Data, Documentation and Decision Tables In business data processing systems, it is necessary to be able to define and document data, files, programs and decision rules in a way that adequately represents both (1) their changing information content, and (2) their continuous interaction. Tabular description makes this possible, being notably objective, through and economical in cost and time when systems must be analyzed and programs prepared or modified. To show how quickly tabular techniques make an unfamiliar system manageable, a detailed example and a self-test are provided. CACM January, 1966 Fisher, D. L. CA660106 JB March 3, 1978 4:13 PM 1489 5 1489 1489 5 1489 1489 5 1489 1548 5 1489 2220 5 1489 2726 5 1489 1172 6 1489 1172 6 1489 1237 6 1489 1327 6 1489 1327 6 1489 1354 6 1489 1354 6 1489 1488 6 1489 1488 6 1489 1489 6 1489 1489 6 1489 1489 6 1489 1548 6 1489 1548 6 1489 250 6 1489 2220 6 1489 2221 6 1489 2263 6 1489