Question

One control that is applicable for almost any system is "enter data close to the originating source". A customer entering a purchase into an online sales system (such as at Amazon.com) is an excellent example of this control. Describe the details of why this process produces fewer errors than a process where the sales clerk manually writes down the customer's order. Be sure to include validity, completeness, and accuracy in your answer.

Answer 1

Answer :

A customer entering an order into Amazon.com removes any errors that might be introduced by someone else entering an item into a system at a later date. The customer selects the proper item that is desired, verifies the item, enters their payment method, and shipping instructions. Errors may be introduced by someone other than the customer, at the due to miskeying, misreading, or generally not understanding what the customer wanted. A customer will expect a confirmation that the order is entered (completeness). The customer will also confirm that the item is what is wanted—and for which payment was made (validity)—and by confirming the item, quantity, and price reduces the chance of the entry of an error (accuracy).

The customer entry process may still allow errors for customers that are not paying attention. For example, the customer can select the wrong saved shipping address, which can result in Amazon sending the item to where the customer selected, rather than where it was intended to go.