5. Processing the Data

Data must be checked to make sure they have been entered properly and are accurate. The two main ways of doing this are ‘verification’ and ‘validation

Remember operators also have to make sure that the data entered in, is accurate, because if you put Garbage In (rubbish) you will get Garbage Out or GIGO

 

1. Interactive Processing

The computer systems at the airport rely on interactive processing. This means the computer systems process the data immediately they are entered and all the files are updated. The results are then fed back to the users immediately.

The movies show a some examples of the 'Interactive Floor'. This is where the picture changes immediately depending on what the user is doing.

 

See some of the fancy effects! Click to Go Larger Screen

How to exercise your dog! Click to Go Larger Screen

 

At Glasgow Airport, the Airport Operating System uses interactive processing. When details of a flight landing time are received they are immediately processed and:

• the staff members who handle baggage are informed
• the information is displayed on the public notice boards
• staff members who fuel the aircraft are informed so that they can get prepared
• details about the landing are sent to the airport billing centre in Hillington

The British Airways booking system uses interactive processing.

When passengers book a ticket, their details are immediately available to all authorised BA staff members and are used to update the passenger list file. When passengers check in their baggage the details about the destination and weight of the baggage are immediately entered on file and are available to the baggage handing staff.

 

 

2. Batch Processing

Interactive processing can be inefficient as the computers always have to be available even when there is no data to process. Batch processing is another methods of processing data.

Here all the data is collected together into a large batch over a period of time and then processed together. Preparing wages of utility bills (gas, water, electricity etc) are examples

The advantage of batch processing, is that the computers can be put to doing other jobs in the meantime.

A disadvantage is that this method only works when data doesn't change very much and a quick response is needed. You couldn't for example use it to book airline seats, as a seat might be sold twice in the time it takes to process the data.

 

 

What you have to do!

Either in a new Word Document or in your Brain. Under a Sub Heading Processing the Data complete the following tasks.

1. Why does the airport operating system need to use interactive processing?

2. Give two examples of situations where the British Airways computer uses interactive processing.
   

 

 

What you should now be able to do!

• Explain what is meant by the term 'Interactive Processing'.

• Describe the difference between 'Interactive Processing' and 'Batch Processing'.

• Identify the most suitable type of processing to use in given situations.

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Continue to 6. CDP Cycle: Storing the Data