Which of the following is not a characteristics of an online processing system

Online processing is the ongoing entry of transactions into a computer system in real time. The opposite of this system is batch processing, where transactions are allowed to pile up in a stack of documents, and are entered into the computer system in a batch. Online processing is a major factor in improving the usability of computer reports, since the information on them is more current.

From a labor utilization perspective, batch processing can be more efficient than online processing, since employees can plow through a large number of transactions within a short period of time. However, the attendant reduction in the real time accuracy of information in this environment still makes batch processing a lesser alternative to online processing.

Example of Online Processing

A warehouse staff can use online processing to scan the bar codes attached to items in the warehouse, thereby documenting the movement of these items from place to place in the warehouse. Someone looking for inventory can then rely upon this information to determine the current location of the inventory. Under an older batch processing system, these inventory transfer transactions might not be loaded into the computer system until the following day - until then, the inventory location information stored by the system is inaccurate. Thus, the use of online processing ensures that inventory records exactly match actual unit counts in the warehouse at all times.

-ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) is a set of properties of database transactions. In the context of databases, a single logical operation on the data is called a transaction.

The four important characteristics include

-Fast performance is critical

-Turnaround time from transaction input to the production output must be a few seconds or less

-Breakdowns disturb operations

-Failure rates must be low

-If failure occurs, recovery must be quick and accurate

-Every transaction must be processed in the same way

-Flexibility results in too many opportunities for non standard operations, resulting in problems due to different transaction data

-Must support an organisation's operations

-If roles and responsibilities are allocated, the TPS should maintain these requirements

-TPS systems reduce costs by reducing number of times data must be handled

-Two types, Batch and real time

Batch transaction processing

-Collects the transaction data as a group and processes it later

-Has a time delay(hours, days)

-low processing costs per transaction

-Used for pay cheques and when a time delay does not decrease the usefulness of the results

-Disadvantages

  • Processing must wait until a set time

  • Errors cannot be corrected during processing

  • Sorting the data is expensive and time consuming

Real-time transaction processing

-immediate processing of data

-Instant confirmation of a transaction but does require access to an online database

-Uses a terminal or workstation to enter data and display the results of the TPS

-A network links terminals to mainframe computer

-large number of users simultaneously perform transactions(requests are also simultaneous)

-Concerns

  • Concurrency: Two users cannot change the same data at the same time

E.g if an airline agent has reserved the last seat, another agent cannot tell another passenger that seat is available

  • Atomicity: all steps involved in a transaction are completed successfully

-if any steps fail no other should be completed

-E.g transferring money between accounts(the withdrawal must succeed for the transfer to succeed)

-The response time delay must be acceptable for the application to be considered real time

-Main disadvantage=expense, due to hardware and software

Transaction processing monitor

-Software that allows the transaction processing application programs to run efficiently

-Provides standard interface between input devices, programs and DBMS

-Ensures transactions do not get lost or corrupted

Differences between real time and batch

  • both processed in the same manner

  • Real time requires more availability of master file for updating and referencing

  • Real time has fewer errors, as in batch the data is organised and stored before updating

  • Infrequent, yet tolerable, errors can occur in batch

  • More computers are required in real time processing

  • More difficult to maintain a real time system

Data validation

-Used to check the entry of transaction data to ensure the transactions are correct and have been accurately stored in the database

  • Transaction initiation: Used to acknowledge that the TP monitor is ready to receive the transaction data. Used in Real time to eliminate possible errors

  • Field checking: When transaction data is entered into a database. Validation is carried out by checking the fields(range check, list check, type check, check digit)

    What are the features of online processing?

    The high availability, concurrency, high data processing speed, and recoverability are the main features of an OLTP system. OLTP systems consist of the insert and update intensive database management system to handle multiple concurrent transactions.

    What are the characteristics of a transaction processing system?

    Transaction Processing Systems are characterized by their rapid processing of data, reliability, use of standard procedures, and control access. The activities of a typical TPS include data collection, data editing, data correction, data manipulation, data storage, and document production.

    Which of the following is not part of a transaction processing system?

    16. Which of the following is not associated with Transaction Processing System? Explanation: Triggering a response is not associated with Transaction Processing System.

    Which of the following characteristics of computer system is not true?

    Detailed Solution The correct answer is Intelligence quotient.