Data Processing in computing systems.ppt

Data processing skills

1. Data Processing
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2. To cover the Following Areas;
Data processing
The stages of Data Processing/Data
Processing Cycle.
Methods of Data Processing
Data Processing Modes/Strategies
Factors To consider While choosing A
Data Processing method, Mode or
Strategy
 
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3. Data Redefined
Data are raw facts that can be processed
to create meaningful information/usable
information. 
Data can be stored, transmitted or
presented in a variety of forms and
formats including numbers, words,
pictures, sounds etc
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4. Data Processing Defined
Data processing is the process that
involves transformation of data into
information. This is done through
classifying, merging, recording,
retrieving, transmitting, or reporting.
Turning data into information involves
several steps. These steps are known
as data processing.
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5. Data Processing Cycle Or Stages:
Data collection/ origination of data: This
looks at the sources of data e.g. customer
orders, goods received notes, price lists etc.
 
Data preparation: This involves getting the
data ready for input e.g. through sorting,
editing etc.
 
Data input: This is the act of entering data
into the computer. In input step, the following
activities can be performed;
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6. Processing Cycle
Verification
The collected data is verified to determine
whether it is correct as required.
Coding
The verified data is coded or converted
into machine readable form so that it can
be processed through computer.
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7. Processing Continued
Storing
The data is stored on the secondary
storage into a file. The stored data on the
storage media will be given to the
program as input for processing.
 
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8. Con’t

Data processing: This includes all the necessary
operations to arrive at the end – product
(information) and to keep data up to-date. The
main purpose of data processing is to get the
required result/output. The following are
some of the activities that occur under the
processing stage;
 
Classification
The data is classified into different groups and
subgroups, so that each group or sub-group of data can
be handled separately.
Storing
The data is arranged into an order so that it can be
accessed very quickly as and when required.
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9. Processing Continued
Calculations
The arithmetic operations are performed
on the numeric data to get the required
results. For example, total marks of each
student are calculated.
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10. Con’t
Summarizing
The data is processed to represent it in a summarized
form. It means that the summary of data is prepared
for top management. For example, the summary of
the data of student is prepared to show the
percentage of pass and fail student examination etc.
Data output:
After completing the processing step, output is
generated. Mostly, the output is stored on the storage
media for later user. In output step, following
activities can be performed.
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11. Methods Of Data Processing
Manual Data Processing
This method is done by individuals using
simple tools such as pens, markers, rulers,
erasers and people’s mental capacity for
the data to be processed.
 
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12. Merits and Demerits
Merits
It’s cheap
Flexible
Easy to adopt
Simple to use
 
Disadvantages
Only low volumes suitable for each worker
No automation of calculation or totaling potentially leading to more
errors
More personnel required for most tasks
It takes longer time than an electronic document
It’s tiresome as it involves a lot of mental thinking
More prone to errors
It is slow for a large volume of data to be processed as it cannot
compute a thousand instructions in a second as compared to a
computer.
 
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13. Semi Manual Method
This method involves the use of machines like
the traditional typewriter, duplicating machines
etc.
 it is semi manual and semi electronic.
 
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14. Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
It is faster than the manual method
Quality of output is much better than the manual method
More accurate compared to manual
 
Disadvantages
The method has the weakness of machine breakdowns that
may disrupt the process
It is more expensive than the manual method
It’s slower than electronic data processing
Not suitable for processing large volumes of data
 
 
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15. Electronic Method
This involves the use of automated
machines like computers to process data.
Merits.
Quality out put
Handles large volumes of data
Few errors
More timely information can be produced
Speed
Reduction in paper work
Accuracy
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16. Demerits
Power failure, computer viruses and hackers are the
inherent problems of using computerized systems
Danger of computer fraud if proper level of control and
security whether internal and external are not properly
been instituted.
It’s expensive to acquire
Requires high skills to operate.
System failure
Expensive to acquire
Subject to constant changes
 
