Books:

1) Systems Analysis and Design

By Elias M. Awad
2) Systems Analysis and Design
By R. J. Thierauf

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Input Design
 It is the process of converting user-originated inputs to a computer-based
format.
 Input data are collected and organized into groups of similar data.
 Once identified, appropriate input media are selected for processing.
Input Data Design
 The goal of designing input data is to make data entry as easy, logical,
and free from errors as possible.
 The operator need to know i) the allocated space for each field ii) field
sequence iii) the format in which data fields are entered.
 We need to design the source documents and the media used to enter the
data into the computer.
Source Documents
 Source data are captured initially on original paper or a source document,
e.g., a bank check written against an account.
 They can be entered into the system from punch cards, disketts, or
keyboard.

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  A source document should be logical, and easy to understand.
 Each area in the form should be clearly identified and should specify for
the user what to write and where to write it, i.e., format of a date: Sept.
20, 1990.
Fig. 10.1

Input Media and Devices

 The following media and devices are suitable to input source data into the
system:
• Punch cards are either 80 or 96 columns wide. Data are arranged in a
sequential and logical order.
• Key-to-diskette is modeled after the keypunch process.
• MICR translates the special fonts printed in magnetic ink on checks into direct
computer input.
• Mark sensing readers
• Optical character recognition (OCR) readers
• Optical bar code readers to read universal product code (UPC).
• Cathode ray tube (CRT)

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Online data entry
 CRT screens are used for online data entry.
 Online data entry makes use of a processor that accepts commands and
data from the operator through keyboard or a device such as a touch
sensitive screen or voice input.
 There are 3 major approaches for entering data into the computer:
1) The menu (Fig. 10.4 Awad)
2) The formatted form (Fig. 10.5 Awad)
3) The prompt

Menu
 A menu is a selection list that simplifies computer data access or entry.
 The user chooses an item from a list of options and types the option
letter associated with it.
 A menu limits a user’s choice of responses but reduces the chances for
error in data entry.
Fig. 10-4 (p290 awad)
-

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Formatted form
 It is a pre-printed form or a template that requests the user to enter data in
appropriate locations.
 It is a fill-in-the-blank type form.
 After the user responds by filling in the appropriate information, the cursor
automatically moves to the next line, and so on until the form is completed.
Fig 10-5.

The prompt
 The system displays one inquiry at a time, asking the user for a response.
 Most systems edit the data entered by the user.
 The prompt method also allows the user to key questions that determines the
next response of the system.

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CRT Screen Design
 Many online data entry devices are CRT screens that provide instant visual
verification of input data and a means of prompting the operator.
 The operator can make any changes desired before the data go to the
system for processing.
 It is a display station that has a buffer memory for storing data of 24 rows
80 characters each.
Fig. 10.6.

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Output Design
 It is the most important and direct source of information to the user.
 Efficient and intelligible output design should improve the system’s relationship with
the user and help in decision making.
 A major form is a hard copy from the printer.
 The output device to consider depends on the compatibility, response time,
expected print quality and number of copies needed.
 The following media devices are available:
1. MICR readers
2. Line, matrix and daisy wheel printers
3. Computer output microfilm (COM)
4. CRT screen display
5. Audio response etc.

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 The systems analyst must consider the print format and the editing for the final
printout.
 The standards for printed output considers the following:
1. Give each output a specific name or title
2. Provide a sample of the output layout
3. State whether each output field is to include zeros, spaces or
alphabetic data
4. Specify the procedure for providing the accuracy of the output data.
5. Consider issues for web-based applications.

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 Output Design
Design of MIS Output
Chapter 8
Book: Systems Analysis and Design (Thierauf p264)

Steps for Design of MIS Output:

1. Specify Output Requirements (Thierauf p277)
2. Determine the contents of output (Thierauf p277)
3. Design output (Thierauf p278)
4. Specify use and distribution of output (Thierauf p289)