Information Processes and Technology
Pay I.T and Process I.T
OHP 2
Transaction Processing Systems
Characteristics of a TPS
If a TPS is used to record a sale and generate a receipt,
the transaction data is collected at the POS terminal and
then stored using an on-line database.
Describe what an on-line database is.
Why is it essential to link the POS terminal with a
database? (hint: data integrity, data redundancy)
The four important characteristics of a TPS are:
1.
RAPID RESPONSE
The system must be fast under operation with a rapid response
time. In the business world, a common adage is “time means
money”. Businesses cannot afford to have customers waiting for
a TPS to respond. The maximum turnaround time from when the
data is inputted to the generation of the output should only be a
few seconds, or less.
2.
RELIABILITY
Many businesses rely heavily on the correct functioning of their
TPS. A breakdown could result in a stoppage of business
activities. A TPS in a business situation must have a very low
failure rate. If a TPS does fail, then quick and accurate recovery
must be possible. This makes a well designed backup and
recovery system of procedures an essential element.
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OHP 2
Information Processes and Technology
Pay I.T and Process I.T
OHP 2
Transaction Processing Systems
3.
INFLEXIBILITY
A TPS wants every transaction to be processed in exactly the
same way, regardless of the user, the customer or the time of
day. If a TPS was flexible, different types of data would be
entered in different orders. Eg QANTAS accepts airline
reservations from travel agents all throughout the world.
Accepting different data from different agents would be a
problem.
4.
CONTROLLED PROCESSING
The processing in a TPS must support an organisation’s
operations. Eg. If an organisation allocates roles and
responsibilities to particular employees, then the TPS should
enforce and maintain this requirement. – Allowing staff sales
Key Point
A TPS has the aim of minimising the
handling/processing of data. If the TPS is linked to
a reliable database, this minimises data
redundancy and ensures the integrity and validity
of the data.
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OHP 2