From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Data processing is the collection and manipulation of digital data to produce meaningful information.[1]
Data processing is a form of information processing, which is the modification (processing) of information in any manner detectable by an observer.[note 1]
The term «Data Processing», or «DP» has also been used to refer to a department within an organization responsible for the operation of data processing programs.[2]
Data processing functions[edit]
Data processing may involve various processes, including:
- Validation – Ensuring that supplied data is correct and relevant.
- Sorting – «arranging items in some sequence and/or in different sets.»
- Summarization(statistical) or (automatic) – reducing detailed data to its main points.
- Aggregation – combining multiple pieces of data.
- Analysis – the «collection, organization, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data.»
- Reporting – list detail or summary data or computed information.
- Classification – separation of data into various categories.
History[edit]
The United States Census Bureau history illustrates the evolution of data processing from manual through electronic procedures.
Manual data processing[edit]
Although widespread use of the term data processing dates only from the 1950’s, [3] data processing functions have been performed manually for millennia. For example, bookkeeping involves functions such as posting transactions and producing reports like the balance sheet and the cash flow statement. Completely manual methods were augmented by the application of mechanical or electronic calculators. A person whose job was to perform calculations manually or using a calculator was called a «computer.»
The 1890 United States Census schedule was the first to gather data by individual rather than household. A number of questions could be answered by making a check in the appropriate box on the form. From 1850 to 1880 the Census Bureau employed «a system of tallying, which, by reason of the increasing number of combinations of classifications required, became increasingly complex. Only a limited number of combinations could be recorded in one tally, so it was necessary to handle the schedules 5 or 6 times, for as many independent tallies.»[4] «It took over 7 years to publish the results of the 1880 census»[5] using manual processing methods.
Automatic data processing[edit]
The term automatic data processing was applied to operations performed by means of unit record equipment, such as Herman Hollerith’s application of punched card equipment for the 1890 United States Census. «Using Hollerith’s punchcard equipment, the Census Office was able to complete tabulating most of the 1890 census data in 2 to 3 years, compared with 7 to 8 years for the 1880 census. It is estimated that using Hollerith’s system saved some $5 million in processing costs»[5] in 1890 dollars even though there were twice as many questions as in 1880.
Electronic data processing[edit]
Computerized data processing, or Electronic data processing represents a later development, with a computer used instead of several independent pieces of equipment. The Census Bureau first made limited use of electronic computers for the 1950 United States Census, using a UNIVAC I system,[4] delivered in 1952.
Other developments[edit]
The term data processing has mostly been subsumed by the more general term information technology (IT).[6] The older term «data processing» is suggestive of older technologies. For example, in 1996 the Data Processing Management Association (DPMA) changed its name to the Association of Information Technology Professionals. Nevertheless, the terms are approximately synonymous.
Applications[edit]
Commercial data processing[edit]
Commercial data processing involves a large volume of input data, relatively few computational operations, and a large volume of output. For example, an insurance company needs to keep records on tens or hundreds of thousands of policies, print and mail bills, and receive and post payments.
Data analysis[edit]
In science and engineering, the terms data processing and information systems are considered too broad, and the term data processing is typically used for the initial stage followed by a data analysis in the second stage of the overall data handling.
Data analysis uses specialized algorithms and statistical calculations that are less often observed in a typical general business environment. For data analysis, software suites like SPSS or SAS, or their free counterparts such as DAP, gretl or PSPP are often used.
Systems[edit]
A data processing system is a combination of machines, people, and processes that for a set of inputs produces a defined set of outputs. The inputs and outputs are interpreted as data, facts, information etc. depending on the interpreter’s relation to the system.
A term commonly used synonymously with data or storage (codes) processing system is information system.[7] With regard particularly to electronic data processing, the corresponding concept is referred to as electronic data processing system.
Examples[edit]
Simple example[edit]
A very simple example of a data processing system is the process of maintaining a check register. Transactions— checks and deposits— 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— 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[edit]
This is a flowchart of a data processing system combining manual and computerized processing to handle accounts receivable, billing, and general ledger
See also[edit]
- Scientific computing
- Big data
- Computation
- Decision-making software
- Information and communications technology
- Information technology
- Computer science
Notes[edit]
- ^ Data processing is distinct from word processing, which is manipulation of text specifically rather than data generally. «data processing». Webopedia. September 1996. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
External links[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ French, Carl (1996). Data Processing and Information Technology (10th ed.). Thomson. p. 2. ISBN 1844801004.
- ^ Illingworth, Valerie (11 December 1997). Dictionary of Computing. Oxford Paperback Reference (4th ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780192800466.
- ^ Google N gram viewer. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
- ^ a b Truesdell, Leon E. (1965). The development of punch card tabulation in the Bureau of the Census, 1890. United States Department of Commerce.
- ^ a b Bohme, Frederick; Wyatt, J. Paul; Curry, James P. (1991). 100 Years of Data Processing: The Punchcard Century. United States Bureau of the Census.
- ^ Google N gram viewer. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
- ^ Anthony Ralston; et al., eds. (2000). Encyclopedia of Computer Science 4th ed. Nature Publishing Group. p. 865.
Further reading[edit]
- 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
- Levy, Joseph (1967) Punched Card Data Processing. McGraw-Hill Book Company.
- data processing
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обработка данных
1) в общем случае — автоматизированная работа, выполняемая компьютером data processing). Различают обработку числовых данных и обработку символьных данных
3) преобразование данных, необходимое для получения конкретного результата; обычно термин ассоциируется с коммерческими приложениями типа бухгалтерских программ или корпоративными информационными системами
Англо-русский толковый словарь терминов и сокращений по ВТ, Интернету и программированию. .
1998-2007.