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17. Data Processing Modes/Strategy
Data processing involves the collection
and processing of the organization’s
data.
Data processing modes describe the way
these transactions are handled during
processing. They include: Batch
processing, on-line processing, Time
sharing processing, Real time processing
and Distributed processing.
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18. Batch Processing Mode/Strategy
Processing mode where the
transactions data is accumulated over
a period of time and processed
periodically. Examples include; credit
billing companies, payroll systems
etc.
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19. Merits
It’s cheaper since less hardware may be
required.
Less processing power is required as it
deals with similar updates.
Relatively easy to develop
It avoids idling the computing resources
with minute-by-minute manual intervention
and supervision

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20. Demerits
Time lag between origination of the
transactions and the information availability.
Late information is not suitable in situations
where instant decisions are required.
Management information is often incomplete
due to missing data.
Often master files are kept off line therefore
access may not always be available.
Undesired commands may be executed
without the users knowledge
The master file is not always kept up-to-date.
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21. On-line Processing.
This is a processing mode whereby
all the computer peripherals and
other equipments are under control
of the central processor. It
describes a situation in which
computer devices are in direct
communication with the CPU
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22. 22
The files are maintained up-to-date.
Information is readily available for
current decisions.
Disadvantages
Complex to develop
They are costly in terms of hardware,
software,
Merits
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23. Time Sharing Processing.
This is a processing mode in which
case the central processor serves
two or more users with different
processing tasks or requirements.
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24. Merits.
It delivers faster & better information
The processor can not be idle
Files are held on-line hence inquiries
are possible
Helpful to small companies which
cannot afford purchasing the
computer and its related facilities
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25. Demerits.
The users have got no control over
the central computer
The response time is also slow
whenever there are many tasks
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26. Real-Time Processing
Real-Time Processing . Real-time
processing involves immediate
processing of data after a
transaction occurs. Transaction data
are processed immediately, without
the delay.
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27. Advantages
Advantages
Information is more up to date therefore
providing better information for
management.
Information is readily available for
instant decision making
Provides better services to users or
customers in terms of quick service.
It’s a fast and reliable mode.
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28. Real Time Continued Processing.
Disadvantages
Costly, as the system becomes more
complex to run and to develop
because in certain circumstances
they are run on a 24hr basis.
Not easy to use, user has to be
trained.
Usually sharing workload on the
Central computer
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29. Centralized Processing.
Centralized Processing
This involves all data or information
being processed in a central place,
such as a computer center at head
office.
 
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30. Centralized Processing.
Advantages
A central up-to-date set of data will
be accessible by all departments
Maintaining a single set of data which
will eliminate inconsistencies in data
used for different purposes.
Centralization would also facilitate
the standardization of applications.
 
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31. Centralized Processing.
Disadvantages
Capital costs the back-up-system and the high
costs of the main computer are both major
factors.
Increased operating costs for example
telecommunications costs.
The problem of being entirely dependent on
one machine is a very risky scenario as failing
would lead to serious consequences.
 
 
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32. Distributed Mode/Strategy
This is a data processing mode
where the system includes multiple
computers linked by a
communication network, allowing
the processing to be "distributed"
around the system. E.g. ATMs and
banks in different regions.
 
 
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33. Merits
Less effort is expended on data
transmission.
Results may be obtained quickly.
Speed of processing is improved and
local priorities can be better satisfied.
In case of a single machine failing, it
would be reasonably easier to acquire
another on a short term.
 
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34. Demerits
Capital costs, involving acquisition
of several computers, will be high,
Operation costs, particularly staff
costs, will be high as it will be
necessary to maintain a certain
level of expertise .
Installation of, and training on, new
versions of software would take
more time and cost more.
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35. Factors Determinig Data Processing Strategies and Methods
The ability to have updates. This depends
on whether the data obtained from the system
needs to be completely up-to-date at all times.
Usage of the Computer. Computer usage in
some data processing strategies depend on the
availability of computer resources.
Organ’al needs & Quality of Output.
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36. Factors Determinig Data Processing Strategies and Methods
Cont’
Cost / financial ability. The choice also
depends on operational costs.
The Scale of Operation. This depends on the
volume of data.
Accuracy Concerns and Reliability. Errors
and bugs
Business Size and Nature.
Urgency in Feedback. The quicker the
information is delivered the better
Link between applications .
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37. Clarifications, additions, comments,
questions?
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38. Any clarifications, additions, or
subtraction.
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