Question

Difficulty: MediumComputerized Data Processing and Business Records Management

In a computerized business records management system, different types of database files serve distinct operational functions. Match each file type on the left with its corresponding business operational function on the right.

  • Master FileStores semi-permanent main records containing current balances or status that are regularly updated (e.g., customer ledger accounts).
  • Transaction FileAccumulates temporary day-to-day business event records used to update main records (e.g., daily sales invoices).
  • Reference FileContains static lookup data consulted during data entry for validation or information retrieval (e.g., product price list).
  • Archive FileHolds historical, inactive business records preserved for legal compliance and long-term auditing.

Answer

The correct matches pair Master File with semi-permanent main records, Transaction File with temporary daily activity records, Reference File with static lookup data for validation, and Archive File with historical inactive records retained for auditing.
In computerized data processing and records management, file organization is categorized by access frequency and function: Master Files store main active balances (customer, vendor, inventory records); Transaction Files record input events that update master records; Reference Files store lookup information like tax tables or catalog prices used during processing; and Archive Files preserve historical data for legal retention.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary role of a Master File in electronic record keeping.
Recognize that Master Files maintain ongoing, semi-permanent business states such as current account or inventory balances.
Master files are central to EDP systems and are updated regularly via processing runs.
2
Distinguish between Transaction Files and Master Files.
Associate Transaction Files with transient, event-driven data like daily order slips or payment vouchers.
Transaction records act as input batches to update master balances.
3
Determine the function of static Reference Files and inactive Archive Files.
Pair Reference Files with lookup tables (prices/tax rates) and Archive Files with long-term preserved historical records.
Reference files aid input verification without altering balances, while archive files preserve non-operational history.

Key Concept

Types and Functions of Computerized Business Files
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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