Смотреть что такое «data processing» в других словарях:
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data processing — ➔ processing * * * data processing UK US noun [U] (also electronic data processing, ABBREVIATION EDP) ► IT the use of a computer to store, organize, and use information: »He devised a data pr … Financial and business terms
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data processing — data processor. processing of information, esp. the handling of information by computers in accordance with strictly defined systems of procedure. Also called information processing. [1950 55] * * * Manipulation of data by a computer. It includes … Universalium
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data processing — n. the rapid recording and handling of large amounts of information, as business data, by means of mechanical or, esp., computer equipment … English World dictionary
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Data Processing — [engl.], Datenverarbeitung … Universal-Lexikon
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data processing — n [U] the use of computers to store and organize information, especially in business … Dictionary of contemporary English
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Data processing — otheruses|Data entry clerk Data processing is any computer process that converts data into information or knowledge. [i.e. data processing can be any computer operation or series of operations performed on data to get insightful information.] The … Wikipedia
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data processing — noun (computer science) a series of operations on data by a computer in order to retrieve or transform or classify information (Freq. 1) • Topics: ↑computer science, ↑computing • Hypernyms: ↑processing • Hyponyms … Useful english dictionary
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data processing — also data processing N UNCOUNT Data processing is the series of operations that are carried out on data, especially by computers, in order to present, interpret, or obtain information. Taylor s company makes data processing systems … English dictionary
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data processing — DP The class of computing operations that manipulate large quantities of information. In business, these operations include book keeping, printing invoices and mail shots, payroll calculations, and general record keeping. Data processing forms a… … Accounting dictionary
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data processing — DP The class of computing operations that manipulate large quantities of information. In business, these operations include book keeping, printing invoices and mail shots, payroll calculations, and general record keeping. Data processing forms a… … Big dictionary of business and management
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data processing — Abbreviated DP. Also called electronic data processing (EDP). A term used to describe work done by minicomputers and mainframe computers in a data center or business environment … Dictionary of networking
Introduction
Whether the internet is used to research a topic, make transactions online, food ordering, data is continuously generating each second. The amount of data has increased due to the increased utilisation of online shopping, social media and streaming services. A study has estimated that 1.7MB of data is generated each second for every single human being on this earth in 2020. To avail and get intuitions from such huge amounts of data – data processing is useful.
So what is Data Processing? To be put in simple words is the collection, manipulation, and processing of collected data for the intended use. It translates huge amounts of collected data into a desirable form used by commoners to analyze and interpret the meaning of data processed. Data processing in computers refers to the manipulation of data by computers. This is inclusive of output formatting or transformation. Data flow through the memory and CPU to the output device and of course, the reformation of raw data into machine language.
- What is Data Processing?
- How is data processed?
- Different Types Of Output
- Different Methods
- Types
- Why we should use Data Processing
1) What is Data Processing?
Concept of Data processing is collecting and manipulating data into a usable and appropriate form. The automatic processing of data in a predetermined sequence of operations is the manipulation of data. The processing nowadays is automatically done by using computers, which is faster and gives accurate results.
Thereafter, the data collected is processed and then translated into a desirable form as per requirements, useful for performing tasks. The data is acquired from various sources like excel file, database, text file data, and unorganised data such as audio clips, images, GPRS and video clips. The most commonly used tools for data processing are Storm, Hadoop, HPCC, Statwing, Qubole and CouchDB. The output is worthwhile information various file formats like a chart, audio, table, graph, image, vector file depending on software or application necessary.
Therefore the meaning of Data processing is a method of collecting raw data and converting it into useful information. Data Processing is performed in a predetermined procedure by a team of data scientists and data engineers in an organization.
2) How is data processed?
Data processing requires six steps, and those are:
- Data Collection: The primary stage of data processing is to collect data. Data is acquired from sources like data lakes and data warehouses. The collected data must be trustworthy and of high quality.
- Data Preparation: Also called “pre-processing”, this stage is where the collected data is cleansed by checking for errors and arranged for the following data processing stage. Elimination of useless data and generating quality data for quality business intelligence is the motive of this stage.
- Data Input: The prepared data is translated into machine language by using a CRM such as Salesforce and Redshift, a data warehouse.
- Processing: The processing of input data is done for interpretation. The processing is accomplished by machine learning algorithms. Their process is variable depending on the data which is processed (connected devices, social networks, data lakes, etc.) and the intended use (medical diagnosis, ascertaining customer wants, examining advertising patterns, etc.).
- Data Interpretation: The non-data scientists find this data very helpful. The data is converted into videos, graphs, images and plain text. Members of a company can start analysing this data and applying it to their projects.
- Data Storage: Storage utilisation in future is the final step of processing. Effective Properly storage of data is necessary for compliance with GDPR (data protection legislation). Properly stored data to be accessed easily and quickly by employees of an institution as and when needed is of utmost importance.
3) Different Types Of Output
The different types of output files in data processing are –
- Plain Text File – The text file is the simplest format of a data file will be exported as Notepad or WordPad files.
- Table/Spreadsheet – the data is represented in columns and rows, that helps in quick analysis and understanding of data. Tables/ Spreadsheet allows numerous operations like sorting & filtering in descending/ascending order and statistical operations.
- Charts and graphs – The most common features in almost all software is the graphs and charts format. This format enables easy analysis of data by just a glance.
- Maps/Vector or Image File – The requirement to store and analyse spatial data and export data can be fulfilled by this image and map formats.
- Specialised software can process software specific file formats.
4) Different Methods
The three prominent data processing methods are as follows:
- Manual Data Processing: Data is processed manually in this data processing method. The entire procedure of data collecting, filtering, sorting, calculation and alternative logical operations is all carried out with human intervention without using any electronic device or automation software. It’s a low-priced methodology and needs very little to no tools; however, it produces high errors and requires high labour prices and much of your time.
- Mechanical Data Processing: data is processed using machines and simple devices such as typewriters, calculators, printing press, etc. Simple data processing operations can be accomplished by this method. There are fewer errors compared to manual data processing, but the only drawback is that this method cannot be utilized with the increase of data.
- Electronic Data Processing: Data processing softwares and programs are used to process data. A series of instructions are given to the software to process the data and produce the desired output. It is more expensive but provides faster processing with the highest reliability and accuracy.
5) Types
The types of data processing are as below:
- Batch Processing: The collection and processing of data is done in batches where there is a huge quantity of data. E.g., the payroll system.
- Real-time processing: For a small quantity of data, real-time processing is done where data can be processed within seconds of data input.
E.g., withdrawing money from ATM
- Online Processing: As and when data is available, it is automatically entered in the CPU. This is useful for processing of data continuously.
E.g., barcode scanning
- Multiprocessing: This also goes by the name parallel processing, where data is fragmented into small frames and processed in two CPUs within a single computer system.
E.g., weather forecasting
- Time-sharing: Allocates computer resources and data in time slots to several users simultaneously.
6) Why we should use Data Processing
In the modern era, most of the work relies on data, therefore collection of large amounts of data for different purposes like academic, scientific research, institutional use, personal and private use, for commercial purposes and lots more. The processing of this data collected is essential so that the data goes through all the above-stated steps and gets sorted, stored, filtered, presented in the required format and analyzed.
The amount of time consumed and the intricacy of processing will depend on the required results. In situations where large amounts of data are acquired, the necessity of processing to obtain authentic results with the help of data processing in data mining and data processing in data research gets inevitable.
