Data Capture Methods - Cambridge Nationals ICT

Data Capture Methods - Cambridge Nationals ICT

1. Barcode Readers

   • Read barcodes attached to products
   • Accompanied by a 13-digit number
   • Read by a laser
   • Applications
     • Supermarkets
     • Libraries
   • Advantages
     • Fast method of input
   • Disadvantages
     • Needs specialised equipment
     • Easily damaged - can be hard to read
     • Must be in sight of reader

2. Paper-Based Forms

   • Advantages
     • Can be posted for completion
     • Can be handed physically to recipients
   • Disadvantages
     • Not environmentally friendly
     • Slow to process
     • May not be returned
     • Inefficient
     • Errors may not be immediately detected, which could affect data validity

3. Online forms

   • Features
     • Radio button
       • Select one item from a list of options - only one can be selected
     • Text field
       • Enter unique data
       • e.g. Postcode
     • Drop-down list
       • Select one item from a predetermined list
     • Tick box
       • Choose one or more options from a range

4. Control System Sensors

   • E.g. Heat, light and moisture sensors
   • Measure data, then use an ADC to convert analogue to digital signals
   • Processed data fed back into the system for control is called feedback
   • Applications
     • Monitoring greenhouse temperature
     • Weather data
     • Traffic control
   • Advantages
     • Can capture physical quantities
     • Accurate recording
   • Disadvantages
     • Equipment cost
     • Requires specialist software

5. RFID Tags

   • Applications
     • Payment systems
     • Supply chain efficiency
     • Military goods tracking
   • Advantages
     • Tag does not need to be in sight of the reader
     • Location known at all times
   • Disadvantages
     • Needs specialist equipment

6. Near-Field Communication (NFC)

   • Applications
     • Contactless transactions
     • Data exchange at close quarters
   • Advantages
     • Simple to set up
     • Low speed connection
   • Disadvantages
     • Devices must be close together