b Sorting. In this step, the data may be arranged in a particular sequence to
facilitate processing.
c. Calculating. Calculations may be required to determine a patient's account
balance or a student's grade point average.
3-7.
OUTPUT ACTIVITIES
a. Output activities include retrieving, converting, storing, and communicating.
Retrieving involves pulling information from storage devices for use by the decision-
maker.
b. Converting means translating information from the computer form used to
store it, to a form understandable by the user (such as, a CRT display or printed report).
c. Storing involves transferring the data onto a storage medium, such as a disk
or tape file for future use.
d. Communication takes place when the relevant accurate information is in the
right place at the right time.
Figure 3-2. The product of data processing is information.
MD0057
3-4