Conclusion
Finally, to define data processing in simple terms, it is the procurement of worthwhile information by conversion of data. The processing of data is done in six stages which are data collection, sorting of data, storage of data, processing of data, data presentation and data analysis.
The three prominent methods of processing data are Mechanical, Electronic and Manual. Data processing is crucial for organizations to create better business strategies and increase their competitive edge. By changing the data into a legible format like graphs, charts and documents, workers throughout the organization will be able to perceive and use the data to analyse and interpret according to their requirements.
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- Data Science Roadmap – An Easy Guide For 2021
Meaning data processing
What does data processing mean? Here you find 22 meanings of the word data processing. You can also add a definition of data processing yourself
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1 The operation performed on data in order to derive new information according to a given set of rules.
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0 data processingRelationships Narrower Term: automatic data processing electronic data processing Synonym: information processing n. ~ The analysis, organization, storage, retrieval, and manipulation of data, esp [..]
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0 data processingDefinition Series of manual, automatic or electronic operations such as validating, sorting, summarising, and aggregating data. These operations are usually followed with data retrieval, transformatio [..]
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0 data processingThe conversion, sorting, allocation or otherwise systematic and standard manipulation of project data by computer programming. It speeds results and reduces the staff that would otherwise be required [..]
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0 data processingAny operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data, such as collecting; recording; organizing; storing; adapting or altering; retrieving; consulting; using; disclosing by transmiss [..]
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0 data processingThe systematic performance of operations upon data, for example, handling, merging, sorting and computing.
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0 data processingThe systematic performance of operations upon data such as handling, merging, sorting, and computing. Note: The semantic content of the original data should not be changed. The semantic content of the processed data may be changed. Synonym information processing.
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0 data processing(1) Refers to a class of programs that organize and manipulate data, usually large amounts of numeric data. Accounting programs are the prototypical examples of data processing applications. In contra [..]
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0 data processingThe systematic performance of a single operation or sequence of operations by one or more central processing units on data converted to machine-readable format to achieve the result for which the comp [..]
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0 data processingWithin the field of information technology, data processing typically means the processing of information by machines.
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0 data processingData processing involves a system which processes information after it has been encoded into data, including performance of operations upon data such as handling, merging, sorting, and computing.
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0 data processingAntennas on the ground receive raw telemetry from satellites. These raw data must be processed by applying corrections and combining them with complementary data before they are usable. Data are processed to different levels: Level 0: raw telemetry Level 1: time-tagged data located and corrected for perturbing effects (level 1, 1.5 and 1b data fall [..]
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0 data processingData processing is a computer process that converts data into required information. The processing is usually assumed to be automated and running on a computer. There are many data processing applicat [..]
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0 data processingAntennas on the ground receive raw telemetry from satellites. These raw data must be processed by applying corrections and combining them with complementary data before they are usable. Data are processed to different levels: Level 0: raw telemetry Level 1: time-tagged data located and corrected for perturbing effects (level 1, 1.5 and 1b data fall [..]
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0 data processingComponent activities include:
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0 data processingA process that converts raw data into machine readable form, then sorts, edits, manipulates and presents the data in order to create information.
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0 data processingn. procesamiento de datos
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0 data processingThe processing of information, either electronically or manually.
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0 data processingData processing largely performed by automatic means.
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0 data processingTypically refers to the coding and tabulation processes involved in marketing research studies. The term is also used in information technology to have a broader meaning that encompasses the processin [..]
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0 data processingThe systematic performance of operations upon data such as handling, merging, sorting, and computing.
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0 data processingThe execution of a systematic sequence of operations performed upon data. Synonymous with information processing.
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Dictionary.university is a dictionary written by people like you and me.
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Add meaning
As the world is becoming more data-driven day by day, the need to gain valuable insights from data is also growing. Nowadays, Data Analytics has grown in popular demand in major industries such as E-Commerce, Education, Healthcare, Banking, Travel, Retail, etc. So how are these industries able to gain these valuable insights from massive data sources? And what is Data Processing?
Data Processing is the process by which data is manipulated by many computers. It is the process of converting raw data into a machine-readable format and also transforming and formatting the output data that gets generated according to the business requirements.
Simply put, Data Processing is any process that involves using computers to operate on different forms of data. It plays a major part in the commercial world as this process helps in processing data that is required to run various organizations.
In the thing guide, we’ll explore in detail common questions like- What is data processing? And how is data processed? We’ll walk you through methods of data processing, types of data processing, their associated advantages, and applications. Lastly, we’ll cover the topic of what is data processing in the future. Without further ado, let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents
- What is Data Processing?
- How is Data Processed?
- What are the Types of Data Processing?
- What are the Methods of Data Processing?
- Manual Data Processing
- Mechanical Data Processing
- Digital/Electronic Data Processing
- What are the Advantages of Digital Data Processing?
- What are the Applications of Digital Data Processing?
- What is Mechanical Data Processing?
- What Types of Output get from Data Processing?
- The Future of Data Processing
- Conclusion
Gone are the days when enterprises used Manual Data Processing methods to convert raw information into a machine-readable format. Today every individual and business needs to know what is data processing.
Data Processing is the process whereby computers are used to convert data into better formats for gaining valuable analysis for companies.
Nowadays, companies use Digital Data Processing methods. In Manual Data Processing, companies don’t use machines, software, or any tools to acquire valuable information; instead, employees perform logical operations and calculations on the data manually.
Furthermore, data is also moved from one step to another by manual means. It takes a lot of time, cost and space to perform Manual Data Processing. Employees need excessive hard work, and effort to do Manual Data Processing, but data can get misplaced and lost easily in this approach.
In order to combat these challenges, enterprises have adopted Digital or Electronic Data Processing methods, abbreviated as EDP. Machines like computers, workstations, servers, modems, processing software, and tools are used to perform automatic processing. These tools generate outputs in the form of graphs, charts, images, tables, audio, video extensions, vector files, and other desired formats as per the business requirements.
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How is Data Processed?
After having been briefed on what is data processing, let’s now discuss how data is processed. A Data Processing Cycle consists of 6 stages:
- Collection
- Preparation
- Input
- Processing
- Output
- Storage
1) Collection
It involves the collection of resource types, the quality of data being used, and the raw information that is needed to process data. The mediums adopted by the company to gather the data are highly critical and must be checked before moving forward.
The collection step is the root of the entire cycle; it tells companies what they want to interpret and what they want to improve. It is essential to use reliable and trustworthy Data Lakes or Data Warehouses to generate desirable outcomes.
2) Preparation
The Data Preparation or pre-processing stage is the second stage of the cycle in which raw data is polished or prepared for the next stages. Data collected from reliable sources is checked for errors, redundant or repetitive entries, and duplicate copies to make it clean and unique datasets.
