Electronic Data Processing (EDP) refers to the use of electronic computers and data processing machines to aid in organizing, storing, and transferring documents from paper format to digital format. Also for measuring the actual progress and feeding the information back to the employees in an efficient time frame" (Canning, 1956, 4).

The term Electronic Data Processing is one that is infrequently used in modern computing. Originally coined in an era in which the idea of storing and processing data on computers could be entertained by only the largest of businesses, EDP is now a reality of daily life for the vast majority of businesses around the globe. In fact, the term has since been updated variously to the better known terms ‘IT’ (Information Technology) and ‘IS’ (Information Systems).

When the first commercial computer, the Lyons Electronic Office (LEO 1), was developed in 1951 by the Joe Lyons catering organization the only method of inputting data onto the computer was through the use of punched tape or cards. These punch cards had to be separately manufactured before their input, and the data itself was stored within the computer on magnetic tape.

At the time, individual organizations were required to create their own bespoke data processing software and utilities as there was no industry devoted to the mass production of applications designed for general data processing use.

Clearly, the process of processing commercial data with computers was both extremely time consuming and prohibitively expensive. For example, IBMs 7090 Data Processing Computer cost $2.89million and required around 25 operating personnel for each 8-hour shift.

With the advent of the microprocessor the field of electronic data processing advanced in leaps and bounds. Freed from the constraints of punch cards and multiple trained operators it became possible for data to be processed electronically using simple, relatively powerful desktop computers.

While the term EDP itself may be regarded by many as quaint in today’s electronic world, the issues and problems involved in electronic data processing are faced by businesses large and small each and every day.

Most businesses use computers, and the vast majority engage in electronic data processing of some variety – usually in processing data in order to provide goods and services to customers in a timely and efficient manner.

Most businesses retain a number of employees for the express purpose of managing data – inputting raw information to create valuable commercial assets.

Being time intensive, electronic data processing can present a major drain on the resources of an enterprise. One of the main concerns of any enterprise, therefore, is to enable efficient data resource management through the implementation of sensible data management policies.

Despite this being a highly computerized age a large majority of enterprises still rely heavily on (more expensive) paper documents. However, for both cost and ecological reasons,  businesses are attempting to move towards the ‘paperless office’, the Holy Grail of modern business which dispenses with manual data transfer altogether.

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