Data Processing (IT-1) Mac-Bennett Kumah 11/5/24
Data processing
Data must be processed so that it can become information.
Transaction: adding, deleting or changing values in a database.
Batch Processing
The collection and storage of data, for processing at a scheduled time when a sufficient
amount of data has been accumulated
Batch processing allows computers to process data when computing resources are not being
fully utilised, such as overnight, and requires very little, and often no, human interaction.
They can then timetable batch-processing jobs for those times of day when online
processing tasks are fewer.
It is used in payroll systems and the processing of customer orders
Online Processing
Unlike batch processing online processes happen almost immediately, such as at
supermarket checkouts or interrogating a database for an employee’s details.
When data is input into an online system, processing takes place almost
immediately with just a short delay, so short that the user believes they are in
direct communication with the computer. Each transaction is processed before
the next transaction is dealt with.
This direct communication is referred to as direct access and this is simply the ability to go
straight to the record required without having to read all the previous records.
Unlike batch processing which uses Sequential access A method of accessing data on a
medium, by having to read through all the preceding data first. It is more efficient
Examples of its use are in electronic funds transfer (EFT) and automatic stock control
Electronic funds transfer
One definition of electronic funds transfer (EFT) is that it is the electronic transfer of money
from one bank account to another using computer-based systems, without the direct
intervention of bank staff. Examples include the use of an automated teller machine (ATM)
and POS systems
Automatic stock control
The terminal in a supermarket or store consists of a screen (which can be a touchscreen), a
barcode reader to input the barcode of the product, a number pad to enter the barcode in
case the barcode label is damaged, and electronic scales. Each terminal is connected to a
computer network. The hard disk on the network server stores a file (we shall call it the
product file) containing the records of each product that is sold. Each record consists of
Data Processing (IT-1) Mac-Bennett Kumah 11/5/24
different fields containing data, for example: barcode number, product details, product
details, size of product, number in stock, re-order level: the number which the computer will
use to see if more of that product needs re-ordering., re-oder quantity, supplier number
Data Processing (IT-1) Mac-Bennett Kumah 11/5/24
Electronic data exchange
Electronic data exchange is often referred to as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). This is a
method of exchanging data and documents without using paper. The documents can take
any form such as orders and invoices, with the electronic exchange between computers
using a standard format. An invoice is a type of bill sent to a customer containing a list of
goods sent or services that have been provided, including a statement of the sum of money
due for these. Most companies create invoices using a computer system. Many then print a
paper copy of the invoice and post it to the customer. If the customer is a business, they will
often type the details into their computer, meaning that the whole activity of sending and
receiving invoices is actually the transfer of information from the seller’s computer to the
customer’s computer. EDI replaces this activity with an electronic method. The physical
exchange of documents could take between three and five days. EDI often occurs overnight
and can take less than an hour.
Online stores
Internet shopping began in the 1990s. At that time, however, the vast majority of
the world’s population was not even aware of it. Today, many people shop online, a
development that has arisen due to the emergence of online stores, from both
traditional high-street big names and new online-only companies. Online stores
have become many people’s preferred places to shop for many reasons
