Editing Data processing (section)

==Systems==
A '''data processing system''' is a combination of [[machine]]s<!-- "data processing" is specific to machines, there is no data but storage processing in nature, see the OED -->, people, and processes that for a set of [[Input/output|inputs]] produces a defined set of [[Input/output|outputs]]. The inputs and outputs are interpreted as [[data]], [[fact]]s, [[information]] etc. depending on the interpreter's relation to the system.

A term commonly used synonymously with ''data or storage (codes) processing system'' is ''[[Information system#Types of information system|information system]]''.<ref name=Ralston>{{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of Computer Science 4th ed.|editor=Anthony Ralston |display-editors=etal |year=2000|publisher=Nature Publishing Group|page=865}}</ref> With regard particularly to [[electronic data processing]], the corresponding concept is referred to as '''electronic data processing system'''.

===Examples===

====Simple example====
A very simple example of a data processing system is the process of maintaining a check register. Transactions&mdash; checks and deposits&mdash; are recorded as they occur and the transactions are summarized to determine a current balance. Monthly the data recorded in the register is reconciled with a hopefully identical list of transactions processed by the bank.

A more sophisticated record keeping system might further identify the transactions&mdash; for example deposits by source or checks by type, such as charitable contributions. This information might be used to obtain information like the total of all contributions for the year.

The important thing about this example is that it is a ''system'', in which, all transactions are recorded consistently, and the same method of bank reconciliation is used each time.

====Real-world example====
This is a [[flowchart]] of a data processing system combining manual and computerized processing to handle [[accounts receivable]], billing, and [[general ledger]]

[[File:Stockbridge system flowchart example.jpg]]