INPUT DESIGN

No matter how data enters an information system, the quality of the output is only as good as the quality of the input. The objective of input design is to ensure the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of input data.

Data Entry Screens

During input design, you determine how data will be captured and entered into the system.

Data capture uses an automated or manually operated device to identify source

data and convert it into computer-readable form.

The following guidelines will help you design data entry screens that are easy to learn and use.

1. Restrict user access to screen locations where data is entered.
2. Provide a descriptive caption for every field, and show the user where to enter the data and the required or maximum field size.
3. Display a sample format if a user must enter values in a field in a specific format.
4. Require an ending keystroke for every field.
5. Do not require users to type leading zeroes for numeric fields.
6. Do not require users to type trailing zeroes for numbers that include decimals.
7. Display default values so operators can press the enter key to accept the suggested value.
8. Use a default value when a field value will be constant for successive records or throughout the data entry session.
9. Display a list of acceptable values for fields, and provide meaningful error messages if the user enters an unacceptable value.
10. Allow users to add, change, delete, and view records.
11. Design the screen form layout to match the layout of the source document.
12. Provide a method to allow users to search for specific information.
13. Provide a means for users to move among fields on the form in a standard order or in any order they choose.
14. Provide users with an opportunity to confirm the accuracy of input data.
15. Provide a way to leave the data entry screen at any time without entering the current record.

Validation Rules

Reducing the number of input errors improves data quality. One way to reduce input errors is to eliminate unnecessary data entry.

Input Volume Reduction

To reduce input volume, you must reduce the number of data items required for each transaction.

The following guidelines will help reduce input volume:

1. Input necessary data only
2. Do not input data that the user can retrieve from system files or calculate from other data.
3. Do not input constant data.
4. Use codes. Codes are shorter than the data they represent, and coded input can reduce data entry time.

Penulis: Yusia /Kaleb

Referensi:
[1] Shelly, G.B., Rosenblatt, H.J., Systems Analysis and Design Ninth Edition. Course Technology. 2012. Boston, USA.