Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
use handheld input devices or computerized terminals that let food servers enter orders effi-
ciently and accurately. These systems have also cut costs by helping to track inventory and
market to customers.
Characteristics and Functionality
In general, businesses want input devices that let them rapidly enter data into a computer
system, and they want output devices that let them produce timely results. When selecting
input and output devices, businesses also need to consider the form of the output they want,
the nature of the data required to generate this output, and the speed and accuracy they need
for both. Some organizations have very specific needs for output and input, requiring devices
that perform specific functions. The more specialized the application, the more specialized
the associated system input and output devices.
The speed and functions of input and output devices should be balanced with their
cost, control, and complexity. More specialized devices might make it easier to enter data or
output information, but they are generally more costly, less flexible, and more susceptible to
malfunction.
The Nature of Data
Getting data into the computer—input—often requires transferring human-readable data,
such as a sales order, into the computer system. “Human-readable” means data that people
can read and understand. A sheet of paper containing inventory adjustments is an example
of human-readable data. In contrast, machine-readable data can be understood and read by
computer devices (e.g., the universal bar code that grocery scanners read) and is typically
stored as bits or bytes. Inventory changes stored on a disk is an example of machine-readable
data.
Some data can be read by people and machines, such as magnetic ink on bank checks.
Usually, people begin the input process by organizing human-readable data and transforming
it into machine-readable data. Every keystroke on a keyboard, for example, turns a letter
symbol of a human language into a digital code that the machine can understand.
Data Entry and Input
Getting data into the computer system is a two-stage process. First, the human-readable data
is converted into a machine-readable form through
data entry
. The second stage involves
transferring the machine-readable data into the system. This is
data input
.
Today, many companies are using online data entry and input—they communicate and
transfer data to computer devices directly connected to the computer system. Online data
entry and input places data into the computer system in a matter of seconds. Organizations
in many industries require the instantaneous updating offered by this approach. For example,
when ticket agents need to enter a request for concert tickets, they can use online data entry
and input to record the request as soon as it is made. Ticket agents at other terminals can
then access this data to make a seating check before they process another request.
data entry
Converting human-readable data
into a machine-readable form.
data input
Transferring machine-readable
data into the system.
Source Data Automation
Regardless of how data gets into the computer, it should be captured and edited at its source.
Source data automation
involves capturing and editing data where it is originally created
and in a form that can be directly input to a computer, thus ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
For example, using source data automation, salespeople enter sales orders into the computer
at the time and place they take the order. Any errors can be detected and corrected imme-
diately. If an item is temporarily out of stock, the salesperson can discuss options with the
customer. Prior to source data automation, orders were written on paper and entered into
the computer later (usually by a clerk, not the person who took the order). Often the hand-
written information wasn't legible or, worse yet, got lost. If problems occurred during data
entry, the clerk had to contact the salesperson or the customer to “recapture” the data needed
for order entry, leading to further delays and customer dissatisfaction.
source data automation
Capturing and editing data where it
is initially created and in a form that
can be directly input to a computer,
thus ensuring accuracy and
timeliness.
