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296 Part 4 • the essentials of Design

Output Method Advantages Disadvantages
Printer • Affordable for most organizations • Still requires some operator intervention
• Flexible in types of output, location, and • Compatibility problems with computer software
capabilities • May require special, expensive supplies
• Handles large volumes of output • Depending on model, may be slow
• Highly reliable with little down time • Environmentally unfriendly
Display screen • Interactive • May require cabling and setup space
• Online, real-time transmission • Requires system for taking “snapshots” of
• Quiet screen and storing them for future use
• Takes advantage of computer capabilities for
movement within databases and files
• Good for frequently accessed, ephemeral
messages
Audio output • Good for individual user • Needs earbuds where output will interfere
and podcasts • Good for transient messages with other tasks
• Good where worker needs hands free • Has limited application
• Good if output needs to be
widely distributed

Mobile devices • Highly portable • Screen may be too small for text
• Very interactive using gestures • Icons and buttons may be confusing
• Zoom is possible • May be lost more easily

Electronic output • Reduces paper • Is not conducive to formatting (email)
(email, Web sites, blogs, • Can be updated very easily • Is difficult to convey context of messages (email)
and RSS feeds) • Can be “broadcast” • Web sites need diligent maintenance
• Can be made interactive

Figure 11.2
A comparison of output methods.

Internal outputs include various reports to decision makers. They range from short summary
reports to lengthy, detailed reports. An example of a summary report is a report summarizing
monthly sales totals. A detailed report might give weekly sales by salesperson.
Other kinds of internal reports include historical reports and exception reports that are output
only at the time an exception occurs. Examples of exception reports are a listing of all employees
with no absences for the year, a listing of all salespeople who did not meet their monthly sales
quota, or a report on consumer complaints made in the past six months.

Output Technologies
Producing different types of output requires different technologies. For printed output, the
options include a variety of printers, including standard document printers, specialized label
printers, and 3-D printers. For screen output, the options include attached or stand-alone displays
as well as touch-sensitive screens found on smartphones and tablets. Audio output can be ampli-
fied over a loudspeaker or designed for individual listening on mobile devices. Electronic output
includes web pages, email, RSS (Real Simple Syndication) feeds, and blogs. Figure 11.2 is a
comparison of output methods.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Output Technology
There are several factors to consider when choosing output technology. Although the technology
changes rapidly, certain usage factors remain fairly constant in relation to technological break-
throughs. These factors, some of which present trade-offs, must be considered. They include the
following:
1. Who will use (see) the output (requisite quality)?
2. How many people need the output?
3. Where is the output needed (distribution, logistics)?