Common Methods of Data Include

Chapter 43 Review

Data

Data Capture

Common methods of data include:

·  Bar code reader.

·  Magnetic stripe cards.

·  Smart cards.

·  MICR – magnetic ink character recognition.

·  Keyboard.

Using Barcodes

Bar coding is one of the most popular ways of capturing data, in shops and supermarkets where all items are bar-coded.

The major benefit of using barcodes at points of sale (POS) is that management are provided with very detailed up-to-date information on key aspects of business, enabling decisions to be made quicker with confidence. For example:

·  Fast-selling items can be identified quickly and automatically re-ordered.

·  Slow-selling items can be identified, preventing a build up unwanted stock.

·  The effects of repositioning a product within a store can be monitored, allowing fast-moving more profitable items to occupy the best space.

·  Historical data can be used to predict seasonal fluctuations very accurately.

Bar code scanners are relatively low cost and only one in 100,000 entries will be wrong.

Other uses of Bar Codes

·  Warehousing.

·  Transport and distribution.

·  Manufacturing.

·  Marketing.

·  Medical.

·  Banking.

·  Libraries.

Magnetic Stripe Cards

Cards with a magnetic stripe are widely used for applications ranging from railway cards to customer loyalty cards. For example: a supermarket loyalty cardscan be used to record over a period of months the spending habits of customers which could aid the making of strategic and tactical management decisions.

Linking Customers and Suppliers Through EDI

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the electronic transmission of business data, such as purchase orders and invoices from one firm’s computerised information system to that of another company . This is virtually instantaneous, which means that a quick response can be made by the supplier in terms of availability of a product for example.

Speed and reliability are a major advantage of EDI. It does away with re-keying data, increases accuracy and eliminates delays. Data such as A-Level results are often sent through EDI to colleges.

Smart Cards

Smart cards containing a microchip are likely to replace cash over the next five years. Cash-loaded smart cards are already undergoing trials in several British cities and university campuses.

Keying in Data

The keyboard is still widely used for data input in spite of the drawbacks of inaccurate data transcription (copying from a paper form), comparatively slow data entry and the risk to health of employees who spend all day at a keyboard (RSI).

To ensure accuracy, data is often batched and verified by double entry by different operators to verify that the data entered is valid. .