How to Remediate a Defined Batch of PDFs Efficiently

A defined batch of PDFs can be too large to handle comfortably one file at a time, without necessarily being a massive enterprise backlog.

An organization may have a specific group of reports, policies, forms or public-facing documents that needs to move through remediation as one organized project.

Batch PDF accessibility remediation uses a structured workflow to move a defined collection of documents through intake, validation, automated processing, review, quality assurance and delivery.

Step 1: Define the Document Batch

Begin by confirming which PDFs belong in the project.

Useful information can include:

• File name

• Document owner

• Document type

• Public or internal use

• Business importance

• Current accessibility status

• Whether the source document exists

This also gives the organization an opportunity to remove outdated files, duplicates and documents that no longer need to be published.

Step 2: Prepare the Files

Before remediation begins, review the batch for issues that could interrupt processing.

Files should be organized, clearly named and ready for transfer. Password-protected, corrupted, zero-byte or duplicated files should be identified before processing whenever possible.

Preparing the batch in advance creates a cleaner handoff and helps reduce avoidable exceptions during remediation.

Step 3: Choose the Right Remediation Path

Not every document will necessarily follow the same path.

A PDF could be:

• Removed or archived if it is outdated

• Recreated from its source if an editable source document exists

• Replaced with accessible web content where appropriate

• Processed using automated remediation followed by review

• Manually remediated when it contains complex accessibility issues

This prevents the organization from applying the same level of effort to every document regardless of its condition or purpose.

Step 4: Automate Repeatable Work

Automation can reduce the repetitive effort involved in processing a defined document batch.

Our PAR solution uses Adobe PDF Services APIs within its remediation workflow and can support:

• OCR

• Structural tagging

• AI-generated alternative text

• Bookmark creation

• Accessibility checks

• Reporting

PAR can reduce approximately 90% of the effort required to make PDFs accessible. Remaining issues may require manual attention depending on each document’s structure and complexity.

Step 5: Keep Human Review in the Process

Automated processing should not automatically mean a document is ready to publish.

A document may still require review for:

• Reading order

• Complex tables

• Alternative-text accuracy

• Forms

• Color contrast

• Unusual layouts

The goal is to combine efficient processing with the appropriate level of quality control.

Step 6: Track the Results

When many documents move through one project, reporting becomes essential.

Teams need to know:

• What was submitted

• Which files were eligible for processing

• What was remediated

• What requires additional work

• What completed quality assurance

• What is ready for delivery or publication

PAR includes file and job management, processing statuses, accessibility reports and exportable information to support an organized remediation workflow.

Where Does PAR Blitz Fit?

PAR Blitz is designed for a defined remediation project, not necessarily a very large or open-ended backlog.

PAR Blitz is AFTIA’s fully managed service for one agreed batch of up to 1,000 PDF documents.

AFTIA manages:

Intake → Validation → Remediation → Quality Assurance → Delivery → Closeout

This model can help an organization move a specific group of documents through a clear, managed process without having to coordinate every remediation step internally.

Prevent Future Accessibility Issues

Completing a defined batch is an opportunity to improve how new documents are created and published.

Organizations can strengthen future document accessibility through:

• Accessible source documents

• Consistent heading structures

• Alternative text during content creation

• Better table practices

• Accessibility checks before publishing

• Staff training

• Defined accessibility-review processes

This helps prevent another group of inaccessible PDFs from accumulating after the project is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can PDFs be remediated as a batch?

Yes. Automated workflows can process multiple PDFs within an organized project, although complex documents may still require individual review.

Does every PDF follow the same remediation process?

No. Document structure, complexity, condition and intended use can affect the remediation path.

How many PDFs can PAR Blitz handle?

PAR Blitz is structured around one agreed batch of up to 1,000 PDF documents.

Is PAR Blitz only for very large backlogs?

No. PAR Blitz is intended for a defined batch of up to 1,000 PDFs. The value comes from having a fully managed workflow for that agreed group of documents, not from describing the project as a massive backlog.

Does batch PDF remediation eliminate manual work?

No. Automation can significantly reduce repetitive effort, while complex accessibility issues may still require human review.

Move a Defined Batch from Intake to Delivery

Organizations do not have to coordinate each PDF as a separate remediation project.

A structured batch workflow combines:

Preparation → Intake → Validation → Remediation → Human Review → Quality Assurance → Delivery

PAR Blitz gives organizations a fully managed path for moving one agreed batch of up to 1,000 PDFs through remediation and final handoff.

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