DATA PROCESSING CYCLE

Regardless of the kind of data processed or the kind of device or equipment used, all data processing systems involve at least three basic steps : Input, Processing, and Output. These three steps constitute the data processing cycle.

1. INPUT=In this steps the initial data, or input data, are prepared in some convenient form of processing. The form will defend on the processing machine.

For example, when electromechanical devises are used.


2. PROCESSING= In this step the input data are changed, and usually combined with other information, to produce data is more useful form. Thus, paychecks may be calculated from the time cards, or a summary of sales for the month maybe calculated from the sales orders. The processing step usually involves a sequence of certain basic processing operations.

3. OUTPUT= Here the results of the preceding processing steps are collected. The particular form of the output data depends on the use of data.