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 or information, ... depending on the interpreter's relation to the
system.
Data and Information Difference
A collection of data which conveys some meaningful idea is information
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.
Data processing is the manipulation of data into are more useful form. Or in short collecting or gathering data to convert
it into a useful information.

Categories of Data Processing

Mechanical Data Processing usually requires constant manual intervention between the different data processing
operations.
Electronic Data Processing different operations are performed automatically with a minimum of manual intervention.

Data processing cycle

Input-Initial data, or input data, are prepared in some convenient form for processing.
EX. PUNCHCARD-MECHANICAL
ELECTRONIC COMPUTERS.
PROCESSING-Input data are changed, and usually combined with other information, to produce data in a more useful
form.
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.

AREAS OF DATA PROCESSING

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."
Business data processing
Business 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 PROCESSING OPERATIONS
=>The means of performing the processing operation vary according to whether manual, electromechanical or
electronics methods are used.

1. RECORDING
2. VERIFYING
3. DUPLICATING
4. CLASSIFYING
5. SORTING
6. CALCULATING
7. SUMMARIZING AND REPORTING
8. MERGING
9. STORING
10. RETRIEVING
11. FEEDBACK

Recording
=> refers to the transfer of data onto some form or document. It relates to the documentation of intermediate
figures and facts resulting from calculations.
Verifying
=>data recorded are carefully checked for any errors.
Duplicating
=>reproducing data onto many forms or documents.
Classifying
=>refers to the separation of data into various categories or the identification and arrangement of items with
like characteristics into group or classes.
Sorting
=>arrangement of data in a specific order.
=> After the date are classified, it is usually necessary to arrange or rearrange them in predetermined sequence
to facilitate processing.
=> Sorting is done in an alphabetic or numeric order.
Calculating
=>refers to the arithmetic manipulation of data.

Summarizing and Reporting

=>a collection of data is condensed and certain conclusion from data are represented in a meaningful format.
=>reducing masses of data to a more usable is called summarizing.
Storing
=> Placing similar data into files for future reference.
Retrieving
=>Recovering stored data and/or information when needed.
Feedback
=>Feedback is the comparison of the output(s) and the goal set in advance; any discrepancy is analyzed,
corrected, and fed back to the proper stage in the processing operation.