Data Processing

System

Data processing
system
A data processing system is a combination of
machines and people that for a set of inputs
produces a defined set of outputs. The inputs
and outputs are interpreted as data, facts,
information, ... depending on the interpreter's
relation to the system.

Types of Data

Mainly Data is divided into two types:

1. Numeric Data
2. Character Data
1. Numeric Data
The data which is represented in the form of numbers is known as Numeric Data. This includes
0-9 digits, a decimal point (.), +, /, sign and the letters E or D.
2. Character Data
Character data falls into two groups.
i. String Data
ii. Graphical Data
String Data
String data consists of the sequence of characters. Characters may be English alphabets,
numbers or space. The space, which separates two words, is also a character. The string data
is further divided into two types.
a. Alphabetic Data
b. Alphanumeric Data
Graphical Data
It is possible that pictures, charts and maps can be treated as data. The scanner is normally
used to enter this type of data. The common use of this data is found in the National Identity
Card.

Information

A collection of data which conveys some meaningful idea is

information. It may provide answers to questions like who,
which, when, why, what, and how.
or
The raw input is data and it has no significance when it
exists in that form. When data is collated or organized into
something meaningful, it gains significance. This
meaningful organization is information
or
Observations and recordings are done to obtain data, while
analysis is done to obtain information

Data Processing

Data processing:
Any operation or set of operations performed
upon data, whether or not by automatic
means, such as collection, recording,
organization, storage, adaptation or alteration
to convert it into useful information.

Data Processing Cycle

Once data is collected, it is processed to convert it into

useful information. The data is processed again and
again until the accurate result is achieved. This is
called data processing cycle.
The data processing is very important activity and
involves very careful planning. Usually, data
processing activity involves three basic activities.
1. Input
2. Processing
3. Output

Data Processing Cycle

Step-1

1. Input
It is the process through which collected data is transformed into a form that
computer can understand. It is very important step because correct output result
totally depends on the input data. In input step, following activities can be
performed.
i) Verification
The collected data is verified to determine whether it is correct as required. For
example, the collected data of all B.S students that appeared in final examination
of the university is verified. If errors occur in collected data, data is corrected or it
is collected again.
ii) Coding
The verified data is coded or converted into machine readable form so that it can
be processed through computer.
iii) 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.

Data Processing Cycle

Step-2

2.Processing
The term processing denotes the actual data manipulation techniques such as
classifying, sorting, calculating, summarizing, comparing, etc. that
convert data into information.
i) Classification
The data is classified into different groups and subgroups, so that each group or sub-group
of data can be handled separately.
ii) Storing
The data is arranged into an order so that it can be accessed very quickly as and when
required.
iii) Calculations
The arithmetic operations are performed on the numeric data to get the required results.
For example, total marks of each student are calculated.
iv) Summarizing
The data is processed to represent it in a summarized form. ft 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 Processing Cycle

Step-3

3.

Output
After completing the processing step, output is generated. The main purpose of
data processing is to get the required result. Mostly, the output is stored on the
storage media for later user. In output step, following activities can be performed.

i) Retrieval
Output stored on the storage media can be retrieved at any time. For example,
result of students is prepared and stored on the disk. This result can be retrieved
when required for different purposes.
ii) Conversion
The generated output can be converted into different forms. For example, it can
be represented into graphical form.
iii) Communication
The generated output is sent to different places. For example, weather forecast is
prepared and. sent to different agencies and newspapers etc. where it is
required.

Types of data
processing systems

Scientific data processing

Scientific data processing "usually involves a great deal of computation
(arithmetic and comparison operations) upon a relatively small amount
of input data, resulting in a small volume of output."

Commercial data processing

Commercial data processing "involves a large volume of input data,
relatively few computational operations, and a large volume of output."
Accounting programs are the prototypical examples of data processing
applications.

Data analysis
"Data analysis is a body of methods that help to describe facts, detect
patterns, develop explanations, and test hypotheses." For example, data
analysis might be used to look at sales and customer data to "identify
connections between products to allow for cross selling campaigns."

Computer Processing
Operations

A computer can perform only the following

four operations which enable computers
to carry out the various data processing
activities we have just discussed.
(a) Input/Output operations
A computer can accept data (input)
from and supply processed data (output)
to a wide range of input/output devices.
These devices such as keyboards, display
screens, and printers make humanmachine communication possible.

Computer Processing
Operations

(b) Calculation and text manipulation

Operations
Computer circuits perform calculations
on numbers. They are also capable of
manipulating numerics and other
symbols used in text with equal
efficiency.

Computer Processing
Operations

(c) Logic/Comparison Operations

A computer also possesses the ability to perform logical
operations.
For example, if we compare two items represented by the
symbols A and B, there are only three possible outcomes.
A is less than B (A<B); A is equal to B (A=B): or A is
greater than B
(A>B).
A computer can perform such comparisons and the,
depending on the result, follow a predetermined path to
complete its work. This ability to compare is an important
property of computers.

Computer Processing
Operations

(d) Storage and Retrieval Operations

Both data and program instructions are
stored internally in a computer.
Once they are stored in the internal
memory, they can be called up quickly
or retrieved, for further use.

Simple example

A very simple example of a data processing system is the process

of maintaining a check register. Transactions checks and deposits
are recorded as they occur and the transactions are summarized
to determine a current balance. Monthly the data recorded in the
register is reconciled with a hopefully identical list of transactions
processed by the bank.
A more sophisticated record keeping system might further identify
the transactions for example deposits by source or checks by
type, such as charitable contributions. This information might be
used to obtain information like the total of all contributions for the
year.
The important thing about this example is that it is a system, in
which, all transactions are recorded consistently, and the same
method of bank reconciliation is used each time.