Commercial Data Processing Introduction What is CDP Commercial

Commercial Data Processing Introduction

What is CDP • Commercial Data Processing is the use of powerful computer systems to collect and process large volumes of data at high speed.

Reasons for CDP Systems They: • Process large volumes of data • Process data at high speeds – Ability to search through a large number of records quickly • Have the ability to do repetitive tasks without errors • Process the data fast • Ensure very accurate data

Management Information • CDP provides the managers of companies with information that can them with decisions: • Ordering Stock • Sales • Pricing Decisions

Advantages Over a Manual System • Orders can be processed much more quickly • Errors are less likely because of the checks built into the computer system • Direct mailings can be done automatically using a mail merge • Maintaining contact with & information about a large number customers

An Example Glasgow Airport • They process lots of data – The BA computer system processes thousands of pieces of data every second • They handle repetitive tasks easily – At peak periods the BA computer systems check in thousands of passengers each day, repeating the same process over and over again

• They process data at high speeds – Bags are checked in immediately the bar code is entered • They ensure very accurate data – Aircraft positions an times are accurately recorded by the computer system • They offer instant access to the data – Many authorised staff members in the airport can see the data instantly. The data on arrivals and departures is displayed to the public on large display screens

• The computer system makes it possible for: – The airport to cope with the thousands of people who travel on the planes – The movement of the planes – All the needs of the planes such as food and fuel – Dozens of airlines to use the airport

Lesson Objectives • Learn about: – Difference between data and Information – The Data Processing Cycle – Data Collection and Preparation Stage – Data Input Stage

Recap – Reasons for CDP They: • Process large volumes of data • Process data at high speeds – Ability to search through a large number of records quickly • Have the ability to do repetitive tasks without errors • Process the data fast • Ensure very accurate data

Data Vs Information Data is a collection of numbers, characters and symbols that a computer can use. It is meaningless to humans unless an explanation is given e. g. 19. 01. 06 A date e. g. 190106 What is it? Information is data that is in a form that means something to humans.

The Data Processing Cycle Data Collection & Preparation Data Output Data Input Data Processing & Storage

The Data Processing Cycle The 4 Stages: • Data Collection and Preparation • Data Input • Data Processing and Storage • Data Output

Data Collection & Preparation • The first stage in the • Scanning shopping at data processing cycle a supermarket is to collect and checkout prepare the data so • Clocking on at work that the computer can • Filling in a form understand it. – Source document • Data can be collected in a variety of different ways for example:

The Data Processing Cycle Data Collection & Preparation Data Input

Data Input • • • Magnetic stripes Smartcards Bar Codes Mark Sense Cards Magnetic Ink character recognition (MICR) Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Data Input: Magnetic stripes • Stripe of magnetic material on the back of cards such as bank cards. • Information is held on the magnetic stripe. • Simple, quick and accurate way to enter account details. • Relatively easy to forge • To counter this forgery the smartcard was developed…

Data Input: Smartcards (Chip&Pin) • Have a microchip & on-board memory instead of using the magnetic stripe to hold the information • Holds a lot more data and harder to forge than magnetic stripes

Data Input: Bar Codes • A set of lines varying in widths that represent a number • They are read by passing a light pen or bar code reader across them. • Contain information about the product such as: Item code, manufacturer, country of origin, size, etc.

Data Input: Mark Sense Cards • Sheet that contains boxes that a line is marked for a choice. • Good for multiple choice options like the National Lottery

Data Input: Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) • Uses magnetic ink to print information on cheques • Harder to forge than using normal ink

Lesson Objectives • Learn about: – Error Checking – Interactive Processing – Backup & Updating – Files, Records & Fields – Data Output

Recap – Reasons for CDP • Process large volumes of data • Process data at high speeds • Repetitive tasks without errors • Process the data fast • Ensure very accurate data

Recap – Data Input • Magnetic stripes • Smartcards • Bar Codes • Mark Sense Cards • MICR

Data Input: Optical Character Recognition (OCR) • Optical Character Reader recognises letters and characters. • With special software a scanner can do OCR • Widely used by the Post Office to sort mail.

Error Checking Ensuring the data entered is correct Types: – Validation • Check Digit • Range check • Length check – Verification • Enter it twice

The Data Processing Cycle Data Collection & Preparation Data Input Data Processing & Storage

• File – Organised collection of related data • Record – A group of related data items that could be considered as one unit • Fields – One bit of information within a record

Data Processing & Storage • Interactive Processing – Computer system process the data immediately it is entered – The results are then fed back to the users immediately • Updating – When a file is changed then it is updated • Backup – At least one spare copy of the data should be kept

The Data Processing Cycle Data Collection & Preparation Data Output Data Input Data Processing & Storage

Data Output • Paper – Bills – Statements – Tickets • Screen – Online bills – Information screens

The Data Processing Cycle Data Collection & Preparation Data Output Data Input Data Processing & Storage

Lesson Objectives • Learn about: – E-Commerce – EFT / EPOS – Job Types – Economic Implications – Security & Privacy

E-Commerce • Using networks to buy and sell products & services • Shopping online – EBay, Amazon, Tesco, etc • Online banking – Allows you to keep track of accounts

EFT/EPOS • Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) – A way of paying for goods without using cash – The amount of money is transferred directly from your bank to the shop’s bank account • Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) – Computerised system that collects data from checkout

EFTPOS • Advantages – Less cash so less chance for theft • Better for both customer & business – Less paperwork • Disadvantages – Expensive to install – Easy to overspend when not using cash

Effects on Business New jobs are have been created since computers became used for CDP that didn’t exist before.

Job Types & Careers Programmer Systems Analyst Engineer Network Manager Computer Operator

Systems Analyst Looks at the manual tasks carried out by a company and decides whether these would be better or even possible by using computers instead.

Programmer • When the System Analyst is finished they consult with the Programmer to discussed requirements • The Programmer then writes the code for the programs required.

Engineer / Technician • The person responsible for the maintenance and repairs of all the equipment.

Network Manager • Controls who has access to network • Controls installation of software & hardware

Computer Operator • This person is involved with the day to day running of the complete computer system. • They run the programs that process the data previously input.

Economic Implications • Initial Cost – Buying & setting up the system is expensive • Running Cost – – Paper, ink, Electricity, Maintenance

Security & Privacy • Information must be accurate & up to date • Files must be kept private • Sale of mailing lists – Companies can sell the customer details to other companies – The person must be told and must give permission for their information to be passed on.

Task • Answer questions pg 193 of book – – Foundation KU Foundation PS General KU General PS - 4 -11

Lesson Objectives • Learn about: – E-Commerce – EFT / EPOS – Job Types – Economic Implications – Security & Privacy