The full form of EDP is Electronic Data Processing. EDP is the term used to describe data collection using electronic equipment like computers, servers, or calculators. It is another name for automatic data processing. It also entails data analysis, output summarisation, and recording in a form humans can use. Most businesses nowadays choose electronic data processing (EDP) because it offers benefits, including better control, quicker responses, better customer service, and time and money savings. One of the most prevalent applications of EDP in the present era is the warehouse stock monitoring and logistics system.
In 1951, Lyons Electronic Office (LEO) created the first commercial business computer in the UK. Data could only be entered at that time using punched tape or cards. These punched cards had to be made separately. Processing business data requires a lot of time and effort.
At first, each firm developed its custom data processing software. Punch cards were taken out with the introduction of microprocessors, which also made it possible to process data electronically using affordable desktop computers.
The stages of EDP are as follows.
Keyboards, scanners, digitisers, and other input devices process the data before it is entered into a system.
Software programs are used to manage the information and frequently entail translation, code implementation, equations, authentication, and other operations.
After processing, the information is delivered to the customer in audio, reports, video, and so forth.
Electronic data processing has a wide range of applications. Among the most popular are:
Keep a record of the customers' preferences, purchase history, and contact details.
To keep track of shipments and manage inventories.
Create and maintain digital content, including documents, videos, and images.
To build and maintain databases for research.
To organise and monitor communications like faxes and emails.
The primary benefit of EDP systems is that they enable the business to quickly handle and analyse huge amounts of data. EDP tools also lower the cost of managing and storing paper documents because they eliminate the need for actual storage facilities, printing, couriering, etc.
The five main steps in constructing an EDP system: are system planning, general system design, detail system design, programme specification (including file design), and programming.
The various forms of electronic data processing
Online processing.
Real-time processing.
Distributed processing
Time-sharing.
Batch processing.
Multiprocessing.
Multitasking.
Interactive processing.
EDP systems are made up of four necessary elements: personnel, procedures, software, and hardware.
EDP technology is used by various devices, including laptops, mobile phones, calculators, and computers, to handle data.
The three stages of EDP are input, processing, and output.