3) Input
In this stage, clean data is converted into a machine-readable format or valuable information. It is the first step to achieving usable results and outcomes. It is a complicated step as fast processing power, speed, accuracy, and time are needed to convert the data into machine-readable syntax.
4) Processing
Different algorithms, statistical calculations, and AI/ML/DL (Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning/ Deep Learning) tools are used at this stage to process data. Processing of data under the bridge of these algorithms and tools enables enterprises to generate information for interpretation and explanation purposes.
5) Output
After processing data from the previous four stages, it becomes ready for presenting it in front of users. Reports, documents, charts, tables, graphs, images, multimedia, audio, and video files are used to present information. The presentation of output must be in a format that immediately helps users to extract meaningful statistics.
6) Storage
After getting valuable information, it is kept for future use. By storing the information properly, authenticated users can access them easily and quickly.
What are the Types of Data Processing?
Many factors such as timeline, software compatibility, hardware complexity, and technology requirements, must be considered when determining the type of technique. There are generally 5 types:
- Batch Processing
- Real-Time/ Stream Processing
- Time-Sharing
- Multiprocessing
- Online Processing
1) Batch Processing
In Batch Processing, a large volume of data is processed all at once. Batch Processing completes work in non-stop and sequential order. It is an efficient and reliable way to process a large volume of data simultaneously as it reduces operational costs.
The Batch Processing procedure contains distinct programs to perform input, process, and output functionalities. Hadoop is an example of a Batch Processing technique in which data is first collected, processed, and then batch outcomes are produced over an extensive period.
Payroll systems, invoices, supply chain, and billing systems use the Batch Processing method. Moreover, beverage processing, dairy farm processing, soap manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and biotech products also practice Batch Processing techniques.
Batch Processing methods come up with debugging issues and errors. IT professionals and experts are needed to solve these glitches. Although Batch Processing Techniques limit the operational costs, it is still an expensive method as a large amount of investment is required to hire experts and technical personnel.
2) Real-Time/ Stream Processing
As the name indicates, this type of processing enables public and commercial enterprises to achieve real-time analysis of data. In Real-Time Data Processing (RTC), continuous input is essential to process data and acquire valuable outcomes.
The period is minimal to process data, meaning businesses receive up-to-date information to explore opportunities, reduce threats and intercept challenging situations like cyber-attacks. For example, radar systems, traffic control systems, airline monitoring, command control systems, ATM transactions, and customer service operations use Real-Time Processing techniques to obtain valuable insights instantly.
Amazon Kinesis, Apache Flink, Apache Storm, Apache Spark, Apache Samza, Apache Kafka, Apache Flume, Azure Stream Analytics, IBM Streaming Analytics, Google Cloud DataFlow, Striim, and StreamSQL are Real-Time Data Processing tools.
This type of technique is an intricate technique to process data. Daily updates and backup solutions must be performed regularly to receive continual inputs. It is a slightly more tedious and more difficult technique than the former technique.
3) Time-Sharing
In the time-sharing technique, a single CPU is accessed by multiple users. Different time slots are allocated to each user to perform individual tasks and operations. Particularly, a reference or terminal link of the main CPU is given to each user, wherein the time slot is determined by dividing CPU time by the total number of users present at that time.
4) Multiprocessing
It is the most widespread and substantial technique to process data. High efficiency, throughput, and on-time delivery are the basic advantages of the Multiprocessing technique. It uses multiple CPUs to perform tasks or operations.
However, each CPU has a separate responsibility. CPUs are arranged in parallel order, concluding that breakage or damage to any one of the CPUs doesn’t affect the performance of the other CPUs.
5) Online Processing
When a user performs face-to-face communication with the computer and exploits internet connectivity, then the processing of data is called Online Processing. For instance, if the user makes any change in the existing data of the computer, the machine will automatically update the data across the entire network. In this way, everyone receives up-to-date information.
Booking of tickets at airports, railway stations, cinemas, music concerts, and hotel reservations, are all common examples of Online Data Processing. Buying goods & services from E-Commerce websites through an Internet connection is also an example of the same. Inventory stores can refill their stock and update the website by calculating how many items are remaining.
There is a disadvantage to using this technique. When industries use this technique, they are susceptible to hacking and virus attacks.
What are the Methods of Data Processing?
The 3 prominent methods are mentioned below.
1. Manual Data Processing
In manual Data Processing, the entire series of tasks including Data Collection, Filtering, Calculation, and alternative logical operations are all carried out with human intervention without the use of any digital device or automation software.
This process saves costs and requires little to no tools. However, it requires Data Professionals to spend an extensive amount of time and focus to carry out the Data Processing steps. On top of that, this methodology is very much error-prone and requires high labor prices.
2. Mechanical Data Processing
Machines, such as typewriters, printers, and mechanical devices were used in the Mechanical Data Processing method. The accuracy and reliability of the mechanical mode are better than the manual method as there are fewer errors compared to the manual method. However, this method is not suited while working with huge amounts of data.
3. Digital/Electronic Data Processing
Processing is carried out with the help of advanced software and programs. A series of instructions are given to the software to process the data and produce the desired result. It is faster, reliable, and accurate, but all this comes at a cost.
What are the Advantages of Digital Data Processing?
In this era, every organization wants to compete in the marketing world. It could be done only if they’ve valuable information, helping them to take real-time decisions. EDP is a quick way to acquire outcomes as its processing time is a hundred times faster than the manual approach.
Before getting down deeper, let’s discuss some other vital advantages of EDP. There are 4 main advantages of EDP:
- Performance
- High Efficiency
- Cheap
- Accuracy
1) Performance
Automatic processing of data is handled through databases located on a shared network, allowing all the connected parties to access them. Organizations can access data at any time from anywhere in the world, and thus, can make changes to improve the overall performance of data.
2) High Efficiency
EDP tools generate graphs, charts, and well-organized statistics for structured, unstructured, and semi-structured datasets without human intervention. The procedure saves time and energy for employees, boosting the efficiency of a workplace environment.
3) Cheap
Since EDP contains automatic tools, software, and hardware, it is considered an inexpensive medium to pull out valuable information. In the Manual Processing method, an enterprise needs time, accuracy, the effort of employees, and bundles of a document to store every line, facts, and raw materials.
Nonetheless, EDP tools remove the pressure from employees’ shoulders and do everything by themselves. Once the setup is installed, tools display results in front of users automatically.
4) Accuracy
The typical data entry error ranges from 0.55% to 3.6% in the manual approach. Although this is acceptable when enterprises work on small-sized projects, it becomes easy to highlight such errors.
