Faculty Forum Papers
November 1975 - Data Processing Vis-a-vis Word Processing
By
Patricia A. Wells, Director
Office Administration Program
October 28, 1975
It may be of interest to OSU staff and faculty to consider
the similarities and dissimilarities between data processing and word processing. This paper
is written to identify assumptions which word processing and data processing professionals and
users may have that could cause confusion.
Data processing can be defined as a sequence of operations, usually mathematical, that are performed on
facts and figures. Word processing can be defined as a sequence of operations, usually syntactical,
which are performed on words.
The modern concept of word processing has been widely accepted in the business world as a means of gaining
efficiency and cost reduction in the office. It is a proven technique, now finding many users in all
levels of government.
Word processing involves the efficient use of procedures, equipment, and people with a systems approach
to office management. Basically, word processing is a method of producing typed documents. The "documents"
can be anything from a single page letter, to a report, or even a large publication. The common thread is
that all of these "outputs" are created in the same basic way:
1. The author originates the document by dictation, longhand, etc.
2. The document is typed in a rough draft or final form on a typewriter.
3. The typed document is returned to author for review and correction, or signature.
4. The finished product is dispatched.
This activity must be done in an orderly manner to obtain efficiency which is how the term "system"
applies.
Computer word processing is the utilization of computers in the information input, editing and output
cycles involved in the creation of a document.
An example of the differing perspective can be seen in two views of the word processing facility. To
a data processing professional the word processing facility might be seen as terminals connected to a
central processor using a purchased software package for application programs or as automatic typewriters
which can be programmed for numerous revisions. A word processing professional and user sees the same
physical setup as a complete publishing function (albeit limited) using computer technology. The
expectations from such a combination can be very high. The fact that these terminals are few in number
should argue for very close management scrutiny to assure delivery of potential services. The first
distinction of the data processor seeing the application as a small and the word processor seeing the
application as large is not unique to just current and potential OSU applications and therefore should
be readily addressed.
The following points are less apparent and therefore deserve more attention because of their somewhat
hidden nature. First of all it is important to realize that word processing is automated (though more
sophisticated reference may use the term "electronic") copy preparation regardless of the devices or
procedures used.
| ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING (EDP) | | AUTOMATED COPY PREPERATION (ACP) |
| | | |
| A. DATA | |
A. TEXT |
| | | |
1.
Characteristics
Repetitive
Periodic
Rigid Format
| |
1.
Characteristics
Repetitive
As Needed
Variable Format
|
| | | |
| 2. Operationally Oriented | |
2. Administrative Oriented |
| | | |
| 3. Output Receiver Oriented | |
3. Input Preparer Oriented |
| | | |
| B. SYSTEMS | |
B. SYSTEMS |
| | | |
Develop once, produced
multiple times | |
Written once, revised multiple
times, produced repetitively |
| | | |
| Input: forms oriented | |
Input: voice, fresh or marked copy |
| | | |
| Storage: DPC function | |
Storage: source or input functions |
| | | |
| Maintenance: systems function | |
Maintenance: source of input function or centralized
functions. |
| | | |
| C. RULES | |
C. RULES |
| | | |
Primarily numerically and logically
oriented |
|
Primarily grammatically and syntactically oriented |
| | | |
| D. SCHEDULES | |
D. SCHEDULES |
| | | |
| Rigid | |
Ultra Rigid |
| |
