Batch processing — definition, purpose, history, and advantages
Batch processing helps minimize human intervention or manual processes that have been required to complete certain tasks in the past, including processing reports at the end of each day, week, or month.
In this article, you’ll learn more about batch processing, including:
Definition of batch processing
Batch processing is a technique for automating and processing multiple data jobs, such as transactions, as a single group. It helps handle tasks like payroll, end-of-month reconciliation, and settling trades overnight, which can save money and labor time.
Purpose of batch processing
Batch processing is mainly for large enterprises because designing and implementing the technique can be costly. For these companies, batch processing has become a standard method for data compilation, organization, and report generation.
Batch processing jobs run at regularly scheduled times or on an as-needed basis. For example, bills for utilities and other services that customers receive are typically generated by batch processing each month.
This system is beneficial because it’s a cost-effective way of handling large amounts of data simultaneously.
History of batch processing
Batch processing began with punch cards tabulated to tell computers what to do. This system meant that decks or batches of cards would often be processed at one time.
While batch processing was first recorded officially in the early 1970s, Herman Hollerith is credited with creating the punch card system to process census data back in 1890. Working for the United States Census Bureau, he developed a method by which an electromechanical device would read a card that was punched manually. Hollerith would later form the company we know today as IBM.
The punch card revolutionized how businesses and organizations operated, and in recent decades batch processing has continued to evolve. Data entry professionals are no longer necessary as most batch processing functions can be enabled without interaction and are completed to meet specific timing requirements.
Thanks to changes since Hollerith first developed this system, batch processing has improved. Modern batch processing is now entirely automated to meet today’s conditions. Some tasks are done immediately, while others are conducted in real time and monitored regularly. If problems arise, the system notifies the appropriate personnel through exception-based management alerts.
Advantages of batch processing
Now that you’ve learned how Hollerith’s innovative idea changed the way businesses and organizations operated, you can read more about some advantages of batch processing today:
- Faster and lower cost. Businesses can cut operational costs like labor and equipment because batch processing is quicker, more efficient, and error free, so employees can focus on other tasks.
- Offline features. Unlike other systems, batch processing continues to work anywhere and at any time — even outside regular business hours, in the background in an offline setting, and during down periods.
- Hands-off approach. With this technique, managers and key employees have more time for their own jobs and responsibilities without having to supervise batches closely.
Say goodbye to manual batch processes with the right platform
Adobe Commerce and Adobe Experience Manager can help you with your data ingestion and batch processing needs. Discover how your batch processing platform can run with near-real-time data and see your team spend less time on monotonous tasks.
To learn more about Commerce, take a product tour or watch an overview video.
To learn more about Experience Manager, watch the overview video.