Accuracy of Data Input Any

Accuracy of Data Input

Any process must deal with data input, processing, and output. No matter the process's nature, relies entirely on data, which must be in accordance with certain requirements, like accuracy, convenience and quality. The most important of these three requirements is probably the accuracy of data input. The entire process of data processing is based on the accuracy of data input in the first place.

There are several methods of data input: keyboard entry, manual locating devices, automated devices, conversion directly from other digital sources, or voice input. A different method of data input is suitable for each specific situation, in accordance with the type of data source, the database model or the density of data.

When dealing with printed questionnaires, keyboard entry is the best choice for data input. Unlike handwriting, which most of the times is unclear and therefore severely affects the accuracy of data input, the keyboard method avoids uncertainty. Among this method's advantages, one of the most important is that most people are familiar with using keyboards and with the key's layouts, so there is no or little training required for using keyboards. Also, an optical mark recognizer can be used. Optical mark recognition is a fast and accurate data input method that basically refers to capturing data by contrast reflectivity at predetermined positions on a page. This data input method presents several advantages, like the wide range of application. It can be applied for community surveys, consumer surveys, tests and assessments, evaluations and feedback, data compilation, product evaluation, inventory counts, membership subscription forms, and other printed material. Also, the optical mark recognizer identifies rapidly the answers marked by users and calculates scores. However, this method has its disadvantages also: it is not suitable for large amounts of text, or some data can be lost in the scanning process.

In the case of telephone survey, the situation is quite similar to printed questionnaires, as one can use the touch-tone input method. The touch-tone is also considered to be a keyboard. Also, in telephone surveys one can use the Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing technique (CATI). CATI is a telephone surveying technique where the interviewer is helped by a script provided by a software application that is able to customize the questionnaire's flow based on the collected answers and the information about the participant. In some cases, a speech recognition device might be necessary.

For bank checks and deposit slips, operators use the check reader. The check reader is a very fast and accurate device that can considerably reduce fraud risk. More specifically, the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) is a device that detects numeric data printed with magnetically charged ink and transforms it into digital data. As mentioned above, it is very useful in detecting fraud attempts, given the fact that a photocopied check cannot be printed with magnetic ink.

In the case of retail tags, the most accurate and useful device is the barcode reader, also referred to as barcode scanner. They work by decoding the barcode's image data and sending it to the scanner's output port.

For long documents data input one can use scanners or OSR (Optical Character Recognition). Scanners are very accurate, as they analyze a printed text, no matter how long it is, and transforms it into a digital image, for easier handling. The OCR computer software transforms handwritten or typewritten text images into machine-editable text.

On the other hand, when referring to output, its quality depends on choosing the best method for each situation.

When dealing with handheld computers, the most common output method is the screen, which can be found in a large range for the user to choose from, regarding size, resolution and readability. The infrared port is an output device with major advantages in the educational field. For handheld computers one can also use external keyboard or peripherals like: memory sticks, modems, network cards, and printers.

For color photographs the most common and useful output method would be the color printer: regular inkjet printers, photo inkjet printers, snapshot printers, multifunction printers, and personal laser printers.

For resumes, the most pretentious output method would be transforming the XML file into a PDF file. The same applies for memorandums.

Statistical reports and company annual reports are linked to output methods like: console, file, log file rolling, HTTP Post, TCP broadcast, UDP broadcast, or logging templates.

The hard disk is mostly used for storing large amounts of digital encoded data, like video data, audio data and others. It provides efficient access to large volumes of data. Nowadays, hard disks are included by mobile phones also, not just computers. Hard disk storage is very reliable and independent of particular devices.

The floppy disk is rarely used nowadays, as it is no longer necessary for data storage and transfer. Now it is suitable for storing small amounts of data when dealing with an old computer model that is not equipped with modern device drivers.

The Random Access Memory, better known as RAM, is best used for loading, displaying and manipulating applications and data. It presents several advantages, among which the fact that it requires no physical movement. On the other hand, it is very expensive.

The CD ROM (Compact Disc read only memory) is best used for any form of binary data storage, like music, games, multimedia applications. It is mostly used for distributing computer software.

Magnetic tape can be successfully used for audio recording, video recording and data storage. It has the advantage of cost, as it is not as expensive as other modern recording and storage devices. It is best used for activities that do not require a computer.

The flash/jump drive, or USB flash drive, is mostly used for personal data transport and for personal files storage, like pictures, video or other documents. USB devices are preferred over other devices due to its reduced size and large storage capacity.

Computer's speed is influenced by several factors, like processor speed, bus speed, RAM's size and speed, and others. Computer's speed is directly proportional with the free space on the RAM. If there is little free space on the disk, this will slow the computer down and it might even affect its proper functioning.

Clock speed represents the speed at which a microprocessor executes its instructions. In order for the CPU to function at its highest speed, its clock speed must be identical to the expansion bus's clock speed.

As concerns the data on the hard disk related to the computer's speed, the hard disk must have as much free space as possible, since the computer's speed depends on the volume of data on the hard disk.