Overview of Transaction Processing and Enterprice Resource Planning Systems

23 important questions on Overview of Transaction Processing and Enterprice Resource Planning Systems

Data processing cycle

The operations performed on data to generate meaningful and relevant information. This process consists of four step: data input, data storage, data processing and information output.

What's the first step of the data processing cycle and how is it triggered?

The first step in processing input is to capture transaction data and enter them into the system. The data capture process is usually triggered by a business activity.

What are the steps in processing input?

  • Capture transaction data triggered by a business activity.
  • Make sure Captured data are accurate and complete
  • Ensure companies policies are followed (e.g approval of transaction)
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About which three facts of each business activity must data be collected?

1. Each activity of interest
2. The resource(s) affected by each activity
3. The people who participate in each activity

Source data automation devices

Source data automation devices capture transaction data in machine-readable form at the time and place of their origin.

What's the second step in processing input?


The second step in processing input is to make sure captured data are accurate and complete. One way to do this is to use source data automation or well-designed turnaround documents and data entry screens. Users can improve control either by using pre-numbered source documents or by having the system automatically assign a sequential number to each new transaction.

What is a Block coding?

Block of numbers reserved for specific categories of data (i.e. Product numbers that start with a 2 are refrigerators

What's the third step in processing input?


The third step in processing input is to make sure the company policies are followed, such as approving or verifying a transaction.

What are group codes?

Two or more subgroups's pf digits used to code items (i.e. Car Vin #'s)

What are Mnemonic codes?

Letters and numbers interspread to identify an item. (Dry300W05)

What is a specialized journal?

A specialized journal record large numbers of repetitive transactions such as sales, cash receipts and cash disbursment.

What is an audit trial?

An audit trial is a traceable path of a transaction through a data processing system from point of origin to final output, or backward from final output to point of origin.

What is an audit trial used for?

An audit trial is used to check the accuracy and validity of of ledger postings?

Describe the steps of information output.

Online (soft copy)
Printed out (Hardcopy)
  • Document (e.g. Sales invoice)
  • Report (e.g. Monthly sales report)
  • Query (question for specific information in a database, e.g. Which division had the most sales of the month?

Once business activity data have been entered into the system, they must be processed to keep the database current. What are the four different types of processing activities?


1. Creating new data records, such as adding a newly hired employee to the
payroll database.
2. Reading, retrieving, or viewing existing data.
3. Updating previously stored data.
4. Deleting data that are no longer relevant to the organization.
--> Also referred to as CRUD.

Negatives batch processing

The data is current and accurate only immediately after processing.

Online, real-time processing


Most companies update each transaction as it occurs, referred to as online, real-time processing because it ensures that stored information is always current, thereby increasing its decision-making usefulness. Here, the computer system processes data immediately after capture and provides updated information to users on a timely basis. It is also more accurate because data input errors can be corrected in real time or refused. Moreover, it also provides significant competitive advantages.

In which three forms information is usually presented?

1. Documents
2. Reports
3. Database query

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systeems


Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems overcome these problems as they
integrate all aspects of a company’s operations with a traditional AIS into one system. An ERP system is modularized; companies can purchase the individual modules that meet their specific needs. An ERP facilitates information flow among the company’s various business functions and manages communications with outside stakeholders. It is used to coordinate and manage data, business processes, and resources. The ERP system collects, processes, and stores data and provides the information managers
and external parties need to assess the company.

Why does a properly configured ERP system uses a centralized database?


A properly configured ERP system uses a centralized database to share information across business processes and coordinate activities. This is important because an activity that is part of one business process often triggers a complex series of activities throughout many different parts of the organization. Well-designed ERP systems provide management with easy access to up-to-date information about all activities in order to plan, control, and evaluate the organization’s business processes more effectively.

Why are ERP systems modular?


ERP systems are modular, with each module using best business practices to
automate a standard business process. This modular design allows businesses to add or delete modules as needed. Typical ERP modules include financial (general ledger and reporting system); human resources and payroll; order to cash (revenue cycle); purchase to pay (disbursement cycle); manufacturing (production cycle); project management; customer relationship management; and system tools.

Why do companies often hire and ERP vendor to implement the ERP system?


Reaping the potential benefits of ERP systems and mitigating their disadvantages requires conscious effort and involvement by top management. Because it is too difficult for most companies to implement ERP software by themselves, they often hire an ERP vendor or a consulting company to do it for them. These firms usually provide three types of services: consulting, customization, and support. Moreover, as many processes automatically trigger additional actions in other modules, proper configuration is essential. This requires a sound understanding of all major business processes and their interactions so they can be defined.

Why are entry controls and access controls essential in an ERP system?


The integrated nature of ERP systems means that unless every data item is validated and checked for accuracy at the time of initial entry, errors will automatically propagate throughout the system. Thus, data entry controls and access controls are essential. It is important to separate responsibility for custody of assets, authorization of activities that affect those assets, and recording information about activities and the status of organizational assets.

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