Introduction to Input, Process, Output Model
The Input, Process, Output (IPO) model is a conceptual framework used to understand and describe the flow of data within a system or process. It breaks down the system into three key components:
Here optional storage component has been added for clarity.
Input Stage
The input stage refers to the data or information that a program or system receives from external sources.
This data can be in various forms, such as:
- user keystrokes
- mouse clicks
- file / database contents
- input from other programs
- Sensors
- network packets.
Input can also encompass settings, configurations, or parameters that affect how the program operates.
Process Stage
The process stage involves the actual computation and manipulation of the input data. It represents the series of instructions, algorithms, and operations that the program performs on the input to achieve a specific task or goal.
During this stage, the program may:
- perform calculations
- make decisions
- store data in memory
- call functions or subroutines,
- execute various operations to transform the input into a desired output.
The process stage is where the core functionality of the program resides, and it determines how the program responds to different inputs.
Output Stage
Outputs are the results, outcomes, or responses generated by the system after processing the input data. They represent the transformed or processed information that is produced by the system. Outputs can be in soft copy or hard copy form and can take various forms, such as:
- reports
- notifications
- displays
- files
- actions triggered by the system.
Example – Ecommerce Website
Consider an e-commerce website that follows the IPO model.
Input: A customer visits the website and provides their order details, including the items to purchase, quantity, and shipping address.
Process: The website’s backend system processes the order by validating the inputs, checking product availability, calculating the total cost, applying any discounts or promotions, and updating inventory records.
Output: The system generates an order confirmation page for the customer, displaying the total cost, estimated delivery date, and order reference number. Simultaneously, the system generates an order notification for the seller and updates the inventory database to reflect the reduced stock.
In this example, the inputs are the customer’s order details, the process involves validating and calculating the order, and the outputs include the confirmation page for the customer and the order notification for the seller.