated PDF Analysis: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Using ChatGPT & Zapier for All Industries
Welcome back to Corbon AI! In this video, we will show you how to leverage artificial intelligence to automatically analyze PDFs. This tutorial is in response to a popular demand from our viewers who have been requesting a demonstration of automating the process of extracting relevant data from PDFs in different industries. Whether you are dealing with longer form PDFs or specific outputs, this tutorial will teach you how to create a system that automatically extracts the data you care about.
Please note that you will need a Zapier account and we will be building a workflow using the OpenAI API. Don't worry, we will provide all the relevant code and instructions in the comments below, so you can easily replicate the process. We appreciate your support and encourage you to leave a like if you find value in this tutorial. So let's dive into this complex topic that will help you automate and expedite your processes.
Step 1: Setting up Zapier Workflow
To begin, create a new Zap in your Zapier account. For this tutorial, we will start with a simple trigger using Google Drive. The trigger event will be when a new file is added to a specific folder in Google Drive. This allows you to designate a folder where you can upload the PDFs you want to analyze. Once the PDF is uploaded to the designated folder, it will trigger the entire automation process.
Step 2: Converting PDF to Google Doc
One limitation of Zapier is that it doesn't allow direct access to the contents of a PDF. In order to extract the data, we need to convert the PDF into a Google Doc. To do this, we will use Zapier's "Upload File" action and set the option to convert the document to a Google Doc. You can specify a unique name for each converted document to keep track of the files.
Step 3: Extracting Text from Google Doc
Now that we have the PDF converted into a Google Doc, we can access the text data within it. We will use a JavaScript code block in Zapier to fetch the text from the Google Doc and output it. The important thing to note here is that the number of words in the document will determine how much data we output. Depending on your industry and the typical size of the PDFs you work with, you can adjust this number accordingly in the code.
Step 4: Chunking Large Documents
If you are dealing with large documents, it is better to split them into smaller chunks to avoid issues with processing too much data. We will use another JavaScript code block in Zapier to split the large document into chunks based on a specific word count. By chunking the document, we can handle larger amounts of data without running into errors. Again, adjust the word count according to your specific needs.
Step 5: Analyzing the Document
Now that we have our PDF data ready, it's time to analyze it using ChatGPT. We will use a ChatGPT block in Zapier to interact with the AI model. You can customize the prompt based on the specific context of your PDF. In this tutorial, we will focus on a legal contract example. You can compress the document to its main points by asking ChatGPT to summarize the content. You can also request specific data points based on your industry or requirements.
Step 6: Processing Multiple Chunks (Optional)
If you are dealing with a PDF that contains multiple chunks or sections, you can create separate paths in Zapier to process each chunk individually. This is useful when you want to extract specific information from different sections of the PDF. By utilizing the unique identifiers we assigned earlier, we can ensure that each chunk is processed correctly. This step is optional and may not be necessary for all PDFs.
Step 7: Sending the Results
Once the analysis is complete, you can choose how to receive and view the results. In this tutorial, we will cover two options: sending the results to your Gmail account or a Slack channel. To send the results to your Gmail, you can use the "Send Email" action in Zapier and customize the email subject and body. This allows you to have the extracted data delivered directly to your inbox.
Calculating Usage and Cost
If you are concerned about the cost of using the AI models, you can use the AI Usage Calculator provided by Corbon AI. You can input your model, tokens per run, and the number of runs to estimate the cost. This gives you an idea of the expenses associated with automating your PDF analysis.
Conclusion
Automating PDF analysis can save you time and effort in extracting relevant information from your documents. By leveraging AI models like ChatGPT and using Zapier to integrate different systems, you can create a streamlined workflow that handles your PDFs automatically. Whether you work in the legal industry or any other field, this tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to help you get started. Remember to adjust the code and prompts based on your specific needs, and feel free to reach out to us if you need any assistance. Harness the power of AI and transform your PDF analysis process today!
FAQs
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Can I use this tutorial for any industry?
Yes, this tutorial is designed to be applicable to any industry or field. The specific examples provided are for legal contracts, but you can customize the code and prompts to suit your industry's needs.
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Is there a limit to the size of PDFs that can be processed?
While larger PDFs can be processed, it's important to consider the word count and the capacity of the AI models you are using. Adjust the code and chunk size accordingly to ensure smooth processing of large documents.
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How much does it cost to use ChatGPT and Zapier?
The cost depends on the number of tokens used and the number of runs. You can use the AI Usage Calculator provided by Corbon AI to estimate the expenses associated with your PDF analysis automation.
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Can I automate the process for different types of PDFs?
Absolutely! This tutorial provides a framework that can be customized for different types of PDFs. By adjusting the code and prompts, you can create workflows that are tailored to your specific requirements.
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Are there any limitations or drawbacks to this automation process?
While this process streamlines the PDF analysis, it's important to note that the AI models are not perfect and may not always provide 100% accurate results. It's advisable to review and verify the extracted data manually to ensure its accuracy.




