Page 15 - Management Information System_Neat

6.Query Support

The last step in processing a transaction is querying (asking questions of) the system.
Query facilities allow users to process data and information that may otherwise not be readily
available. For example, a sales manager may query the system about the number of damaged
items in a given store Many transaction processing systems allow you to use the Internet,
intranets, extranets, and web browsers or database management query languages to make
inquiries and receive responses concerning the results of transaction processing activity.
Typically, responses are displayed in a variety of pre-specified formats or screens. Examples of
queries include:

• Checking on the status of a sales order
• Checking on the balance in an account
• Checking on the amount of stock in inventory

METHODS FOR PROCESSING TRANSACTIONS

1. On-line entry with immediate processing
2. On-line entry with subsequent processing

3. Batch processing

1. On-line entry with immediate processing:-
In this processing transactions are entered on-line,validated, and if found valid, are
processed immediately.A response with the result of processing or confirmation of completion or
processing is generally provided to user at the input terminal. There are many situations in which
on-line entry with immediate processing is required, for example,railway/airline
reservation,share trading etc.The main advantage of this approach of processing is that of the
transaction is known immediately.Beside the master files are kept up to date every time.

2. On-line Entry with Subsequent Processing:-
In on-line entry with subsequent processing method,data are entered on-line and
validated, but their processing is done on periodic batch basis.In on-line entry with immediate
processing. Transactions are validated a processed at the time of entry while in subsequent
processing method transactions are processed after certain time gap.The main advantage of this
type of processing is that computer capacity is used for on-line entries and after this process is
over, the computer capacity can be used for input processing. In super markets and similar
situations on-line entry with subsequent processing method is followed.

3. Batch processing:-
In batch processing which the most conventional method of transaction is processing,
transactions are accumulated over a period of time. When sufficient numbers of transactions are
accumulated, these are processed in batches.The process of batches can be daily,weekly, or even
monthly,depending on the volume of transactions and other considerations.other considerations
may be in the form of reporting cycle, action initiating etc. for example transaction involving
inventory control may be processed on daily or weekly basis,depending on the volume of
transactions. The major disadvantage of batch processing is the delay in detecting and correcting
errors.