Subject: ICT

Topic: 2.2 Direct Data Entry Devices

Standard: VIII

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 Learning Objectives

• Identification of different types of direct

data entry devices

• List the advantages and disadvantages of

different direct data entry devices

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 Magnetic Strip Reader
Magnetic Strip Readers are used
to read data found on magnetic
stripes found on the back of
cards.

Uses Advantages Disadvantages

• Bank Cards: Contains • Fast data entry • Stripe could
Account details. compared to keyboard. become
• Security/Hotel Rooms: • Secure/Error Free – No unreadable –
Allows entry to specific Typing. scratched.
room. • Not effected by water • Does not work at a
• Gift Cards (Vouchers) – and robust if dropped. distance.
amount of vouchers. • Easily Updated. • Easily
lost/misplaced.

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 Contactless Debit Card Readers
Contactless Cards Readers are used by customers to pay for
products at the POS without the need to enter a PIN Number
using RFID technology. The payment terminal picks up a signal
from the chip to process and complete the transaction when
the card is within a few centimetres distance.

Uses Advantages Disadvantages

• Allows the customer to • Quicker Transaction • Less secure than chip and
make payments without meaning less time pin method.
having the need to put spent at POS. • Anyone could use card if
the card into a reader or • Don’t have to use PIN. lost.
enter a PIN. • Transaction data • It is easer for thieves to
(account details) is copy details of the card.
encrypted. • Only small payments can
be made ($25-$50).

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 Chip and PIN Readers
Chip and PIN Readers are used
at POS terminals to make a
secure payment using a debit
or credit card.
Uses Advantages Disadvantages

• Allows users to make • Secure method of • The PIN could be

payment at shops, payment compared to read by some one
restaurants by simply swipe and contactless watching or use of
inserting their method. mirrors.
credit/debit card into the • Chip is less likely to be • Fraudulent
chip and PIN reader and damaged compared to a machines can copy
typing in their pin. magnetic swipe. card details.

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 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Readers

RFID reads information stored on tags

(small silicon chip that can be placed on a
sticker) using radio waves. RFID tags can
be attached to objects or animals/people.
Uses Advantages Disadvantages

• Track movement of • Can read objects from a • Radio symbols can

animals or people. distance. be jammed.
• Stock Control: Scan stock • Can read in bulk. • More expensive
items for quantity. • Very fast reading – quick than a barcode
• Airports: Track Luggage to response. • Tags could.
make sure nothing is lost. • Allows read/write interfere with each
• Contactless cards to make operations to take place. other.
a payment. • Can read biometric
readings.

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 Optical Mark Recognition/Reader (OMR)

OMR is able to read marks written in

pen or pencil. The position of the
mark is stored in the computers
memory.

Uses Advantages Disadvantages

• Used to scan in marks • Very fast method of • Forms have to be
from multiple choice inputting data as no user completed correctly
exams, surveys, and has to manually enter to avoid manual
lottery tickets. results. checks which would
• More accurate than OCR. waste time.
• Less chance of errors.

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 Optical Character Recognition/Reader (OCR)

OCR scans text from hardcopies

and converts it into an editable
form which can be used and edited
in a range of software including
word processors.

Uses Advantages Disadvantages

• Used in Self-Immigration • Faster method of data • Not as accurate as

System at Airports. entry compared to the OMR reader.
• Identity Cards. manually typing the data. • Unable to read
• Students scanning text • Less chance of errors. handwriting.
from books which can be
edited.

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 Bar Code Readers

Barcode Scanners are used to

scan bar codes which contains
unique information about a
product including price.
Uses Advantages Disadvantages

• Barcode readers are • Far quicker and more • Barcode could be

typically used at point-of- accurate than typing in unreadable or
sale (POS) in shops when codes using a keypad. missing.
customers are purchased • Stock database can easily • Barcode could be
goods. be updated with new swapped.
prices – barcodes would • Can be an
not need to be replaced. expensive system.

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 Quick Response (QR) Codes

QR code is made up of a matrix

of filled in dark squares on a
light background

Uses Advantages Disadvantages

• Read by a camera on a • No need of typing. • Dependability on
tablet, smartphone and • Processing is tablet, smartphone.
the data is interpreted automatically.
(advertising of a
product, phone number,
website address, etc.).

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