On the flip side of the coin, it becomes daunting to identify errors when companies use large size of datasets. The EDP cycle is an accurate system to reduce human errors, duplication mistakes, and high probability error rates than Manual Data Processing.
Therefore, manpower effort, data entry error rates, and inaccuracy is minimal in the EDP approach. The EDP method not only surpasses the challenges of Manual Processing but also removes the Mechanical method as a whole. The advantages of the EDP technique are given in the figure below:
What are the Applications of Digital Data Processing?
The EDP technique has many applications which makes it a preferred technique over the manual one. Some of the applications of the EDP technique are given below:
- Commercial Data Processing: Commercial Data Processing, abbreviated as CDP, is used by commercial and international organizations to transform intricate datasets into information in a fast yet precise way. Airports, for example, want to keep track of thousands of passengers, hundreds of planes, dozens of tickets, food and fuel information, and much more than that.
- Real-time Data Monitoring and Processing: Airline companies use fast processing computers to handle, monitor, process data, convert it into information, and take real-time decisions. Without an EDP cycle, it becomes impossible to organize a massive amount of data. That’s why Airport Operating System (AOS), an intelligent Data Processing software, is designed to ease the life of airline staff and passengers.
- Data Analysis: In the business world, Data Analysis is a process to scrutinize, cleaning, transform, and modeling data by applying logical techniques and statistical calculations, ensuring to extract results, driving conclusions, and excerpting the decision-making processes.
With Data Processing systems, enterprises design a Data Analytics platform that helps them to mitigate risks, increase operational efficiency and unveil information describing ways to improve profits and revenues. - Security: The EDP method is a promising cycle to cope with security challenges. In 2018, it was estimated that 80,000 cyber-attacks occurred every day, summing up to over 30 million attacks annually. The pervasive nature of data breaches and cyber-attacks can’t be ignored; it’s putting personal information, files, documents, billing data, and confidential data at risk.
- Reduced Cyber Risk: Companies face cyber incidents because they don’t have proper strategies, technologies, and protective measures to tackle them. Data Processing methods enable them to gather data from different resources, prior incidents, and malicious events. By having a proper examination of the company’s profile, we can determine which technique is best to overcome cyber challenges in an interconnected world.
To cut the long story short, every field, such as education, E-Commerce, banking, agriculture, forensics, metrological, industrial department, and the stock market, needs EDP techniques to evaluate information critically.
What is Mechanical Data Processing?
Machines, such as typewriters, printers, and mechanical devices were used in the Mechanical Data Processing method. The accuracy and reliability of the mechanical mode are better than the manual method. The outcomes from mechanical devices can be attained in either reports or documents format, which requires time to interpret and understand.
Likewise, the Mechanical method is also labor-intensive and time-consuming. Another important point must be kept in mind that user-defined statements, orders, and commands are necessary for both Manual and Mechanical Processing methods. EDP tools are pre-programmed with such commands. While working with EDP software, minimal labor work is involved as everything is automatic.
What Types of Output get from Data Processing?
The different types of output files are mentioned below.
- Plain Text Files: The text file is the simplest format of an output file. It can be exported as a Notepad or WordPad file.
- Tables/Spreadsheets: Data can also be outputted in a collection of rows and columns, making it easy to analyze and visualize. Tables/ Spreadsheets allow numerous sorting, filtering, and statistical operations.
- Charts and Graphs: Charts and Graphs are the most convenient way of visualizing data and its insights. They enable easy data analysis with just a glance.
- Maps or Image Files: Images and Map formats allow you to analyze spatial data and export data.
What is the Future of Data Processing?
The answer lies in the cloud. With every organization moving most of its business into the cloud, it is essential to have faster, high-quality data for each organization to utilize. Cloud technology implements the current electronic methods and accelerates its speed and effectiveness.
Moving into the Cloud allows companies to combine all of their data and platforms into one easily-adaptable system. Cloud platforms can be inexpensive and are highly flexible to grow and expand as the company scales.
Conclusion
This article gave a comprehensive analysis of what is Data Processing and its importance to various businesses. It described the methods of Data Processing, their advantages, types, applications, and also the Data Processing Cycle in detail. Overall, having a systematic EDP procedure is crucial for many businesses as it helps process data in a smooth and efficient manner and also helps to gain valuable insight from it.
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What do you mean by data processing?
Data processing is the conversion of data into usable and desired form. This conversion or “processing” is carried out using a predefined sequence of operations either manually or automatically. Most of the processing is done by using computers and thus done automatically. The output or “processed” data can be obtained in various forms. Example of these forms include image, graph, table, vector file, audio, charts or any other desired format. The form obtained depends on the software or method of data processing used. When done itself it is referred to as automatic data processing.
Data processing is basically synchronizing all the data entered into the software in order to filter out the most useful information out of it. This is a very important task for any company as it helps them in extracting most relevant content for later use. Every important sector, be that banks, school, colleges or big companies, almost all requires this processing of data. This processing is performed in order to store the most refined information in their systems for later use. Manual processing is very time consuming and require you to engage too many people to do so. This is really not a feasible task when you have data in bulk. Nowadays industry people depend on strong and well efficient software tools to help in processing all that data. This helps them in achieving greater accuracy and enhance their efficiency. With the proper processing of data, more and more information can be sorted. This help in getting a clearer view of matter and have a better understanding of it. This can lead to better productivity and more profits for the various business fields.
Real World Applications of Data Processing
With the implementation of proper security algorithms and protocols, it can be ensured that the inputs and the processed information is safe and stored securely without unauthorized access or changes. With properly processed data, researchers can write scholarly materials and use them for educational purposes. The same can be applied for evaluation of economic and such areas and factors. In the healthcare industry, the processed data can be used for quicker retrieval of information and even save lives. Apart from that, illness details and records of treatment techniques can make it less time-consuming for finding solutions and help in reducing the suffering of the patients.
Processing data to arrange it by type and information can save a lot of space taken up by data which is not organised and stored haphazardly. Processed data can also help in making sure that all staff and workers can understand it easily. They can implement it in the work, which can otherwise take up more time and end up in providing a decreased output. This can harm the interests of the business or organization.
Focus Of Data Processing
Most businesses and fields require data for providing a good quality of service. Having a collection of insights about collected data and their implications is a very important aspect of managing it and ensuring statistical authenticity. It is particularly essential for services concerned with financial technologies. This is so because transaction data and payment details need to be properly stored for easy access by customers as well as the company officials upon need. Processing is not limited to computers and can be done manually as well.
