CHAPTER 17 - Data Processing

Abstract

This chapter introduces the main types of equipment available for data processing and discusses when such equipment might be employed to the best advantage. The best-known adding machine type was the Comptometer, in which the depression of an appropriate key activated the revolving counters by a desired amount. Multiplication and division are in fact mass addition and subtraction and so the Comptometer became also a calculating machine by the repetitive depression of keys. Keyboard accounting machines combined the principles of calculating machines and typewriters and were therefore fitted with a complete typewriter keyboard in addition to the figure keyboard of the calculating machine. Capabilities of individual machines varied widely, depending on their size and construction, but generally speaking they carried out a book-keeping sequence, completing all necessary documentation, calculations, and figurework in the one operation. Receipt analysis machines specialized in the control of incoming revenue by the simultaneous production of a printed receipt, a detailed statistical analysis, and occasionally the entry in a permanent account or pass book. Developed from the cash register, such machines were often used to record receipts in local authority rating offices, gas and electricity board offices, and savings banks.