Transaction Processing

Transaction processing is the process of completing a task and/or user/program request either instantly or at runtime. It is the collection of different interrelated tasks and processes that must work in sync to finish an overall business process transaction.

Transaction processing relates to any real-time business transaction or process performed by a transaction processing system (TPS) or other business information system (BIS). The process occurs when a user requests completion or fulfillment of any process. Once a a TPS or related system receives a request, it coordinates with the respective system for authorization, data requests or any specific task essential to a complete transaction.

For example, when a cash withdrawal request is made at an ATM machine, the machine first authorizes the user credentials and balance inquiry/status from the back end banking systems. Once the information is received, the ATM machine processes the user request or overall transaction. Moreover, a TPS can accept, reject or halt a transaction based on environmental variables.