Input Design and Control & Output Design
Topic 7: Input Design and Control & Output Design
Input Design and Control
Focuses on: - Creating user-friendly and efficient data entry processes. - Minimizing errors in data entry. - Ensuring data integrity for reliable system outputs.
Control systems aim to: - Regulate and maintain desired outputs by manipulating inputs.
Input Design
Involves mechanisms that facilitate the entry of data into the computer system, which includes: - Highly structured data (e.g., order information: item numbers, quantities, costs). - Unstructured information (e.g., comments).
Input design encompasses: - Designing screens used for information entry. - Creating forms where users write or type information (e.g., time cards, expense claims).
Goal: - Capture accurate information for the system in a simple and easy manner.
Quality of Input
Input is defined as the raw data processed to produce output.
The quality of system input directly determines the quality of system output.
Well-designed input forms and screens should have properties that include: - Effectively serve specific purposes like storing, recording, and retrieving information. - Ensure proper completion with accuracy. - Be easy to fill and straightforward. - Focus on user attention, consistency, and simplicity.
Objectives of Input Design
Design data entry and input procedures.
Reduce input volume.
Create source documents for data capture or devise other methods of capturing data.
Design input data records, data entry screens, user interface screens, etc.
Utilize validation checks and develop effective input controls.
Types of Input Design
Two general approaches to entering inputs into computer systems: - Online Processing: - Each input item (e.g., customer order, purchase order) is entered individually, usually simultaneously with the event prompting the input. - Examples include: - Borrowing a book from a library. - Purchasing an item at a store. - Making an airline reservation. - Important for real-time information about business processes (e.g., reserving an airline seat). - Batch Processing: - All inputs collected over a period of time are entered at once, creating a batch. - Common processes utilizing batch processing: - Hourly payrolls are processed via time cards gathered in batches. - Stores send sales information to district offices in batches. - Simplifies data communications, reduces costs, but lacks real-time accuracy. - Use cases include billing for utilities like telephone, gas, electric, cable TV, and payroll.
Data Capture, Data Entry, and Data Processing
Input begins before data arrives at the device. Key design elements include: - Designing source documents, input screens, methods, and procedures for data entry. - Principle: Capture data in electronic format as close to the original source as possible.
Data Processing Types: - Batch processing. - Online processing. - Remote batch processing.
Input Methods
Various input devices are taught in introductory information systems courses: - Keyboard Data Entry: - Most common input method, prone to human error. - Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) improve input accuracy by restricting choices. - Touch Screen: - Effective in handheld and palm-top computers; often supports handwriting recognition.
Specific Input Methods
Point-of-Sale (POS): - Replaces cash registers, captures data at the point of sale, speeds up transactions.
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs): - POS terminals operated by consumers.
Sound and Speech Input: - Utilizes voice recognition technology for data input.
Magnetic Ink (MICR): - Involves magnetic stripe cards for transactions, security access, attendance tracking.
Smart Cards: - Contains microprocessor, memory, and battery; stores extensive information; applications in health records and financial transactions.
Biometrics: - Captures unique human characteristics for identification using sensors. - Provides reliable means for identification.
Input Methods - Process Overview
Process | Method | Description |
|---|---|---|
Data Capture | Keyboard | Data is captured on business forms; real-time possible. |
Mouse | Similar to keyboard input. | |
Touch Screen | Data entered via touch-enabled devices. | |
Data Entry | Keyboard | Most common form but prone to errors. |
Mouse | Simplifies data entry. | |
Touch Screen | Users make choices or enter data through recognition. | |
Data Processing | OLD: Batch | Data collected into files for batch processing. |
NEW: Online | Data processed as soon as keyed in. |
Input Verification and Control
Effective methods for input verification include: - Use of Self-checking Numbers. - Visually Displaying Identifying Characteristics. - Hash Totals. - Range Checking. - Reasonableness Tests. - Verification of Codes and Data Types. - Verification of Data Combinations. - Sequence Check.
Output Design
Critical aspects of system development focused on: - Identifying types of required outputs. - Considering necessary output controls. - Prototyping report layouts.
Objectives of Output Design
Develop designs that fulfill intended purposes, avoiding unwanted output.
Meet end-user requirements with the output design.
Deliver appropriate output quantity.
Format the output correctly and direct it to the right audience.
Ensure outputs are timely to aid decision-making.
Internal Outputs
Exist within the system and are utilized by end-users and managers for decision-making.
Types of internal reports produced by management information include: - Detailed Reports: - Present information with no filtering, aiding management planning. - Summary Reports: - Contain categorical trends and potential issues for managers seeking overarching insights. - Exception Reports: - Present exceptions, filtered data according to conditions or standards, offering focused insight for management evaluation.