8/22/01J. Hagstrom, U. of Illinois1 Processing Systems Jane Hagstrom

8/22/01J. Hagstrom, U. of Illinois2 System A collection of elements that function together to achieve a common goal. Elements of a system: Activities Entities Resources Controls

8/22/01J. Hagstrom, U. of Illinois3 Activity Any operation that is performed in order to achieve the system goal Examples: –Machine a part in a manufacturing system –Take customer’s order in a fast food service system –Examine loan application in a bank loan processing system

8/22/01J. Hagstrom, U. of Illinois4 Entity A product, customer, or other entity which receives processing or service while it is in the system. Examples: –Blank part in a manufacturing system –Customer order at fast food franchise –Loan application in bank loan system

8/22/01J. Hagstrom, U. of Illinois5 Resource Material, work, or equipment required to perform an activity Examples: –Machine operator in a manufacturing system –Cashier in a fast food system –Loan officer in a bank loan processing system

8/22/01J. Hagstrom, U. of Illinois6 Control Plan or part of a plan that dictates how an entity or resource moves through a system Examples: –Rules for operator’s movement among machines –Computer protocol for transmitting orders at the restaurant –Rules for what the loan officer does when she finishes evaluating the loan