Batch Controls
Batch controls are used to manage high volumes of transaction data through a system. The objective of batch control is to reconcile output produced by the system with the input originally entered into the system. Batch control is initiated at the data input stage and continues through all phases of data processing. For example, a batch of supplier invoices enters the system at the data entry stage; after each subsequent processing stage, the batch is reviewed for completeness.
The information contained in the transmittal sheet is entered as a separate control record that the system uses to verify the integrity of the batch. Periodic reconciliation between the data in the transmittal record and actual processing results provides assur-ance of the following: