Processing Methods

Processing Methods

1. Batch Processing

   • It is often better to deal with data after a set amount has been reached or time period has passed
     • The data is stored until the system comes online to process all of the data in one 'batch'
     • Data that is processed in a batches does not usually require user interaction apart from the initial run
       • The user interface of the batch process is often code based. Parameters of the process can be entered here
   • Examples
     • A stock control programme may store records of sales throughout the day. At the end of the day it processes the data in a batch and determines what needs to be ordered
     • An online competition stores all the entries and processes the data once it is time for the winner to be announced
     • Electricity, gas and telephone bills are processed monthly
     • Bank statements are processed monthly
     • Payrolls will be processed either weekly or monthly
   • Processing data sets
     • Can be done during less busy times
     • Large amounts of data can be submitted to a super-computer to run a batch process
       • Once complete an output data set is available for further analysis and visualisation (Feedback)
   • Processing print outs
     • This is the most common form of batch processing
       • An input data set results in a set of printed documents
     • Example, a payroll run results in a set of pay slips to be issued
   • Disadvantage
     • Time delay between collecting the input data and getting an output
     • A batch run can fail due to a data input problem

2. Interactive/Transactional processing

   • Inputs are processed by the computer with a short delay
     • The delay is spent handling other inputs and managing data movements
   • The delay is so short that it looks as if it has happened straight away
     • In 'computer time', where each computer cycle is less than a millionth of a second, it will have spent many cycles doing other things
   • Examples
     • Booking concert tickets
     • Ordering books online
     • Handling bank accounts
     • Booking a holiday
   • Once the transaction is accepted, the database will be updated
     • Once a hotel booking form has been submitted, feedback will be sent to inform you of the room you have booked
   • User interface is very important with interactive processing
     • It must be clear, intuitive, easy to use and responsive.
     • Data validation ensures that the data is correctly inputted
     • A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is the most common type of interface for this interactive/transactional processing

3. Real time processing

   • Real time processing is usually found in systems that use computer control
   • Real time processing is used when it is essential that the input request is dealt with quickly enough so as to be able to control an output properly
     • This is called 'latency'
     • Real time processing has to be programmed very carefully to ensure that no input events are missed
   • The computer inside the Engine Control Unit in a car has to manage the engine at every moment based on what the driver wants to do
   • Real time processing does not have to be 'fast'
     • A traffic light system is real time but it only needs to process data relatively slow
     • However, controlling a car engine has to deal with input events happening every thousandth of a second
   • Examples
     • Traffic lights
     • Heart rate monitoring
     • Aircraft control
     • Computer games
     • Controlling robots
   • Specialist input devices may be used in a real time system to provide data input
     • A car driver will be providing input data to the on board computer with throttle and brake pedals
     • A gamer may be using a joystick or controller to interact with the real time game