I would love to be proven wrong, but everything I have tried so far is... subpar.
Nowadays there's probably a solution based on LLMs, but I don't trust them with this kind of data
In practice, the flow from my perspective looks like LLM parser -> normalizer -> validator. So you only save one step (parser), and given the unique stochastic nature of the LLM output, the normalizer and validator can be trickier to write than one used for an old-fashioned rules-based parser. But each situation is different, or YMMV.
I just tried it on a fairly ugly TD Bank statement PDF I have and the markdown of the whole PDF (tables and all) is very accurate. Here is the config I use:
marker_single --format_lines --use_llm --llm_service marker.services.gemini.GoogleGeminiService --gemini_model_name gemini-2.5-flash --disable_image_extraction --output_format markdown --output_dir "$OutDir" ` "$In"
You might be able to tell the LLM to directly output the data in CSV format - granted it will still be in a .md file - using the `--block_correction_prompt` which apparently is "useful for custom formatting or logic that you want to apply to the output"
If it works with a small model I can run locally, I might think of this approach, otherwise I'll skip
Contactless is limited to 50 € per transaction. Going above requires inserting the card and entering the pin.
Retro options include cheques or (better) cashier's cheques.
Fintech banking like Revolut that comes with a separate IBAN and physical/virtual cards are helpful in such scenarios as well.
Insert it and enter your PIN.
https://expatcircle.com/cms/underrated-quality-of-life-indic...
They’re actually doing alright on that list — and Belgium isn’t doing too badly either, especially considering it used to rank below Moldova a few years ago. That said, Belgium’s postal service is awful in every possible way. I once had packet losses of 50%, and the ping was miserable too.
During COVID, I needed stamps. The local post office? Closed. So I tried buying them online — and yes, you can order stamps online. But guess how they deliver them? By snail mail. Classic.
Now compare that to Germany. While Germany isn’t exactly a digital pioneer, its postal system has consistently performed well. I think they even offered a letter-scanning service at some point. And for years now, you’ve been able to print stamps at home. No printer? No problem — just write a code on the envelope with a pen. Every stamp includes a tracking code. As for those Amazon parcel lockers? Germany had them ages ago. And if I’m not mistaken, the idea was borrowed from former East Germany.
USPS is actually fairly reliable, but the post offices themselves feel run-down and neglected. Sometimes the solutions are simple. If I were running USPS, I’d tour post offices around the world to see what unique services they offer. What can we adopt, license, or copy? How are they staying profitable? There’s so much to learn.
When layout changes this breaks but layout changes on this sort of documents do not happen often (I think). Also code is very clean and it serms straightforward to fix.
This kind of code is maybe something that can be generated from an LLM/agent? (It would be easy to write checks)
Besides the practical value for those who might need it, I think it is possibly interesting for others to look at this approach.
Neat project, thanks for sharing!
The usual, amazing irony of us Italians. Love it.
Tox46•6mo ago
brightbeige•6mo ago
translates to:
“to the unfortunate ones who have a postal account”