Data Processing: Meaning

Data Processing  Meaning:

Data processing means taking raw data (facts and figures) and processing them manually or with the help of machines to produce, organized and useful information. It is restructuring or recording of data to increase their usefulness and value for some particular purpose. Data processing can be performed

·              Manually with the aid of simple tools as paper, pencil and filing cabinets

·              Electro-mechanically with the aid of unit record machines

·              Electronically with the aid of a computer.

Data processing is a series of operations that use information to produce a result. Common data processing operations include validation, sorting, classification, calculation, interpretation, organization and transformation of data.

Electronic Data Processing:

Electronic data processing (EDP) refers to the use of automated methods to process commercial data. Typically, this uses relatively simple, repetitive activities to process large volumes of similar information. For example: stock updates applied to an inventory, banking transactions applied to account and customer master files, booking and ticketing transactions to an airline’s reservation system, billing for utility services.

The term electronic data processing dates back to the 1960s when automation began to replace manual data processing tasks. In modern times, the term tends to be associated with large scale automation of administrative tasks.

Data processing is manipulation of data by a computer. It includes the conversion of raw data to machine-readable form, flow of data through the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and memory to output devices, and formatting or transformation of output. Any use of computers to perform defined operations on data can be included under data processing.

Data Processing in a Computer:

Computer data is information processed or stored by a computer. This information may be in the form of text documents, images, audio clips, software programs, or other types of data. Computer data may be processed by the computer’s CPU and is stored in files and folders on the computer’s hard disk.

Hence, data processing is defined as series of actions or operations that converts data into useful information. The data processing system is used to include the resource such as people procedures, and devices that are used to accomplish the processing of data for producing desirable output. Data processing is restructuring or recording of data to increase their usefulness and value for some particular purpose.