Data processing is a procedure that transforms data from raw form to a more refined form. Typically, it refers to the use of software based tools to convert data into information and vice versa. In general terms, data processing is any method that translates data from one format to another.

Significance of Data processing

Data processing is an effective management tool. It is a vital and major resource for any business. Through data processing, organizations can convert huge number of documents into computer based data formats for easy storage and retrieval. The swift development in technology, arrival of globalization and the enormous competition amongst companies has made data processing an indispensable tool for continuously evaluating the fast changing customer requirements. All this comes down to handling business related data. Using past data we can predict future scenarios and hence plan marketing strategies accordingly. This is why data processing is so crucial.

Data processing – Common Practices

Data processing includes the extraction of data from handwritten forms or scanned images. This is done manually or using OCR/ICR software. The data is then distributed in different formats such as ASCII, CSV, and database files through CGI scripts.

Data processing typically refers to:

• Data Management
• Forms Processing
• Data Control
• Mailing List Compilation
• Data Migration
• Insurance Claims Processing
• Data Conversion
• Survey Processing
• Data Capturing
• Data Entry Services
• Data Reporting
• Online Data entry
• Database Development
• Offline Data Entry
• Company and Product Brochures
• Image data entry
• PowerPoint Presentations
• Offshore Data Entry
• Direct Mail
• Outsourcing Data Entry
• Word Processing
• Desktop Publishing/e-book
• Image Processing

Data Conversion

Data conversion is about converting data from one format to another. Data conversion entails the transformation of data from one format to another and its importation into a database. This can include anything from the conversion of paper written data to word format or changing the character encoding of a text file, to more complex stuff like the conversion of audio and video files. These days, data conversion jobs are mostly outsourced as it has proved to be quite advantageous. Outsourcing has helped aid quality at a cost-effective rate.

Data Processing – Examples

Data Conversion professionals can extract data from any media, and convert it into usable formats. This includes the conversion of PDF, word processors, typesetters, conversion of document and paper formats into XML, HTML-SGML, Book conversion, catalog conversion, CAD conversion and the conversion of data into excel worksheets, mainframe data, Paradox, FoxPro, Dbase or text files.

Some examples

• S400 database in fixed length EBCDIC to an ASCII comma delimited or CSV file
• DC600 System 36 files into Word files on a CD
• Datasets and libraries from ICL and AS400 systems to ASA files for COM and COLD companies
• Old typesetting system tape backups for use in more modern DTP packages
• EBCDIC database with binary and packed fields to an ASCII comma delimited or CSV file.

Image Processing

Image processing is a type of signal processing that converts an inputted image or video file into an output that can be either an image or a set of characteristics or parameters related to the image. It is the manipulation and analyzing of images so as to do things like changing the format or quality of images.

The image is imported using an optical scanner or through digital photography, and processed using techniques such as image enhancement and data compression and finally outputted. This output can either be the image altered in some way or a report based on the analysis of the image. The image is mostly considered as a 2d signal so that signal processing techniques can be applied.

Following are some of the different types of image processing:

• Image segmentation
• Image compression
• Image resizing
• Image enhancement processing
• Image transformations processing
• Image recognition processing
• Topological processing
• Image restoration

Form Processing

Form processing is an important tool in banking, insurance, health care, billing, ticketing etc. Presently Optical Character Recognition, Intelligent Mark Recognition, and Intelligent Character Recognition software ensures quick processing. But these cannot be used for capturing images like that of illegible handwriting, in such case, manual data entry is used.

Today, companies have to handle lots and lots of documents like invoices, vouchers, medical claims, insurance papers, financial and legal documents, and more. The number of such documents increases exponentially in organizations like banks, legal firms, public libraries and insurance companies. This has brought about the need for information to be converted to online form so that it can be accessed easily. Companies use form processing to convert large number of paper documents into online formats to aid easy accessibility to data. This entails extracting information from forms, faxes and scanned images and updating it various formats. Form processing can include formats such as HTML, CGI, ASP, JSP and PHP.

Form processing covers

• Accounting / Vouchers
• Insurance Claims
• Application / Subscription Forms
• Market Research
• Airway/Shipping documents
• Order Forms
• Customer Satisfaction
• Product
• Registration Forms
• Credit Card applications
• Surveys /Questionnaires
• Competition Slips/ Prize draw slips
• Training Courses Evaluation
• Employee Evaluation
• University Registration
• Human Resource Analysis

Data entry

Data entry is the presentation of information in the form of printed documents, or the entering of information into data processing applications that calculate results based on the information. Data entry also includes the process of inputting information into a database. Data Entry is one of the essential elements of business organizations today.

Data entry usually covers the following areas:

• Accounting and Book Keeping
• Feedback / Customer Satisfaction Cards
• Application / Survey / Research
• Insurance Claims / Patient Records
• Catalogues/ Manuals
• Mailing Lists
• Dictionaries/Encyclopedias
• Questionnaires
• Directories/Yellow Pages

Data entry also includes the process of inputting information into a database. Data Entry is one of the essential elements of business organizations today.

Outsourcing software development

Outsourcing is the process by which a company contracts another company to provide particular services. These services/ functions would be otherwise carried out in-house, by the company’s own employees. Outsourcing is becoming more and more popular in today’s business environment. Outsourcing has emerged as a key differentiator for efficiency and cost control. It allows company to improve their products and services at lower costs and enhance to flexibility. To stay competitive, software development outsource has become a necessity for many IT firms.

Outsourcing software development services:

• Custom software: is a computer program developed for a specific user or a group of users within a company. Custom Software makes your small business more efficient
• Applications Design and Development: it provides effective and efficient computer application support and programming services.

• ·Database Design and development: It provides you the means of maintaining data and using it to maximum potential. Database Design and development will let you see the true facts of your business, allowing the company to make intelligent and informed decisions.
• ·Data modeling: is designing of the data content and structure of the database. It is an essential ingredient of nearly all IT projects. Without a data model there is no blueprint for the design of the database.
• A data warehouse: is a copy of transaction data specifically structured for querying and reporting.
• Enterprise Systems (ES): are integrated, computer-based systems that allow information to flow seamlessly around an organization.

Advantages of outsourcing software Development:

• Access to Global expertise: companies have the option of choosing from a wide range of global expertise spread out across the globe
• Reduced Costs: companies can get the work done at lower costs by saving out on expensive programs and equipment required for the completion of a particular task.
• Shorter time to market : outsourcing reduces your time-to-market process providing you the exact resources you need
• High quality results: companies will get high quality work, as the service provider’s skilled staff will be focused on the particular task concerned.
• Increased operational flexibility : allowing organizations to better adapt to market changes and customer demands
• Competitive Advantage: Helps companies to be ahead of their competitors.
• No additional hiring required: companies don’t have to worry about hiring new employees for the specific task at hand.

The success of Outsourcing Software Development depends on many factors. The dealer has to understand the client’s business process, and should be able to convert it into IT solutions, thereby fulfilling the client’s needs and requirements. Today, Outsourcing Software Development dealer invest a lot for gaining domain and technical expertise and have succeeded in becoming leaders in many industries and technologies.