Para 3.22.67 — MSO (Audit)
Original Rule Text
3.22.67 Computer output should be regular and scheduled. Users are more likely to detect missing output if they expect to receive it on a regular basis. This can still be
achieved where the subject of computer reports is erratic, such as exception reporting, by the production of nil reports.
What This Means
Computer output should be generated on a regular, predictable schedule so that users will notice if a report is missing. Even when the subject matter is irregular — such as exception reports that only trigger when unusual conditions occur — the system should still produce nil reports on schedule. This way, users know the system is functioning and the absence of exceptions is a verified outcome, not a system failure.
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.
Key Points
- 1Computer output should follow a regular, predictable schedule
- 2Users are more likely to detect missing reports if they expect them at set times
- 3Nil reports should be produced when there are no exceptions to report
- 4Nil reports confirm the system ran and found nothing, rather than failed to run
- 5Regular scheduling is a simple but effective control over output completeness
Practical Example
A government treasury system generates a daily exception report listing any transactions exceeding Rs. 10 lakhs that need additional approval. On most days, the report lists a few items. On days when no transaction exceeds the threshold, the system still generates a nil report stating 'No exceptions for 26-Mar-2026.' If the treasury officer does not receive any report — neither exceptions nor nil — they know something went wrong with the system and can immediately investigate, rather than assuming everything is fine.
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nil report and why is it important?▼
How does regular scheduling help detect problems?▼
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.