i) The destination of the output.



  • External outputs require careful consideration as they project the image of the company to customers.

  • Some external outputs may have to match fixed criteria by law, e.g. tax returns.

  • Hard copies may be required, e.g. invoices and chouse.

  • Internal documents may require a computerized response.


ii) The format of the output.



  • Derived items such as totals may be required.

  • Decimal points and suppression of leading zeros may be required, e.g. currency.


iii) The flow of output.



  • A report may be required at regular intervals, e.g. at the end of a month.

  • A report may be required on demand, possibly within a few seconds.

  • User requirements play a large part in determining this but the designer needs some Influence and foresight, e.g. if the user wants a very large report instantly.



  • Volume and expected response times are important and need to be balanced.


iv) The choice of output media.


This will be influenced by a number of factors including:-

  • Speed of required response.

  • The need for hard copy plus the quality and volume of copies.

  • User location – if external how are they able to receive the data.

  • Volumes – is it possible to transmit to online terminals if large volumes.

  • End destination – electronic transmission is best for other computer systems.

  • Available hardware and software may place limitations on the available output methods.

  • Cost.