Master and Transaction Files

When a bill is produced e.g. utility bill, both a transaction file and a master file are used during an update.

Two input files are used: old master file and sorted transaction file
Update process is carried out i.e. comparison transaction record by record with corresponding master record - update master record
New (updated) master file output
Document output, e.g. bill.

Transaction files use serial organisation e.g. they are stored in no particular or chronological order

Master files use sequential organisation of records. They are stored in order / by key field (primary key).

Payroll

Transaction file = Hours worked

Master file = contains Employee pay details, hourly rate and pay details to date

At the end of each month the hours worked by an employee and the hourly rate are used to calculate the month's pay. tax and national insurance.

Utility Bill

o Transaction file = Meter reading

o Master file contains customer details / utility usage to date

For further details on the application of payroll please click here.

Mode of Operation - Batch Processing

For payroll and Utility bill applications the most applicable mode of operation would be Batch Processing. This mode of operation has the following features:-

The process is carried out with no user interaction
Batch processing may avoid using computer resources at times when demand is high /off-peak
Errors are stored in a file for later use and not dealt with as they occur.
Data is collected, and processed in one single operation.

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