Question

Management is concerned that data uploaded from a microcomputer to the company’s mainframe system in batch processing may be erroneous. Which of the following controls would best address this issue?

a. The mainframe computer should be backed up on a regular basis
b. Two persons should be present at the microcomputer when it is uploading data
c. The mainframe computer should subject the data to the same edits and validation routines that online data entry would require
d. The users should be required to review a random sample of processed data

Answer 1

The most effective control to ensure data accuracy during batch processing is for the mainframe to apply the same validation routines to uploaded data as it does to online data entry.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concern regarding erroneous data during the upload from a microcomputer to a mainframe system in a batch processing context relates to data integrity and validation controls in information systems. The best control among the provided options that addresses the data validity issue would be for the mainframe computer to subject the uploaded data to the same edits and validation routines that it would for online data entry. This ensures that all data, whether entered directly or uploaded in a batch, meet the same criteria for accuracy, completeness, and reliability before being processed further.

Moreover, taking this approach is proactive and preventative, which is generally more effective and efficient than reviewing a random sample post-processing or relying on manual oversight during the upload process.