Types of Processing

Types of Processing

1. Batch

   • A batch job is where data is collected together in a group or batch before processing takes place.
   • Batch processing is best suited to regular jobs that happen at a scheduled time and involves large quantities of data.
   • Because of the time available, batch processing tends to have strong error-checking features built in, so information produced tends to be extremely accurate.
   • It tends to use fewer system resources than interactive processing, as it does not need a live communication link between the computer and a user for the most of the time in the way that interactive processing does.
   • Collected over time and processed as a single operation for example payroll and household utility bills.
   • Once started doesn't need human interaction.
   • Data to be input is collected at once during a set period of time.
   • Disadvantages - take a long time, often run overnight, run may fail, any errors in calculations would affect all customers, not suitable for tasks that need to be processed right away.

2. Interactive

   • There is interaction between the ICT system and the user
   • The user reacts to prompts from the computer and the computer uses these prompts to process data.
   • Many computer systems in the modern world work this way.
   • The interaction occurs in real time and the input-process-output is controlled by the user.
   • Dialogue between the user and the system.
   • Immediate responses from the system
   • Examples - instant messaging, playing a games console, using a wizard
   • Argos - allows customers to check whether the goods are in stock when they enter the item number they wish to purchase. the system will immediately tell them whether the item is available.

3. Transaction

   • Allows many users to access and update a system at apparently the same time.
   • Each transaction must be completed before the next one has begun.
   • The main aim of a transaction processing system is to be able to work quickly with a large amount of different transactions taking place, sometimes with many different users.
   • You or your family may be familiar with online transaction processing systems, for example a travel booking system or when purchasing cinema tickets using the ICT booking system.
   • Updates (makes a single change) data held on a system.
   • Each item is dealt with as it is submitted.
   • Examples - booking airline tickets, transferring money between bank accounts.
   • Usually there are multiple users of a transaction processing system.