Data processing

Data processing is, generally, 'the collection and manipulation of items of data to produce meaningful information.' In this sense it can be considered a subset of information processing, 'the change (processing) of information in any manner detectable by an observer.' Data processing is, generally, 'the collection and manipulation of items of data to produce meaningful information.' In this sense it can be considered a subset of information processing, 'the change (processing) of information in any manner detectable by an observer.' The term Data Processing (DP) has also been used to refer to a department within an organization responsible for the operation of data processing applications.