data entry

(computer science) The procedures for placing data in a computer system.

Entering data into the computer, which includes keyboard entry, scanning and voice recognition. When transactions are entered after the fact (batch data entry), they are just stacks of source documents to the keyboard operator. Deciphering poor handwriting from a source document is a judgment call that is often error prone. In online data entry operations, in which the operator takes information in person or by phone, there is interaction and involvement with the transaction and less chance for error. See validity checking and data loading.

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