What do control totals help verify in transaction files?

Control totals play a crucial role in ensuring data integrity within transaction files. They specifically help verify that the files received have not been altered during transmission or processing. By comparing the control totals calculated before the transmission of data with those calculated after the files are received, organizations can ascertain that there have been no unauthorized changes or errors introduced to the data. This process enhances the reliability of the data and provides assurance that the information remains intact throughout its lifecycle.

In this context, the importance of control totals lies in their ability to act as a checkpoint for data validation, ensuring that the records are preserved as intended without any modifications. This is particularly significant in industries such as finance and electronic transactions, where data accuracy is paramount.