Data processing system: Difference between revisions

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{{other#REDIRECT uses2|[[Data processing}}#Systems]]

{{refimprove|date=July 2013}}

A '''data processing system''' is a combination of [[machine]]s<!-- "data processing" is specific to machines, there is no data processing in nature, see the OED -->, people, and processes that for a set of [[Input/output|inputs]] produces a defined set of [[Input/output|outputs]]. The inputs and outputs are interpreted as [[data]], [[fact]]s, [[information]] etc. depending on the interpreter's relation to the system.

A term commonly used synonymously with ''data processing system'' is ''[[Information systems#Types of information systems|information system]]''.<ref name=Ralston>{{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of Computer Science 4th ed.|author=Anthony Ralston et al (ed.)|year=2000|publisher=Nature Publishing Group|page=865}}</ref> With regard particularly to [[electronic data processing]], the corresponding concept is referred to as '''electronic data processing system'''.

A data processing system may involve some combination of:

* [[Data conversion|Conversion]] converting data to another form or Language.

* [[Data validation|Validation]] &ndash; Ensuring that supplied data is "clean, correct and useful."

* [[Sorting]] &ndash; "arranging items in some sequence and/or in different sets."

* [[Summary statistic|Summarization]] &ndash; reducing detail data to its main points.

* [[Aggregate data|Aggregation]] &ndash; combining multiple pieces of data.

* [[Statistical analysis|Analysis]] &ndash; the "collection, organization, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data.".

* Reporting &ndash; list detail or summary data or computed information.

The first machines used for [[data processing]] were [[Unit record equipment|punched card machines]], now [[computer]]s are used.

==Types of data processing systems==

===By application area===

====Scientific data processing====

Scientific data processing "usually involves a great deal of computation (arithmetic and comparison operations) upon a relatively small amount of input data, resulting in a small volume of output." <ref name=Reddy>{{cite book|last=Reddy|first=R.J.|title=Business Data Processing & Computer Applications|year=2004|publisher=A P H Publishing Corporation|___location=New Dehli|isbn=8176486493|page=17|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FLKoXCts9ssC&lpg=PA17&dq=%22scientific%20data%20processing%22&pg=PA17#v=onepage&q=%22scientific%20data%20processing%22&f=false}}</ref>

====Commercial data processing====

Commercial data processing "involves a large volume of input data, relatively few computational operations, and a large volume of output."<ref name=Reddy /> Accounting programs are the prototypical examples of data processing applications. [[Information systems|Information Systems (IS)]] is the field that studies such organizational computer systems.

====Data analysis====

"[[Data analysis]] is a body of methods that help to describe facts, detect patterns, develop explanations, and test hypotheses."<ref>{{cite web|last=Dartmouth College|title=Introduction: What Is Data Analysis?|url=http://www.dartmouth.edu/~mss/data%20analysis/Volume%20I%20pdf%20/006%20Intro%20%28What%20is%20the%20weal.pdf|accessdate=July 5, 2013}}</ref> For example, data analysis might be used to look at sales and customer data to "identify connections between products to allow for cross selling campaigns."<ref>{{cite book|last1=Berthold|first1=M.R.|last2=Borgelt|first2=C|last3=Hőppner|first3=F.|last4=Klawonn|first4=F|title=Guide to Intelligent Data Analysis|year=2010|publisher=Springer|isbn=978-1-84882-260-3|page=15}}</ref>

===By service type<ref name=Ralston />===

* [[Transaction processing system|Transaction processing systems]]

* [[Information retrieval|Information storage and retrieval systems]]

* Command and control systems

* Computing service systems

* [[Control system|Process control systems]]

* Message switching systems

==Examples==

===Simple example===

A very simple example of a data processing system is the process of maintaining a check register. Transactions&mdash; checks and deposits&mdash; are recorded as they occur and the transactions are summarized to determine a current balance. Monthly the data recorded in the register is reconciled with a hopefully identical list of transactions processed by the bank.

A more sophisticated record keeping system might further identify the transactions&mdash; for example deposits by source or checks by type, such as charitable contributions. This information might be used to obtain information like the total of all contributions for the year.

The important thing about this example is that it is a ''system'', in which, all transactions are recorded consistently, and the same method of bank reconciliation is used each time.

===Real-world example===

This is a [[flowchart]] of a data processing system combining manual and computerized processing to handle [[accounts receivable]], billing, and [[general ledger]]

[[File:Stockbridge system flowchart example.jpg]]

==References==

{{Reflist}}

== See also ==

* [[Computational science|Scientific computing]]

* [[Information processing system]] (broader term)

== Further reading ==

* Bourque, Linda B.; Clark, Virginia A. (1992) Processing Data: The Survey Example. (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences, no. 07-085). Sage Publications. {{ISBN|0-8039-4741-0}}

[[Category:Data management]]

[[Category:Data processing]]