CIS 302 Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design

1. CIS 302 Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design Input Design

2. Chapter 7 Input Design

3. Objectives Discuss the objectives of systems input design Explain the differences among data capture, data entry, and data input Explain the differences between batch and online input List and describe the different types of data validation checks Discuss effective source document design

4. Objectives Design input records Discuss guidelines for effective screen design Describe and design data entry screens, process control screens, graphical user interfaces, and Help screens Explain input control techniques

5. Input technology has changed greatly Output quality depends on input quality Main objectives of input design User-friendly interface Input processes that ensure data quality, accuracy and timeliness Introduction

6. Definitions Data capture Identification and recording of source data Data entry Conversion of source data into a computer-readable form Data input Process by which the computer-readable source data enters the information system Input Design Objectives

7. Four main input design objectives 1. Select input media and methods 2. Develop efficient input procedures 3. Reduce input volume 4. Reduce input errors Input Design Objectives

8. Input media and data entry methods Batch input method Data entry is done over period of time Collection (batch) of data is input at one time Online data entry method Also called direct data entry Data is validated and available immediately Input Design Objectives

9. Input media and data input methods Source data automation Combines online data entry with online data capture Uses magnetic data strips and swipe scanners Common examples: ATMS, point-of-sale terminals, bar code readers, patient ID bracelets, libraries Input Design Objectives

10. Develop efficient input procedures Procedures Must be efficient, timely, and logical Must identify potential bottlenecks Input Design Objectives

11. Reduce input volume Less volume means less time, effort, and cost Four guidelines 1. Input necessary data only 2. Do not input data that can be retrieved from system files or calculated from other data 3. Do not input constant data 4. Use codes Input Design Objectives

12. TRADEOFF Should users ever enter retrievable data for verification purposes? Online data entry allows immediate verification, but batch input methods do not Batch input data can be verified by entering a second data item, such as a customer name in addition to a customer number, which must match a specific record when the data is input Pros and cons: this method can detect invalid entries, but involves more time and expense

13. A KEY QUESTION Should Prowler Products change to an online data entry system? Pros: improved data accuracy, customer satisfaction, and company image Cons: more expensive Are these valid reasons to change? What cost-benefit issues should be analyzed? What factors should be considered?

14. Reduce input errors Fewer errors mean better data quality Eight types of data validation checks 1. Sequence checks 2. Existence checks 3. Data type checks 4. Range checks 5. Reasonableness checks 6. Validity checks 7. Combination checks 8. Batch controls Input Design Objectives

15. Key Tasks in Input Design Six key tasks 1. Design data entry and input procedures 2. Design source documents for data capture, or devise other data capture methods 3. Design input data records 4. Design data entry screens 5. Design user interface screens 6. Design audit trails and system security measures

16. Source Document Design Source documents Request and collect input data Can trigger or authorize input actions Provide a record of the original transaction Form layout guidelines Allow sufficient space Offer clear instructions Provide logical organization Use captions effectively

17. Source Document Design Form zones Heading zone Control zone Instruction zone Totals zone Authorization zone Source documents can be external or internal

18. Input Record Design Input record layout chart To design and document batch input records Multiple record designs are used for transactions that involve constant and repeating data Constant fields (non-repeating data) Repeating fields

19. Input Record Design Information flow on a form Should be logical and easy to follow

20. Input Record Design Information flow on a form Should be logical and easy to follow Poor design results in forms that are difficult to use, time-consuming, and prone to error

21. Screen Design Effective screen design guidelines 1. Screens should be attractive and uncluttered 2. Information on a single screen should be displayed in a meaningful, logical order 3. Screen designs should be consistent 4. Messages should be specific, understandable, and professional 5. Messages should remain on the screen for an appropriate period of time

22. Screen Design Effective screen design guidelines 6. Special effects should be used sparingly 7. Users should receive feedback 8. Screen designs should be documented and approved as soon as possible

23. Screen Design Data entry screen design Guidelines 1. Restrict user access to screen locations where data is entered 2. Provide a descriptive caption for each field and show the user where to enter the data 3. Show a sample format if one is required 4. Require ending keystroke for every field 5. Do not require users to enter special characters

24. Screen Design Guidelines 6. Do not require users to type leading zeroes or trailing spaces for alphanumeric fields 7. Do not require users to type trailing zeroes that follow a decimal point 8. Display default values that users can accept 9. Use default values for constant data 10. Display a list of acceptable values for fields with a limited number of valid choices

25. Screen Design Guidelines 11. Provide a way to leave the data entry screen without inputting the current record 12. Provide an opportunity to confirm the accuracy of input data before entering it 13. Provide a means to move among form fields in a standard, or in another, order 14. Design the screen form to match the layout of the source document

26. Screen Design Guidelines 15. Allow the operator to add, change, delete, and view records 16. Design a method to allow operators to search for a specific record

27. TRADEOFF When should input data be validated? Is it better to check the values as soon as each value is entered, or wait until all fields are input? What issues should be considered? What type of field is involved, and does it affect other fields? Can data be validated at time of entry? Can missing data be obtained later? Which method do users prefer?

28. A KEY QUESTION At Boolean Toys, should individual users be allowed to select data entry and validation methods, or should a standard method be required? What are the pros and cons of allowing different validation methods in the same system?

29. Screen Design Process control screen design Users can control system actions with interactive menus and prompts Menu screens Menus display a list of user-selectable options

30. Screen Design Process control screen design Users can control system actions with interactive menus and prompts Menu screens Menus display a list of user-selectable options Menu-driven system uses a hierarchy of main menus and submenus Shortcut key combinations can be used in a menu design

31. Screen Design Process control screen design Prompt screens User types a response to a prompt

32. Screen Design Process control screen design Prompt screens User types a response to a prompt Responses can include commands

33. Screen Design Process control screen design Prompt screens User types a response to a prompt Responses can include commands Structured Query Language (SQL) can be used Question/answer screens can be used Natural language techniques can be used, similar to Internet search engines

34. Screen Design Process control screen design Combination screens Menus and prompt screens can be combined effectively

35. Screen Design Graphical user interfaces A GUI environment includes process control and data control A GUI environment is easy to use Common features Menu bar Toolbar

36. Screen Design Common features Menu bar Toolbar Drop-down menus

37. Screen Design Common features Menu bar Toolbar Drop-down menus Dialog, text, and drop-down list boxes

38. Screen Design Common features Menu bar Toolbar Drop-down menus Dialog, text, and drop-down list boxes Option (radio) buttons

39. Screen Design Common features Menu bar Toolbar Drop-down menus Dialog, text, and drop-down list boxes Option (radio) buttons Spin bars

40. Screen Design Help screen design Several methods to obtain Help Click a command button or toolbar Press a special key Context-sensitive Help Provides Help on the task in progress

41. Screen Design Help screen design Several methods to obtain Help Click a command button or toolbar Press a special key Context-sensitive Help Provides Help on the task in progress User-selected Help Hypertext Uses links to display additional information on related topics

42. Screen Design Design guidelines Provide a direct route for users to return to the program after Help is obtained Title every Help screen Use easy, simple, understandable Help text Present attractive, uncluttered screens Provide appropriate examples Use hyperlinks Include contact data for persons or departments responsible for assisting users

43. Input Control Measures to ensure that data is correct, complete, and secure Effective source document design Data validity checks Batch input controls Log files for rejected records Audit trails Data security measures, including encryption Password and sign-on procedures Records retention policies