Features and functions of information systems
What is an information system?
It’s a mixture of technical and human resources that are able to perform a variety of purposes from information and technology within an organisation/company to support its processes. They’re able to handle all incoming and outgoing information needed. There is a more specific type of information for managing information in an organisation called a Management Information System (MIS).
Features
Data: Data needs to be entered into an information system so it can be managed and processed so that the company will use to improve their performance. When the end product is process, it becomes information, this is the output which must be accurate, valid and fit-for-purpose.
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They are involved in obtaining and manipulating data then processing it to create information for specific purposes relevant to the business. Staffs needs to have the correct training and abilities to get the most out of information systems - however there is still a chance that they will make human errors.
Hardware: The hardware used in information systems needs be capable of the software’s used as well as manage the likely huge amount of data and information processed through it and stored on it. The hardware must be up to date for high performance and to provide storage and use of data for thousands of users. In a small organisation, the MIS may run on just the sales or finance director’s PC. In larger businesses, it usually runs on a server, either shared or dedicated, with Internet or intranet access for those who need it.
Software: Software used by the business and its staff must have the correct features and functionality needed to produce and use information created by the business. It must also have the correct features to enable staff to correctly and efficiently do their job such as analysing and processing data and
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The level of detail of this input will vary depending on the business. For example if the data was regarding the number of sandwiches a supermarket sold then the data should be quite simple (just the number of sandwiches they’ve sold in a certain timespan).
Storage: Another function of an information system is to store information that the business will use. All businesses need to keep their information/data somewhere safe and secure as well as keeping multiple backups in case they lose their data/information somehow. Digital information can be stored on external hard drives and USB drives whereas other physical information such as papers can be stored in filing cabinets.
Processing: Processing is a function in information systems where data is processed into information. This is used to turn data into information, which can be used to influence decisions in the workplace. A business can use raw data (such as sales of their products) to influence decisions (buying more
An information system is a “collection of software, hardware, procedures, data and computer networks used by people in organizations” (). Managers can use computer-based
1. If I were to design Ben & Jerry’s data warehouse I would use several dimensions of information. The first dimension would consist of the company’s products; ice cream, frozen yogurt or merchandise. The marketing department has to know which products are selling, if Ben & Jerry’s didn’t know that their T-shirts are selling out as soon as they hit the stores, then they wouldn’t be able to take advantage of the opportunity to sell the shirts. The second dimension would consist of the different areas of sales; US, Canada, Mexico, or Europe. I am not sure if they sell their ice cream in Mexico, but with data collection they can find out if their ice cream would be a better seller in the hot climate, rather than pushing for greater distribution in Canada. The third dimension would consist of the “specifics”; where the sale was made, when the sale was made, and who purchased the product. This information can help in the design of the product to focus on the buyer; it can tailor flavors to seasons, and packaging to buyer who looks for the better-looking product. If Ben & Jerry’s could know when a season was coming to an end in a specific area, then they could forecast the need or the decline in need and speed up, or slow down distribution to those areas. The focus of the information is that it needs to be useful, and almost any information is useful.
The information that can be extracted from the business information software is endless. In the article written by Alison Dragoon, Business Intelligence Get Smart(er), she states the following about data usage; ? ?[Unused data] is still a great source of untapped productivity and competitive advantage for most companies," he says. Just how much data is going unused? Downes guesses companies are extracting value from only about 20 percent of their data.? With this stated by placing all pertinent information into one database allows personnel throughout the company to pull data that will assist in their daily duties. This data can be arranged to track the life cycle of any product from birth to grave. By tracking an item in this fashion allows us to alleviate faulty products in this process or to allevia...
Data management is the process of managing information through designs and policies of an organization (Rouse, M., 2010). Data managers have to make sure that their organization is in compliance with regulations at all times. Data management can be effective if the organization do the following: 1) Every individual is assigned his or her on responsibility, 2) Determine how the data will be stored and backed up, 3) Implement a data management plan, and 4) Determine how data will be modified (Penn State, n.d.). Knowing who is involved and what their job is with the data is essential for an organization in order to manage data. When managing data you have to know how it will be stored and backed up in order to access the data effectively. You can not manage data without having an effective management plan to show you how to manage the data in your particular organization. Also, if you are managing the data you have to be able to know how the data will and when it will be modified. Managing data can be tricky, especially now that there are lots of laws that an organization must be in compliance with.
Data can give you quite a bit of information about your customers. By examining it, you will be able to begin to see patterns and learn the habits of your customers. This could mean that you are able to provide the correct number of products at the perfect time instead of having a shortfall or being left with additional stock long after interest has fallen in the product.
It is generally accepted that information is a vital commodity for the successful operation of today’s organizations. Nowadays modern business organizations are using computerized information systems in order to obtain such information. However as the technology advances rapidly the main issue is how can an organization should effectively use such an information system - which its management sometimes can be unpredictable - in order to effectively help the whole organization structure to improve and take the most out of it.
In the beginning, businesses used information technology for automating the processes primarily to reduce labor costs. Subsequently, information technology is used for delivering information with speed and accuracy.
Information – Documents all the data sources used by the organization, i.e. files, databases, spreadsheets, etc...
Information system, an integrated set of components for the gathering storage and processing of data and for transport information, knowledge and digital goods. Business enterprises and other organizations rely on information systems to accomplish and manage their operations, to act together with their customers and suppliers, and compete in the marketplace.
Business intelligence is a series of technologies, processes and tools required to convert data into information that is further converted to knowledge and plans respectively that yield profitable business accomplishments. Business intelligence consists of components such as knowledge management, warehousing, data mining, querying, reporting and business analytics. The definition of business intelligence is knowledge acquired about a business via the use of various software and hardware technologies that enable an organization to transform data into information or plans (MÜLLER et al., 2013). Companies and organizations employ business intelligence to cut costs, improve decision-making and in identifying new business ventures. What makes business management special is that it allows the company team to use data strategically in responding ...
I am currently employed as a Software Engineering Senior Analyst at Accenture. The Information system advances so rapidly that at times it is too difficult to keep up with it without proper knowledge and experience. While most of the people do get a relatively easy entry in the field after under graduation, it is very difficult to aim for a constant growth only on that basis. The field demands upgraded knowledge and experience for career growth and (achieve goals). And that is why I aspire, to pursue Masters in Management Information Systems at your esteemed University.
Business intelligence, or BI, is an umbrella term that refers to a variety of software applications used to analyze an organization’s raw data. BI as a discipline is made up of several related activities, including data mining, online analytical processing, querying and reporting. Data mining is the process of sorting through large amounts of data and picking out relevant information. It is usually used by business intelligence organizations, and financial analysts, but is increasingly being used in the sciences to extract information from the enormous data sets generated by modern experimental and observational methods.
Therefore, AIS has several roles. A main role is to integrate all information system for effective management within a company, connecting different departments with relevant information. Another role is to assist the organisation to make decisions by preparing different reports and evaluating information. It also provides a company with a control and safeguard internal information ((Kim and Solomon 2006).
...igure within the system. The software should enable usability in accordance to the company requirements; it should be in a position to have the functionality that meet the need of the company.
Data can be organized a specific way for each business to be able to get the best use. Employees can also access the system at the same time but in different ways. For example, the customer service team can pull up documents and keep track of complaints at the same time that the marketing team is in a