While the manual option uses brain power and intelligence, electronic data processing techniques can save a lot of time and ensure a smooth workflow and ensure adherence to deadlines. Accuracy is also higher with electronic processing. One of the essential aspects of this is to make sure that the insights formed are stored for future and shared use so as to save computational power and time.
Fundamentals of data processing & how data is processed
Processing of data is required by any activity which requires a collection of data. This data collected needs to be stored, sorted, processed, analyzed and presented. This complete process can be divided into 6 simple primary stages which are:
- Data collection
- Storage of data
- Sorting of data
- Processing of data
- Data analysis
- Data presentation and conclusions
Once the data is collected the need for data entry emerges for storage of data. Storage can be done in physical form by use of papers, in notebooks or in any other physical form. With the emergence and growing emphasis on Computer System, Big Data & Data Mining the data collection is large and a number of operations need to be performed for meaningful analysis and presentation, the data is stored in digital form. Having the raw data and processed data into digital form enables the user to perform a large number of operations in small time and allows conversion into different types. The user can thus select the output which best suits the requirement.
This continuous use and processing of data follow cycle called as data processing cycle and information processing cycle. These cycles might provide instant results or take time depending upon the need of processing data. Complexity in this field is increasing which is creating a need for advanced techniques.
Storage of data is followed by sorting and filtering. This stage is profoundly affected by the format in which data is stored. This further depends on the software used. General day and non- complex data can be stored as text files, tables or a combination of both in Microsoft Excel or similar software. As the task becomes complex which requires performing specific and specialized operations. They require different data processing tools and software which is meant to cater to the peculiar needs.
Storing, sorting, filtering and processing of data can be done by single software or a combination of software whichever feasible and required. Such a processing thus carried out by software is done as per the predefined set of operations. Most of the modern-day software allows users to perform different actions based on the analysis or study to be carried out. It provides the output file in various formats.
Different types of output files obtained as “processed” data
- Plain text file – These constitute the simplest form or processed data. Most of these files are user readable and easy to comprehend. Very negligible or no further processing is these type of files. These are exported as notepad or WordPad files.
- Table/ spreadsheet – This file format is most suitable for numeric data. Having digits in rows and columns allows the user to perform various operations. For ex, filtering & sorting in ascending/descending order to make it easy to understand and use. Various mathematical operations can be applied when using this file output.
- Charts & Graphs – Option to get the output in the form of charts and graphs is handy and now forms standard features in most of the software. This option is beneficial when dealing with numerical values reflecting trends and growth/decline. There are ample charts and graphs are available to match diverse requirements. At times there exists situation when there is a need to have a user-defined option. In case no inbuilt chart or graph is available then the option to create own charts, i.e., custom charts/graphs come handy.
- Maps/Vector or image file – When dealing with spatial data the option to export the processed data into maps, vector and image files is of great use. Having the information on maps is of particular use for urban planners who work on different types of maps. Image files are obtained when dealing with graphics and do not constitute any human readable input.
- Other formats/ raw files – These are the software specific file formats which can be used and processed by specialized software. These output files may not be a complete product and require further processing. Thus there will need to perform steps multiple times.
Methods of processing
- Manual Processing: In this method data is processed manually without the use of a machine, tool or electronic device. Data is processed manually, and all the calculations and logical operations are performed manually on the data.
- Mechanical processing – This is done by use of a mechanical device or very simple electronic devices like calculator and typewriters. When the need for processing is simple, this method can be adopted.
- Electronic processing – This is the modern technique to process data. Electronic Data processing is the fastest and best available method with the highest reliability and accuracy. The technology used is latest as this method used computers and employed in most of the agencies. The use of software forms integral part of this type. The data is processed through a computer; Data and set of instructions are given to the computer as input, and the computer automatically processes the data according to the given set of instructions. The computer is also known as electronic data processing machine.
Processing types on the basis of process/steps performed
There are various types of data processing, some of the most popular types are as follows:
- Batch Processing
- Real-time processing
- Online Processing
- Multiprocessing
- Time-sharing
Related: Data processing methods & Types
Why is it required?
- It is really difficult to work on raw data. Because every bit of information provided is may not be that useful for you. You require to filter out relevant content.
- You can’t every time refer to that huge pile of raw data and select that relevant information you are looking for. This will make your work more tedious and bulky.
- Data processing will help you arrange the filtered out content into a homogenize form so that you can easily match those big figures as and when you require to do so.
- It will make it easy for you to look for any relevant information and also makes your work easy.
- It will even make this whole procedure more cost effective too. As arranging those big figures into well-structured tables saves you from that risk of losing your important information. And also some of the information gets filtered out thus cost of saving that irrelevant information is also saved.
- It also makes it easier for you to modify and edit your processed data. You just have to look for similar cells and implement the same rule to all the cells you want to be modified.
- Data processing is very important before you start to do data mining. It reduces your cost of doing all the paperwork required to otherwise process the whole information and filter out all the relevant content manually.
- This increases the overall performance of any company as it rules out unnecessary steps that can hinder the whole data processing process.
- It automatically deletes all your duplicate documents and thus helps in making some storage space in your system.
What makes processing of data important
Nowadays more and more data is collected for academic, scientific research, private & personal use, institutional use, commercial use. This collected data needs to be stored, sorted, filtered, analyzed and presented and even require data transfer for it to be of any use. This process can be simple or complex depending on the scale at which data collection is done and the complexity of the results which are required to be obtained. The time consumed in obtaining the desired result depends on the operations which need to be performed on the collected data and on the nature of the output file required to be obtained. This problem becomes starker when dealing with the very large volume of data. For example data collected by multinational companies. They collect data about their users, sales, manufacturing, etc. such services and companies dealing with personal information and other sensitive information must be careful about data protection.
The need for processing becomes more and more critical in such cases. In such cases, data mining and data management come into play without which optimal results cannot be obtained. Each stage starting from data collection to presentation has a direct effect on the output and usefulness of the processed data. Sharing the dataset with third party must be done carefully and as per written agreement & service agreement. This prevents data theft, misuse and loss of data.
What type of data needs to be processed
Data in any form and of any type requires processing most of the time. These data can be categorised as personal information, financial transactions, tax credits, banking details, computational data, images and simply almost anything you can think of. The quantum of processing required will depend on the specilisatized processing which the data requires. Subsequently it will depend on the output that you require. With the increase in demand and the requirement for such services, a competitive market for data services has emerged.
Related: Importance of Data Processing
Important Data Processing Tools
- Surveying Tools – SURVEY MONKEY, etc. software tools which help us in easily organizing those elaborated surveys to help us gather the relevant content from the right people.
