Batch and Real-Time Processing

Answer

Batch and Real-Time Processing

Batch processing system is a system where several jobs in a computer system are processed at the same time. A series of programs are executed together instead of each being executed separately or independently. Batch processing provides a suitable and an efficient system of processing volumes of jobs where transactions have to be collected and processed periodically like bills or payroll information. Real time processing involves continual input of data, processing and output. Jobs or data have to be processed and output provided within a very short period of time. Data is processed as soon as it is received like in the case of Automated Teller Machines or Customer service systems.

Organizations make use of batch processing systems where the information required is received intermittently but has to be printed in totality at some point like in hotel billing systems where a visitor has to spend a few days before checking out. But in real time processing systems organizations require information within minutes or seconds as any delay means loss of customer or sales for example in airline companies, the ticketing system has to be on real time system and data has to be processed while the customer is on hold waiting to buy a ticket. The cashier has to be sure whether a seat is available on which plane and the departure and arrivals details. The point of sales known as POS operates on real time basis to update and provide accurate inventory history in order to receive payments based on real time. The aim of real time processing in organizations is that continuous analytics allows the organizations to make quick decisions required on real time basis. The decision to use either real time or batch processing systems depends on various factors key among them the type, data source and time required.

Batch processing would be preferred over real-time processing where the information required must be complete before the work is executed. Batch processing is cost effective as it requires less peripheral devices compared to real time processing. At the same time batch processing allows flexibility in job rescheduling and computer time allocation hence provides for efficient computer hardware use and also personnel time. When jobs are executed in batches it is easier to shift and process some jobs during off peaks for instance some jobs can be rescheduled to be processed at night. Batch processing allows for time adjustments as well standard quality implementation. It is characterized by repetition and continuous production processes that ensure product improvement in terms of quality (Data Science Central, 2017).

Batch processing is preferred in manufacturing processes like in electronic materials production, metals, Ceramics and other manufacturing processes (Edgar, 2003). It is a System that is recommended for high volume processing, repetitive tasks such as generation of reports and statements, printing documents and other processes that are non-interactive. In banks batch processing can be applied in end-of-day data processes including interest calculations, report generation, printing statements and other payment processing. The application can also be applied to flow processes that require input of data from single inputs like totals and also the completion of one process is critical before another process commences.

To conclude, batch processing is recommended in the application of bulk database updates, transaction processing, digital imaging, editing data files and other cluster computing processes.