General Information Manual - An Introduction to IBM Punched Card Data Processing

An Introduction to IBM Punched Card Data Processing provides an overview of the principles, equipment, and procedures used in IBM punched-card data processing systems. It explains the structure of the IBM punched card, the coding methods used to represent alphabetic and numeric information, and the operation of key machines such as punches, sorters, accounting machines, collators, and calculators. The manual describes how punched data is converted into electrical impulses for machine processing, outlines common tasks including sequencing, grouping, selecting, and summarizing records, and details the role of wired control panels in directing machine functions. It also covers verification practices and accounting controls designed to maintain accuracy and create a reliable audit trail.