- Statistical Tools –SAS (STATISTICAL ANALYSIS SYSTEM) etc are statistical calculation tools that help in plotting those big graphs and charts to help us study certain relevant pattern and thus do effective comparisons and draw proper conclusions.
- Calculation and Analysis tools – EXCEL and CALC, etc. are those mathematical software tools that help in applying relevant formulas to process the whole data.
- Database Management tools – ACCESS and BASE, etc. are the tools that help us to manage a large amount of data that otherwise become too tedious to look after or refer to as and when we require to do so.
We hope that the above article will surely make you realize the importance for effective data management, processing and also how to proceed with it. Just look for some good data processing software today and process out all the relevant information related to your niche. Explore the unlimited benefits and make your task super easy and less time-consuming. You need to be a smart worker and not a hard worker. After all, today is an era of smart choice. Stay tuned for more such updates.
Tags: Data Processing, Data Processing Definition, Data Processing Meaning, What is Data Processing
Introduction
Data processing can sometimes be easily confused with data manipulation or data analysis, but it’s an important concept that shouldn’t be overlooked. Data processing means collecting and translating data into operable, helpful, and valuable information, which can be used to make business decisions. In fact, most business decisions are made with the help of data processing.
Data processing can be used in a number of different ways, but it essentially boils down to extracting information from raw data to produce insightful results. Whether you’re looking at your banking records or trying to locate and plan the most effective marketing strategies, data processing can take your business to the next level. In this article, we’ll be discussing exactly what data processing entails and how it can benefit you as an individual and your organization. Let’s get started!
Exploratory Research Guide
Conducting exploratory research seems tricky but an effective guide can help.
What exactly is data processing?
Data processing is the process of collecting and translating data into usable information. It refers to all of the tasks involved in turning raw data into usable information that can be acted upon. It’s an important step in any process, as it facilitates decision-making and increases the value of the information at hand. This data is used to improve business processes and make strategic decisions.
Before any data can be processed, it must first be collected, which includes everything from inputting data into the database to scanning receipts at the point of sale. After collecting the data, it’s important to organize it so that you know what you have to work with and how to use it effectively in future operations.
Data processing can also include cleaning, verifying, enhancing, analyzing, and converting different types of data. All businesses will take raw data and convert it into usable information that can be used to make important business decisions. Some companies even add in extra steps like encrypting data or formatting it on certain devices to give their customers ease of use.
Data is everywhere
in our phones, laptops, tablets, cars, and even in our watches. With more data being created daily we have seen an increased need for companies to process all of the data to make sense of it all. As data becomes all over the place in modern society, a new field of study has emerged: data processing.
According to statistics, approximately 90 percent of data created today is unstructured. This makes it incredibly difficult for companies to process and analyze. That’s where data scientists come in – they take raw data from all kinds of sources and clean up information from databases that contain personal information such as names or phone numbers. They will extract specific bits of information out of files without disturbing other parts and make that information readily available for those who need it.
Why do you need to process data?
When data needs to be processed, it has to be made ready for analysis or presented in a way that is meaningful to people. Generally, processing data involves cleaning it up and formatting it so that people can consume it.
An enormous amount of data exists today: According to a report we create over 2.5 quintillion bytes of new information each day and most of it remains untouched by human eyes. In fact, as reported by Inc, 73% of all stored data is never analyzed. As our reliance on digital information grows, we’re going to need ways to process all the raw digital content quickly, accurately, and intelligently; otherwise our systems will become bogged down with too much extraneous information.
Data processing is a series of programmed steps that are carried out on data, whether it be structured or unstructured. Unstructured data like text messages and emails can’t just be run through a database system to extract important information, they need to be processed first to make sense of what they mean.
Six phases of data processing
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Data collection
The first stage in data processing, data collection is all about getting a hold of raw information. It should be collected from accurate and reliable sources.
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Data preparation
Before doing anything with the data, It first needs to be prepared or cleaned. Data preparation is about removing noise and formatting your data in a way that makes sense for downstream analysis. In other words, sorting out the collected raw data.
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Data Input
This step involves getting the raw data into a digitally readable format. Getting data into the system is usually a top priority. This could be done in any number of ways – manually or other types of input devices that collect structured or unstructured data.
The biggest consideration at this stage is accuracy and quality – are you sure that what’s coming in is clean and can be trusted to perform analysis on?
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Data Processing
In this stage, data is processed for interpretation. Raw data is processed using machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms.
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Data Output
Ultimately, the data is transferred and presented in a readable format to the user such as documents, graphs, files, etc.
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Data Storage
The last phase of data processing is a storage of the processed data. After data is transmitted and displayed, the data is stored for future use and references.
The types of data processing
There are multiple types of data processing processes available to select from based on your unique situation, but understanding the basics of each one will make it easier to determine which one or ones are most appropriate for your particular needs.
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Batch Processing
Batch Processing means processing data in batches. It involves processing large amounts of data as a single unit, like once per day or once per month.
Batch processing is great for reports and dashboards because it’s simple to set up and allows to pull historical trends out of large amounts of raw data in real-time. For instance, generating electricity bills at the end of the month.
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Real-time processing
Real-time processing is used for analyzing data as it’s coming in, and it typically involves an immediate response to a trigger event. It processes and transfers data as soon as it’s obtained. It helps rapid decision-making.
For example, when the company receives a query from a customer about an order, you want to be able to answer that query immediately by pulling up relevant details about their order (such as payment method) from existing records. In other words, you don’t want to wait until tomorrow or next week to return their call. Real-time processing does just that—it updates information in your database almost instantaneously as new data comes in.
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Online Processing
This is a data processing where businesses can upload their raw data and receive processed results online. Online processing is fast and simple.
The main idea behind online processing is that data can be entered through an interface, such as a Web browser, phone, etc., at any time when it’s convenient for users.
For example, When you buy a pen in a supermarket, the barcode is scanned for payment and the invoice, and the item is marked as sold in the supermarket’s inventory system. It also gets updated in costs and sales reports. Once the payment is made, you can receive your results in real-time.
In general, most online processors will process your data on-demand.
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Multiprocessing
Multiprocessing refers to one computer system having more than one processor. It has two or more microprocessors. The purpose of a multiprocessor system is to distribute data processing among several processors so that they can execute different parts of a single program concurrently (instead of sequentially).
This approach permits data-intensive applications to run faster. Examples include tasks in financial services, scientific and engineering computations, video editing, and audio editing systems.
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Time-sharing
One of the time-sharing’s main characteristics is that it allows many users to have access to a computer system simultaneously. While in batch processing only one user can make changes and then another batch job runs; with time-sharing several users can execute jobs concurrently with the central processing unit (CPU)
Five Advantages of Data Processing
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Increased productivity and profits
When analyzing data, there is a large chance that you will be using it for multiple purposes such as data mining and decision-making. This can lead to increased productivity within the company as well as better profits.
