Accounting Information Systems: The Processes and Controls, 2nd Edition

INPUT METHODS USED IN BUSINESS PROCESSES (STUDY OBJECTIVE 6)

As the steps in a business process occur, accounting data are generated that must be captured and recorded in the accounting information system. Accounting data are the input of the accounting information system. For example, a sale generates much accounting data that must be collected and recorded, such as customer identification information, identifying information for items and quantities sold, and information on discounts offered and taken. Most of the business processes in an organization generate accounting data. Because those processes—and the organizations themselves—can differ greatly, there are many different methods to capture and record accounting data, which is the purpose of an input method. Some of the input methods used in organizations today are described in this section, including source documents and keying, bar coding, point of sale systems, EDI, and e-business.

SOURCE DOCUMENTS AND KEYING

Within business processes, the accounting data are often initially captured and recorded on a source document. Source documents are usually preprinted and sequentially prenumbered—preprinted to have an established format to capture data and prenumbered for control purposes to ensure that there are no duplicate or missing source documents and that all source documents are accounted for. One example of capturing data on a source document is the use of an employee time card. As an employee begins and ends a workday, ...