Data Processing Services
Data processing is any computer process that converts data into useable information and visa versa.
It covers a wide range of data services, which include data entry, conversion and analysis. Business organizations that have large amounts of data on paper frequently utilize data processing services to enter into a computerized database either by hand or through the use of an optical scanner. In addition, some businesses might want their old data files or several existing databases converted into just one highly accessible format. Data processing services can also generate reports that summarize data into a format that is easily analyzed.
Data processing services are frequently outsourced
Very-large business organizations that have large computer systems usually have data processing activities in-house with permanent staff members performing necessary operations. However, now that the Internet has grown and evolved, companies that do not have large computer capability have turned to outsourcing their data processing needs to online providers. They generally do this by posting their projects with an Internet website designed specifically to match outsource buyers with individuals or small organizations who bid on the projects posted. The result is quality data processing performance by outsourced providers at a much lower cost than the salaries and benefits for full-time company employees.
Data processors handle a wide variety of projects
Data processing people perform a broad range of services for their clients. These typically include summarizing data into intelligent formats, generating important statistical summaries, creating illustrated tables, creating frequency distributions and percentile rankings, performing rank-order analysis on data, and handling data extraction from unstructured information that can then be used to construct simple-to-use spreadsheets or a database. They do this on single data processing projects or on an ongoing basis for clients that need it.
What does data processing do?
Although the term data processing can apply to virtually any process that converts data to another format, it should actually be termed data conversion. In this case, data processing becomes two processes: converting information to data and then converting data back to information in a more compatible form. The difference is found in the fact that conversion doesn’t require a question or query to be answered. Just about every naturally occurring process may be viewed as an example of a data processing system where the observable information is presented in the form of light, pressure or other forms is converted by people into electrical signals. In conventional usage, however, the terms data processing and information processing are synonymous and limited to the use of logical deductions, algorithmic derivations and statistical determinations that recur in general business environments rather than in a scientific or engineering system.
How does data processing differ from electronic data processing?
Electronic data processing, also referred to as Information Technology, is the use of automated (computerized) methods applied to the processing of commercial data. It describes simple, repetitive activities used to process large volumes of like information including banking transaction for master customer and account files, stock updates for inventory control, airline booking and ticketing operations of utility company billing processes. It is e baled by many off-the-shelf software programs that are easily tailored to a company specific repetitive needs for things like payroll, personnel management, customer management, etc. In this sense, electronic data processing, or EDP, is more focused in terms of its applications than general data processing.
