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Real-time means the processing is performed immediately after the data is entered. The term real-time may also be used to indicate online processing. An example of online processing is an airline reservation system. Online processing may also be called interactive processing. The data is processed, and the output is received before the next input data is entered. Each set of data for a transaction is entered directly into the computer.
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With online processing, or OLTP, a person uses a screen and keyboard or I/O device connected to the computer at the time the processing is done. An example of batch processing is overnight payroll check processing and printing. Then the batch of data is processed by the computer, and the resulting output is received in a batch. In batch processing, data for all transactions to be processed are prepared in form understandable to the computer before actual processing begins. A TPS may use both online and batch processing. Another processing function is decision making, or checking for conditions and acting on them.ĭata in a TPS can be processed using two basic approaches: batch and online processing.
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One function that just involves data processing and not any of the other functions is computation, such as calculating details and totals. Processing involves manipulating data within the system.
LARGE TRANSACTION PROCESSING SYSTEM UPDATE
Transaction data is used to update master data. Updating can involve adding new data, changing current data, and deleting old data. The TPS must update the data periodically to keep it current. The data put into a file or database when it is created will become obsolete over time. The item list should then be sorted in descending order of cost. For example, the inventory system may produce a report of the 5 most expensive items. Sometimes, before a TPS can access data, it must be arranged in an order that is useful to the system, a process called sorting. The data is accessed to produce reports, update master files, and other purposes. Once the update was complete, the transaction file would be cleared and a new list of transactions would be started.Īfter the data is created, the TPS can retrieve data from the file or database, a process called accessing the data. That data would be used to update the inventory master file. For example, in the inventory control system, a transaction file would contain data about inventory transactions. The transaction data is then replaced with other transaction data for new transactions. Transaction data usually remains with the system only until the transactions are processed. Transaction data is data about transactions that have occurred. For example, an inventory system would have an inventory master file with one record for each item in inventory. Master data is usually permanent data that remains in the system as long as the system is in use. Master data is the main data used by the TPS. Two types of stored data are commonly found in TPSs: transaction and master data. Exception reports indicate data that are exceptions to some condition or standard.ĭata in a TPS is stored to data files and databases. A summary report summarizes data at various levels. A detailed report lists details about transactions, such as inventory movement. Several types of reports are commonly produced by TPSs. Much output from a TPS is in the form of reports. For example, inventory receiving data might be checked to ensure that all number entries are numeric that the item is known to the system, and that quantities are in acceptable ranges. Once the data is entered, a program checks it for errors, a process called data validation. Data entry means using a screen similar to the one in this figure to enter data. The receiving report is an example of a source document that is used to perform data entry.
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The storage function stores the data for use.īefore transaction data can be brought into a TPS, it must be acquired from its source. The output function makes the processing results available outside the system. The processing output transforms the data in some way. The input function accepts data for processing from outside the system. Like other information systems, TPSs perform four main functions: input, processing, output, and data storage. Output includes data back to other TPSs, screens, and reports. Input data comes from users and other TPS. Users of the system are typically personnel who work with business transactions, such as salespeople. The structure of a TPS generally consists of a user or other TPS that interacts with TPS software, and stored data used by the TPS.
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