Data Input, Output and Storage

DATA INPUT METHODS:

Printed questionnaires – Depending on the type of questionnaires some form of optical data

reading dives would be the best method. An OMR or Optical Mark Reader can be used in

conjunction with special paper called mark sense form in order to easily input data from

questionnaires where people just simply mark their answer from an already defined set of

answers to a question. Another type of optical data reading that can be used with questionnaires

is called OCR or optical character reader. This type of data input can be used when the answers

to questions are hand written. According to the Data Identification Systems website (Data

Identification, 2003) OCR is a much faster form of data input then keystroke data entry, not only

is it faster but it is also generally more reliable and more efficient.

Telephone survey – The best way to input data from a telephone survey would be through the

use of voice recognition devices. Voice recognition devices are used to record and convert

speech into text using special software.

Bank Checks – The best method of data input for bank checks is to use what is called MICR or

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. In this method characters are printed on check using

specialized ink or toner which a sorter or scanner can then read by the inks magnetic signal.

Retail Tags – The best method of data input for retail tags in through the use of Bar Coding. Bar

coding is the method in which merchandise information is printed onto a tag or the item itself

using a bar code. This bar code can then be read later by using a bar code scanner that turns the

bar code into readable text such as the items type, name, price, or product number. This method

is a great way to keep track of inventory and inventory sales.

Long Documents – The best method of data input for long documents are through the use of

scanners. A scanner is used to make digital photo copies of paper documents which can then be

stored, sent, or read in many different file types such as a .pdf format. This method greatly

reduces the time it would take for a person to manually type all the information using a keyboard

as well as reducing the storage space it would take to store the paper documents.

DATA