Any way to automate OCR?

Yes, OCR is one of the commands in Acrobat Batch Processing. To run or create a new batch sequence use the "Advanced > Document Processing > Batch Processing..." menu item to display the batch dialog. "Recognize Text using OCR" is one of the commands under "document" that you can place in a batch sequence.A Batch process can be setup to run on all files in a specific folder.

Thom Parker
The source for PDF Scripting Info
[url=http://www.pdfScripting.com]pdfscripting.com[/url]

The Acrobat JavaScript Reference, Use it Early and Often
[url=http://www.adobe.com/devnet/acrobat/javascript.php]http://www.adobe.com/devnet/acrobat/javascript.php[/url]

Then most important JavaScript Development tool in Acrobat
[url=http://www.pdfscripting.com/public/34.cfm#JSIntro][b]The Console Window (Video tutorial)[/b][/url]
[url=http://www.acrobatusers.com/tutorials/2006/javascript_console][b]The Console Window(article)[/b][/url]

Thanks Thom. I was aware of the batch processing capability, but that (like OCRing each document after it's opened) is user initiated. I was wondering if there were a way to either 1) have Acrobat stay resident and "watch" a folder to OCR new docs as they're scanned into it, or 2) have Acrobat OCR a document as it's opened, automatically (i.e. without the user initiating it).

Something to look over.

Using Acrobat 8 Pro/3D (similar feature available in Acrobat 9 Pro/Pro Extended).
Acrobat open.
File > Create PDF > From Scanner
The Acrobat Scan dialog opens.
Three panes present.
--| Input
--| Output
--| Text Recognition and Metadata

Third has some check boxes (Make Searchable (Run OCR), Make Accessible, Add Metadata).
As I recall "Add Metadata" calls for user intervention. If so, then don't select. Rather, use a Batch Process in another step.
Also present is the "Options" button.
It provides access to the Optimization Options dialog.
Lets you configure what will be done to the image coming into PDF upfront.

Be well...

@daka630- thanks for the reply! Unfortunately, all scanning is being done on a large multipurpose machine (high capacity copier/faxer/scanner) which automatically creates PDFs and stores them in a specified network drive. It is only at that point that I can get Acrobat involved, thus the need to have either an actively OCRed directly or a setting whereby when the PDF is opened (as each must be in our workflow) it is automatically OCRed.

Ah, multi-function "department" devices.
At work, there are Canon ImageRunners.
The units' scan feature can be configured to output PDF that is OCR'd or not OCR'd.
The OCR output is actually rather good.
The output can be emailed, placed to a share on the network, etc.
Perhaps the unit you use has a similar feature (the OCR)?

Be well...

Unfortunately this one doesn't. Thanks.

Same question as "jwgjr". Is the solution mentioned by "thomp" the answer?

I have no clue how to work with scripts, is there anyone how can compile one and provide it to me?

Many many thanks in advance!

Many batch processes do not require special JavaScript coding. Look at the options provided by "Batch Processing" or "Actions" and see if the control options provided by the UI meet your needs.

The links following Thom's name are part of his signature block and may or may not apply to his response.

thanks for the info. will give it a try and see if it works..