Input Controls
INPUT CONTROLS
CIS210
May 13, 2012
ABSTRACT
This paper will look at several different input controls, what their roles and purposes are and explain the function of each. It will provide examples of what types of data integrity errors could occur if each of the types of controls were not in place and lastly, it will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of restricting user interfaces.
DIFFERENT INPUTS When data needs to be entered into a system, there are various ways to accomplish this. For the purpose of this paper, we’ll look at just four of them here. When it comes to data, there is only one main goal which needs to be accomplished. Making sure the data is accurate, of good quality and gets entered in a timely manner. This is important because when incorrect or inaccurate data is entered into a system, the output of that data will end up being useless. Since there is always a human factor involved when it comes to entering in data, technology must be developed which can assist with overseeing and cross checking the information being entered against other information such as databases, formulas or whatever other criteria is decided upon. One way of capturing input is through a source document or form. This form collects the input data and authorizes an action which then provides a record of the original transaction. These forms are typically designed in the beginning during the “input design stage” but can be changed later during the design to meet more specific needs. It wasn’t too long ago that source documents were mainly paper based but now many of them have become web or online interfaces which will be discussed later.
It is important for the forms being used to have the correct layout and appearance in order to properly convey to the end user what information to enter into the computer. A well laid out form should have proper spacing and margins on either side and have enough room to enter in the applicable data called for.
CIS210
May 13, 2012
ABSTRACT
This paper will look at several different input controls, what their roles and purposes are and explain the function of each. It will provide examples of what types of data integrity errors could occur if each of the types of controls were not in place and lastly, it will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of restricting user interfaces.
DIFFERENT INPUTS When data needs to be entered into a system, there are various ways to accomplish this. For the purpose of this paper, we’ll look at just four of them here. When it comes to data, there is only one main goal which needs to be accomplished. Making sure the data is accurate, of good quality and gets entered in a timely manner. This is important because when incorrect or inaccurate data is entered into a system, the output of that data will end up being useless. Since there is always a human factor involved when it comes to entering in data, technology must be developed which can assist with overseeing and cross checking the information being entered against other information such as databases, formulas or whatever other criteria is decided upon. One way of capturing input is through a source document or form. This form collects the input data and authorizes an action which then provides a record of the original transaction. These forms are typically designed in the beginning during the “input design stage” but can be changed later during the design to meet more specific needs. It wasn’t too long ago that source documents were mainly paper based but now many of them have become web or online interfaces which will be discussed later.
It is important for the forms being used to have the correct layout and appearance in order to properly convey to the end user what information to enter into the computer. A well laid out form should have proper spacing and margins on either side and have enough room to enter in the applicable data called for.
References: Shelly-Rosenblatt, (2012) Systems Analysis and Design (9th Ed) Mason, Ohio. 2011 Data Entry Input and Form Controls (n.d.) Retrieved May 13, 2012 from Execution-MiH Web site: http://www.executionmih.com/data-quality/entry-form-input.php Information Technology Controls (n.d.) Retrieved May 13, 2012 from Wikipedia Web Site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology_controls