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Processing Systems

Jane Hagstrom

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System

A collection of elements that function together to achieve a common goal.

Elements of a system:

• Activities

• Entities

• Resources

• Controls

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Activity

• Any operation that is performed in order to achieve the system goal

• Examples:– Machine a part in a manufacturing system– Take customer’s order in a fast food service

system– Examine loan application in a bank loan

processing system

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Entity

• A product, customer, or other entity which receives processing or service while it is in the system.

• Examples:– Blank part in a manufacturing system– Customer order at fast food franchise– Loan application in bank loan system

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Resource

• Material, work, or equipment required to perform an activity

• Examples:– Machine operator in a manufacturing system– Cashier in a fast food system– Loan officer in a bank loan processing system

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Control

• Plan or part of a plan that dictates how an entity or resource moves through a system

• Examples: – Rules for operator’s movement among

machines– Computer protocol for transmitting orders at

the restaurant– Rules for what the loan officer does when she

finishes evaluating the loan