Transaction Breaks: A Litany of Errors

Transaction processing systems, whether traditional or Web-based, are prone to error. A “transaction break” occurs when the normal execution process for a transaction has to be suspended because of an unresolved issue. In almost all cases, costly human intervention and negotiation between trading partners is required to solve the problem. There are all sorts of reasons why transaction breaks occur, including faulty software systems, human error, and physical mishaps. Such breaks are estimated to occur in about 11% of all transactions and to cost e-commerce participants billions of dollars per year (Gartner,2000). This paper analyzes the sources of transaction breaks and describes a software support system called a Transaction Processing Resolution Net (TPRN) that assists in their resolution.