Input Output Storage Paper

Input/ Output Storage Paper

Accuracy of data input is important. It is important to know, not so much where the data comes from or how it is processed but whether the results are useful and valuable. There are many different applications to consider when deciding which method is best for data input and output devices. Not only is the input important but the quality of output is very important. Feedback on the output creates the ability to go back and correct any errors that may have been made during the initial input of data.

The first item to address is the best data input for each of the following: printed questionnaires, telephone survey, bank checks, retail tags, and long documents.

To capture data from printed questionnaires it is best by keying in the data using a computer keyboard. Another possible method would be to scan the questionnaires but you would still need to have some software program that would be able to interpret the data which might not be very accurate. The best method for a telephone survey, since we all receive these types of calls is by having the caller press different keys on the phone for an answer. For example when we call to find out information at our local bank it will ask if you want the phone call in Spanish press the number 1 key on your phone. Technology with telephone surveys has advanced over the past few years, now you don't even have to press a button but rather say yes or no to specific questions, the computer on the other end will decipher the information and you answer if it is correct. The negative side of this is that when you want to speak to a person the survey may not allow you to do this or the survey will take you around a series of questions before transferring you to a person.

The best method for bank checks is by scanning them. Most banks are setup with a system called MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) a magnetic scanning input device. This system reads the numbers at the bottom of the checks and will mechanically make modifications to the correct accounts. Consideration needs to be taken that the items are being scanned so the possibility for error still is possible. The best method for retail tags is a bar code scanner.