Automated Data Capture
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BAR-CODES
Bar codes are a series of parallel black and white lines used on food and
other products such as books. The black and white lines represent numbers.
A bar-code reader ( scanner ) is used to input bar-codes.
Example - Supermarket Stock Control
These lines are converted into numbers representing:
- Country of origin
- Manufacturer
- Product code
- Check digit
The last number is a check digit which is used to validate ( check ) that the bar-code was input correctly.
The price is not stored on the bar-code.
The price of each product code is stored in the computer system.
The prices are downloaded into the memory of the EPOS ( Electronic Point of Sale )
When an item is sold the stock level is reduced by one on the computer system.
Possible Advantages To the Customer
- Less time queuing and being served at the checkout.
- Less errors.
- You get an itemised receipt to check.
Advantages to the Supermarket Manager
- Saves money as less staff / checkouts needed.
- Goods do not need to be individually priced.
- Automatic stock control - re-ordering.
- Can easily check stock levels.
OPTICAL MARK READING - ( OMR )
A scanner is used to read in pencil / pen marks of a specially prepared data-capture form.
Examples
- Lottery number selection
- GCSE examinations - multiple choice response sheets ( A B C D E )
Advantages
- Exam Papers can be marked by computer very quickly.
- Saves time and money. You don't need to pay people to mark.
MAGNETIC INK CHARACTER RECOGNITION ( MICR )
Used by Banks on cheques.
The following are written in Magnetic Ink on a cheque when it is printed.
- Branch number
- Account number
- Cheque number
The amount the cheque is for is written in Magnetic ink after it has been filled in.
The cheque is then input into a MICR reader which then 'clears' the cheque.
( Money is moved between accounts )
Why is MICR used on Cheques?
- it is hard to forge
- MICR writing is not easily creased / damaged.
OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION ( OCR )
A scanner is used to scan in text.
The OCR software converts the image into a text file ( ASCII )
which can then be imported into a word processor and edited.
What is OCR used for?
- Language translation
- Reading account numbers of bills
- Turnaround documents - saves retyping
- I used OCR software to convert my teacher's notes into a word
processor file - then into an HTML document
MAGNETIC STRIP
Used by banks / credit card companies on the back of account cards.
The Magnetic strip contains the persons account number.
Other Examples of Automated Data Capture
- Voice recognition
DATA CAPTURE FORMS
These are questionnaire forms used to collect data and information for entry into a database.
These forms should be well designed and match the information requirements.
When you design a data-capture form you should:
- Match the information requirements
- Leave appropriate spaces
e.g. Post code - 7 spaces needed
Medical conditions - Leave two lines to write on
- YOU MUST leaves boxes for people to fill in.
Surname |
Mr Mrs Miss Ms ( Circle )
- Format responses with a structure to avoid errors
Date of Birth |
- |
- |
|
Annual income |
< ?10,000 |
> ?20,000 |
Tick as appropriate |
e.g. To be filled in by the customer
Official use only.
- The form should have a title e.g. Membership Details
About the Author
by: Admin
Total views: 633
Word Count: 1172
Date: Wed, 2 Aug 2006 Time: 12:00 AM
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