Data entry is used to convert data into information. Data entry is also known as data processing that is generally programmed on a mainframe, minicomputer, microcomputer or personal computer. Data processing systems are required for data entry work and these systems manipulate raw data into information.

Data can defined as numbers or characters that generally represents the measurements. Data entry is applicable for any process that coverts data from one format to another. This data conversion is normally used for logical conversions. Data processing is used to convert data into information vice versa.

Successful data entry can be done without great knowledge of system programming. The control of hardware by a device driver manipulating ASIC or FPGA registers is not observed as a part of data processing. Data entry is very useful in large organizations and established businesses. They usually collected huge data related to certain topics and then presented them in meaningful & easy to understand presentations.

Terms data processing and data entry are used for small level observations whereas data analysis is used for highly accurate algorithmic derivations and statistical calculations. These highly specialized calculations are less viewed in business environments. The measurements of data processing are showed as integers, fixed point or binary coded decimal representations of real numbers whereas floating-point representations of real numbers represent measurements of data analysis.