What do run-to-run totals provide in the application processing context?

Run-to-run totals are primarily used in the context of application processing to ensure the integrity of transactions between different processing runs. This method involves comparing the total of a certain financial or operational metric from one run to the next. By maintaining a tally of these totals, organizations can identify any discrepancies that may arise during processing, which could indicate issues such as data loss, processing errors, or unauthorized changes.

The verification of transaction integrity through run-to-run totals acts as a safeguard in the overall data processing lifecycle. It helps to confirm that all records have been accurately processed and that the total amount at the end of one run matches the expected total derived from the previous run. This is crucial in maintaining the reliability and accuracy of information systems.