From Manual Image Entry to
AI-Extracted Machine Data —
Straight into Salesforce
An industrial manufacturing enterprise, was losing hours each day to manual transcription of machine readings from uploaded images. We built a production-grade AI extraction pipeline using Gemini Vision and Salesforce Apex that reads machine images automatically and updates Work Orders in real time — eliminating manual entry by 60%.
Six Operational Problems That Blocked Accurate Machine Data Capture — and Six Fixes That Resolved Them
Five Phases That Took From Manual Transcription to Automated AI Extraction
Mapped the Full Image-to-Field Data Journey
We audited how field engineers were capturing machine readings — from image upload in SharinPix through to manual Work Order entry in Salesforce. We identified 6 points of failure and defined the exact field mapping schema before writing a single line of code.
Connected Gemini Vision API via Salesforce Apex Callouts
We built the REST API callout layer in Apex — constructing the image payload, sending it to Gemini Vision, and parsing the structured JSON response. We engineered the prompt specifically for machine instrument images, handling numeric extraction with high confidence across varied image qualities.
Built Async Processing to Bypass Apex Governor Limits
We replaced the prior synchronous approach — which hit heap size limits on larger image payloads — with a Queueable Apex pattern that processes extraction jobs asynchronously. This gave us a scalable, enterprise-safe architecture capable of handling thousands of concurrent Work Order updates.
Wired Extracted Values to Work Order Fields via Custom Metadata
We mapped the AI-extracted time values — Power On Hours, Run Time, Total Time — to the correct Salesforce Work Order fields using a Custom Metadata configuration layer. This means Twopir admin team can update field mappings without a code deployment.
Validated Across Real Machine Image Samples Before Production
We tested extraction accuracy across a batch of real-world image samples covering blurred gauges, angled shots, handwritten readings, and low-contrast labels. Edge cases with invalid or null AI responses were hardened with graceful fallback logic before the system went live in production.
Before this, every image meant someone had to stop, read the gauge, type in the numbers, and hope they got it right. Now the system does it the moment the image is uploaded — and the Work Order is already updated by the time the engineer walks away from the machine.
— Twopir Project Lead · Manufacturing Enterprise · 2025What Changed — In Numbers and in Practice
Manual data entry eliminated for time-based machine readings
Field engineers no longer transcribe Power On, Run Time, or Total Time values by hand — extraction fires automatically on image upload.
End-to-end extraction cycle: image uploaded to Work Order updated
The full AI callout, parsing, and field write cycle completes in under three seconds per image via Queueable Apex async processing.
Extraction accuracy on structured machine readings in production
Gemini Vision achieves 98% field accuracy across standard instrument images — with graceful fallback for edge cases flagged for review.
Machine metric types now captured automatically per Work Order
Power On Hours, Run Time, and Total Time are all extracted and mapped in a single AI call — replacing three manual data entry steps.
Field mapping changes require no deployment — configurable via Custom Metadata
Admin team can remap AI output to different Work Order fields by updating Custom Metadata records — no Apex change, no deployment window needed.
Engineers adopted the system without process change — it just happened
Because extraction triggers automatically on image upload, adoption required zero workflow change from field engineers — the system worked invisibly from day one.
Running a Similar Manufacturing or Field Service Operation?
We offer a free AI automation audit — we'll identify exactly where manual data entry can be eliminated from your Salesforce Work Order flow. Findings delivered in 5 business days, no commitment required.
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Turn Your Machine Images into Structured Salesforce Data — Automatically
Twopir has spent 12+ years building Salesforce automation that removes manual effort from industrial and field service operations — delivered for 500+ clients across the US, UK, Australia, UAE, and Canada. We don't just configure; we engineer the solution that fits your workflow.
12+ Years · 500+ Clients · Salesforce Gold Partner · HubSpot Gold Partner · US · UK · Australia · UAE · Canada
