Objectives

1. Explain input design concepts,

techniques, and methods.
2. Describe guidelines for data entry
screen design and validation checks
for reducing input errors.
3. Design effective source documents
and input controls.
Input Design
Main Objective:
To ensure the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of
input data

During input design, you determine how data

will be captured and entered into the
system
Data Capture – is the identification and recording of source data.
Data Entry – is the process of converting source data into
computer-readable form and entering it into the information
system.
Input and data entry methods

1. Batch input
Data entry is performed on a specified time
schedule
Collection (batch) of data is input at one time

2. Online input
Data is validated and available immediately
Input volume

Guidelines for reducing input volume

1. Input necessary data only
2. Do not input data that can be retrieved from
system files or calculated from other data
3. Do not input constant data
4. Use codes
Designing data entry screens
Form filling is the most effective method of online
data entry
Effective screen design guidelines
1. Restrict user access to screen locations where data is
entered
2. Provide a descriptive caption for every field
3. Display a sample format if a user must enter values in
a specific format
4. Require an ending keystroke in every field
5. Do not require leading zeros for numeric fields
6. Do not require trailing zeros
7. Display default values
8. Use default values for constant entries
9. Display a list of acceptable values for fields
10. Provide a way to leave the data entry screen without
entering the current record
11. Provide the opportunity to confirm to confirm the
accuracy of input data
12. Provide for movement among fields in a standard
order or any chosen order
13. Design the screen form layout to match that of the
source documents
14. Allow users to add, change, delete, and view records
15. Provide for users to search for specific information
Input errors
Fewer errors mean better data quality
Eight types of data validation checks
1. Sequence checks
2. Existence checks
3. Data type checks
4. Range checks
5. Reasonableness checks
6. Validity checks
7. Combination checks
8. Batch controls
Source documents
Source documents
 A form used to request and collect input
data, trigger or authorize input actions
and provide a record of the original
transaction.

Form layout guidelines

1. Allow sufficient space
2. Offer clear instructions
3. Provide logical organization
4. Use captions effectively
Form zones
 Heading zone
 Control zone
 Instruction zone
 Body zone
 Totals zone
 Authorization zone
Information should flow left to right and
top to bottom
Input control

Measures to ensure that data is correct,

complete, and secure
Effective source document design
Data validity checks
Batch input controls
Log files for rejected records
Audit trails
Data security measures, including encryption
Password and sign-on procedures
Records retention policies
Group Task
Situation:
R. George’s, a fashionable clothing store that
also has a mail-order business, would like to
keep track of the customers coming into the
store.
a. Design and draw a form that can be printed on 3 inch
x 5 inch index cards and given to in-store customers
to fill out. (Hint: The form must be aesthetically
appealing to encourage R. George’s upscale clientele
to complete it.)
b. Design a form that captures in-store customer
information from the cards in part a.