Combined Online and Batch Processing
Even an online system can use batch processing to
perform certain routine tasks. Online processing also
can be used with file-oriented systems. Figure 10-30
shows a familiar point-of-sale (POS) terminal, and
Figure 10-31 on the next page shows how a retail
chain uses POS terminals to drive online and batch
processing methods. Notice that the system uses
online processing to handle data entry and inventory
updates, while reports and accounting entries are
performed in a batch.
The retail store system illustrates both online
processing and batch processing of data. During
business hours, the salesperson enters a sale on a
POS terminal, which is part of an information
system that handles daily sales transactions and
maintains the online inventory file. When the
salesperson enters the transaction, online processing occurs. The system performs
calculations, updates the inventory file, and produces output on the POS terminal in the