Data Input

DATA INPUT METHODS:

Printed questionnaires вЂ" 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 вЂ" 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 вЂ" 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 вЂ" 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 вЂ" 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 OUTPUT METHODS:

Hand held computer вЂ" The best data output method for a hand held computer would be visual

output such as text or low end graphics on an LCD screen. LCD which stands for liquid crystal

display is ideal for hand held computers and helps to make their small size possible. Hand held

computers are not powerful as laptop or desktop computers so most output should be in the form

of text and simple graphics.

Color Photograph вЂ" The best method of output for a color photograph would be through a high

resolution printer using special photo paper. This method can be used to reproduce color

photographs of different dimensions. A lot of printers now have the capability to print pictures

stored on digital cameras or memory sticks that connect directly into the printer bypassing the

computer altogether and reproduce quality color photograph reproductions of the original

picture.

Resume вЂ" The best output method of a resume would be as text either printed onto paper as a

hardcopy or as a document attachment in an email. There is little or no need for graphics in a

resume so simple text would be the preferred output. Since resumes are usually sent to multiple

businesses they can be printed rather quickly or sent by email even quicker to multiple places at

one time.

Memorandum вЂ" Memorandums are usually very small in size and should be output as text in

the form of an email or a type of instant message system. Printing of a memorandum would be

suitable also but only if where to posted in a space visible to all the people who needed to see it.

Printing off one copy for one person or multiple copies for each individual person would be a

waste of time and money. Email or an instant message would be the preferred way of sending out

a memorandum as it is the quickest and least expensive way of getting your message to who it

needs to go to.

Statistical report вЂ" Depending on the kind of statistics a printer or plotter would be the best to

use. A plotter would be best to use if the statistical reports contains any drawings or any detailed

graphics. Also a plotter can be used to make transparencies that can be used on