10. Batch processing

It is often not desirable to deal with the inputs until a certain number have occurred or a set time has passed.  So they are stored until the system comes online to process the data in one 'batch'.

Batch processing is usually fully automatic unlike 'real-time' or transaction processing which are interactive.

For example

• A stock control programme may store records of every item sold in a shop that day. Then, at the end of each day it calculates what needs to be ordered. 
• An online competition stores all the entries until it is time to find the winner.
• Electricity, gas and telephone bills are usually calculated on a monthly basis.