Data processing

Data processing is the process of collecting and manipulating raw data to yield useful information. It involves the conversion of raw data into machine-readable form, flow of data through the CPU and memory to output devices, and formatting or transformation of output.

Types of Data Processing

Data processing can be done manually, mechanically, or electronically. Here are the three types of data processing:

• Manual Data Processing - This is the oldest form of data processing. The data is processed manually without using any machine or tool to get the required results. In manual data processing, most tasks are done manually with a pen and a paper.

• Mechanical Data Processing - This involves the use of simple machines and tools to process data. Mechanical data processing requires the use of several devices like typewriters, mechanical calculators and punch cards.

• Electronic Data Processing - This is the fastest and best available data processing method. Also known as automatic data processing, it uses computers and other electronic devices to process, manage, manipulate, and format data.

Stages of Data Processing

Data processing involves six stages:

1. Data Collection - This is the first stage of data processing. Data is collected from various sources and is converted into a form that can be easily processed by the next stage.

1. Data Preparation - The collected data is then processed to remove any errors or inconsistencies and to make it suitable for processing. This stage involves data cleaning, validation, and transformation.

1. Data Input - The prepared data is then input into the system for processing. This can be done manually or automatically using data entry tools.

1. Data Processing - This is the main stage where the data is processed using various methods like sorting, classifying, calculating, interpreting, summarizing and comparing.

1. Data Output/Interpretation - The processed data is then interpreted and converted into a form that can be easily understood by the users. This could be in the form of graphs, tables, or reports.

1. Data Storage - The final stage is the storage of processed data for future use. The data can be stored in physical or electronic format.

Applications of Data Processing

Data processing has a wide range of applications. It is used in various fields such as business, science, education, health, and many more. Some of the applications of data processing are:

• Business Data Processing - This involves processing and analyzing business data to make informed decisions. It includes processing of financial data, customer data, and business performance data.

• Scientific Data Processing - This involves processing and analyzing scientific data to draw conclusions. It includes processing of experimental data, observational data, and simulation data.

• Medical Data Processing - This involves processing and analyzing medical data to diagnose and treat diseases. It includes processing of patient data, medical imaging data, and genomic data.

See Also

• Data Analysis
• Data Management
• Data Mining
• Data Visualization

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