Question

What factor influences the decision to employ real-time data collection with batch updating rather that purely real-time processing? Explain. 

Answer 1

Transaction volume is the key factor. Large-scale systems that process high volumes of transactions often use real-time data collection and batch updating. Master file records that are unique to a transaction such as customer accounts and individual inventory records can be updated in real time without causing operational delays. Common accounts should be updated in batch mode. Real-time processing is better suited to systems that process lower transaction volumes and those that do not share common records.