What role does a controller play in transaction processing?

The role of a controller in transaction processing is to capture and consolidate transactions from multiple terminals. This function is essential because it allows for the aggregation of data from various sources, which can then be processed collectively. By consolidating transactions, the controller ensures that all data from different terminals is accurately recorded and can be analyzed in a comprehensive manner.

This capability is crucial for maintaining the integrity of transactional data, enabling businesses to streamline their processing systems, and ensuring that accurate financial information is available for reporting and decision-making. The controller acts as a central hub that manages the flow of transaction data, facilitating efficient operations across an organization.

In contrast to this role, processing individual terminal transactions is typically handled by the terminals themselves rather than the controller. While encryption of data is vital for security, it is usually the responsibility of dedicated security protocols or solutions, not specifically the controller. Additionally, while the controller may interact with multiple terminals, it does not serve as the "main computer" for all terminals, as each terminal may operate independently within a networked system. Thus, the answer highlights the controller's crucial function in managing and integrating transaction data rather than directly processing or securing transactions at the terminal level.