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Better decisions
Preparing data for analysis helps you spot trends and patterns in the data that would otherwise be difficult to identify. Once cleaned up, a dataset will be easier to analyze and review, allowing you to draw better conclusions from the analysis.
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Accurate and reliable
With Accurate and reliable data companies can identify trends in how their company’s products or services are sold in relation to competitors’ goods or services.
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Cost reduction
Before beginning to analyze data, you need to have clean and consistent data. If the data quality is not good enough, it might cost more time and money than necessary during analysis.
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Ease in storage, distributing, and report
The data is stored in a proper format. This way, you are also able to distribute, easily report and manage the data. The data is then ready for reporting and analysis.
Hence, data processing is very important in any business. Keeping good track of your business data is another thing that helps to keep a strict check on the performance, finances, and even future predictions to excel in any business.
How does data processing help modern technology?
Data processing has been a part of science since its inception. However, it was only recently that technology came along and opened up some real doors for us. Now we can process data in ways that weren’t feasible before. Through data processing systems, we can overcome barriers that were previously thought impossible. Without it, progress would be hampered significantly. With these systems, we have access to information in ways that completely change how we interact with society as a whole.
You might not know it, but data processing lies behind many of today’s most revolutionary technological advances. Automated stock trading, virtual reality – all these innovations and more would be impossible without a robust method of storing and analyzing big data.
Today, businesses of all shapes and sizes use cloud-based data processing to quickly and effectively process information in real-time. In doing so, they can accurately measure key metrics and make better business decisions in a fraction of time that was previously impossible.
Introduction to Data Processing
Data processing is the collecting and manipulation of data into the usable and desired form. The manipulation is nothing but processing, which is carried either manually or automatically in a predefined sequence of operations. In past, it is done by manually which is time-consuming and may have the possibility of errors during in processing, so now most of the processing is done automatically by using computers, which do the fast processing and gives you the correct result.
The next point is converting to the desired form, the collected data is processed and converted to the desired form according to the application requirements, that means converting the data into useful information which could use in the application to perform some task. The Input of the processing is the collection of data from different sources like text file data, excel file data, database, even unstructured data like images, audio clips, video clips, GPRS data, and so on. The commonly available data processing tools are Hadoop, Storm, HPCC, Qubole, Statwing, CouchDB and so all
And the output of the data processing is meaningful information that could be in different forms like a table, image, charts, graph, vector file, audio and so all format obtained depending on the application or software required.
How Data is Processed?
Data processing starts with collecting data. The data collected to convert the desired form must be processed by processing data in a step-by-step manner such as the data collected must be stored, sorted, processed, analyzed, and presented.
So this broadly divided into 6 basic steps as following discussion given below.
- Data Collection
- Storage of Data
- Sorting of Data
- Processing of Data
- Data Analysis
- Data Presentation and conclusions
Let’s discuss in details one by one:
1. Data Collection
As already we have discussed the sources of data collection, the logically related data is collected from the different sources, different format, different types like from XML, CSV file, social media, images that is what structured or unstructured data and so all.
2. Storage of Data
The collected data now need to be stored in physical forms like papers, notebooks, and all or in any other physical form. Now because of the data mining and big data, the collection of data is very huge even in structured or unstructured form. The data is to be stored in digital form to perform the meaningful analysis and presentation according to the application requirements.
3. Sorting of Data
After the storage step, the immediate step will be sorting and filtering. The sorting and filleting are required to arrange the data in some meaningful order and filter out only the required information which helps in easy to understand visualize and analyze.
4. Processing of Data
A series of processing or continuous use and processing performed on to verify, transform, organize, integrate, and extract data in a useful output form for farther use.
5. Data Analysis
Data analysis is the process of systematically applying or evaluating data using analytical and logical reasoning to illustrate each component of the data provided and to get the concluded result or decision.
6. Data Presentation and Conclusions
Once we come to the analysis result it can be represented into the different form like the chart, text file, excel file, graph and so all.
Single software or a combination of software can use to perform storing, sorting, filtering and processing of data whichever feasible and required. It may be carried out by specific software as per the predefined set of operations according to the application requirements.
Different Types of Output
The different types of output files as –
- Plain text file – These are exported as notepad or WordPad files. These are the simplest form of the data file.
- Table/ Spreadsheet – In this file format, the data represent in rows and columns, which help in easy understanding and analysis of data. This file format to perform various operations like filtering & sorting in ascending/descending order and statistical operations as well.
- Graphs and Charts – The graphs and charts format is standard features in most of the software. This format is very easy to analyze the data, not required to read each numeric data which takes a time consuming only in one look can understand and analyze the data.
- An Image File or Maps/Vector – If the application required to store and analyze with spatial data the option to export the data into image file and maps file or vector files is of great use.
Along with these, the other format can be software specific file formats which can be used and processed by specialized software.
Different Methods
There are mainly three methods used to process the data, these are Manual, Mechanical, and Electronic.
1. Manual: In this method data is processed manually. The entire processing task like calculation, sorting and filtering, and logical operations are performed manually without using any tool or electronic devices or automation software.
2. Mechanical – In this method data is not processed manually but done with the help of very simple electronic devices and a mechanical device for example calculator and typewriters.
3. Electronic – This is the fastest method of data processing and also modern technology with the modern required features like highest reliability and accuracy. This method is achieved by the set of programs or software which run on computers.
Types
On the basis of steps they performed or process they performed. It likes:
- Batch Processing (In batches)
- Real-time processing (In a small time period or real-time mode)
- Online Processing (Automated way enter)
- Multiprocessing (multiple data sets parallel)
- Time-sharing (multiple data sets with time-sharing)
Why We Should Use Data Processing?
Now a day’s data is more important most of the work are based on data itself, so more and more data is collected for different purpose like scientific research, academic, private & personal use, commercial use, institutional use and so all. It is necessary to process this collected data so that all the above – mentioned steps are used for the processing which is stored, sorted, filtered, analyzed, and presented in the required usage format. The time consuming and complexity of processing depending on the results which are required. In the case of huge data collection or the big data they need for processing to get the optimal results with the help of data mining and data management it becomes more and more critical.
Conclusion
It is the conversion of the data to useful information. The data processing is broadly divided into 6 basic steps as Data collection, storage of data, Sorting of data, Processing of data, Data analysis, Data presentation, and conclusions. There are mainly three methods used to process that are Manual, Mechanical, and Electronic.
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