Modes of operation refer to the way in which a computer program will handle data and produce output.
Three different modes of operation in computer systems are
real time control processing,
real time transaction processing and
batch processing.
Data processing is carried out with no user interaction
Can be used during off-peak time to avoid using computer resources at times when demand is high
Errors are stored in a file for later use and not dealt with as they occur
e.g. payroll, utility bills such as gas/electricity/water bills
Collecting all the data which can then be used with the billing application to produce the bills
Process is carried out with no user interaction
Batch processing may avoid using computer resources at times when demand is high /off-peak e.g. often carried out overnight without any further human intervention/resources available
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. Jobs can wait in a queue until they are processed. The master files are then updated based on all the transactions.
'A' GRADE ANSWER - Batch Processing
Batch processing could be used to produce electricity bills by collecting together all the data such as amount of electricity used this month for all customers to be billed, and using the customer file, with details such as tariff and payment method. This data can then be used with the billing application to produce the bills without any further human intervention. This could be carried out overnight or at any time when the computer resources are not in demand.
Record is locked during update
When a transaction takes place, the record is updated very quickly
Availability very quickly decreases by one which avoids over-selling or double booking.
e.g. theatre/cinema selling tickets
when record is accessed other users are locked out
the record is updated immediately
avoids double booking
'A' GRADE ANSWER - Real Time Transaction Processing
Real time transaction processing could be used by a theatre selling tickets because as a seat is booked, other users are locked out, the record is updated immediately and availability of that seat on that date is immediately removed/changed this avoids double booking a seat.
Data input is processed very quickly
Processing needs to be quick enough to deliver output in time
Output is adjusted accordingly.
This means that accidents can be avoided.
e.g. could be used to control temperature in a chemical plant/factory/industrial process
could be used to control temperature where continuous monitoring is required
HOW it works - Inputs are processed immediately and outputs are adjusted immediately e.g. As input changes it affects the output for example as temperature rises cooling devices are operated
Why necessary - Instant response is required e.g. Accidents can be avoided or states such as temperature can be maintained
Whole system can be automated with a few operatives monitoring
'A' GRADE ANSWER - Real Time Control Processing
Real time control processing could be used by a chemical plant to control temperature by continuously monitoring the temperature which is input to the system. These Inputs are processed immediately and the output is adjusted immediately this means that accidents can be avoided. The whole system can be automated but a few operatives will be required to monitor and react if limits are reached or exceeded.