To be a successful entrepreneur, there’s a need for you to utilize information systems to carry out the necessary operations of your business. Management Information Systems can help you do this. Abbreviated as MIS, such systems bring together organizations and its people and technology to help ensure smooth operation of the business and that it provides quality service.
The processing and storage of data collected through a management information system helps an entrepreneur in making better decisions for his or her company. Advocates of MIS place an importance on having such systems in place because if there is no such system or process in place that gathers relevant information and arranges this information in a coherent manner, it would be extremely difficult for the business owner to make decisions. It’s not just the executives or the owners of a business who will benefit from MIS though because everyone in the company such as those who are in middle management, also need guidance on a daily basis.
To put it simply, an entrepreneur who does not utilize MIS operate blind because of the lack of, or inadequacy of the information he or she has. Acting as guidelines for the business’ mandate, MIS facilitates improvement on how one operates the business therefore facilitating progress. Since Management Information Systems actively collect and analyze data, the information is fresh and based on what is happening real time.
Decision Support System
DSS are computer programs or applications usually utilized by middle management to collect data from a wide array of resources. While its known that such systems help in solving problems and decision making, one thing that many do not know is that technologists have been building decision support systems for decades. Its history goes as far back as 1965. It was created as a tool that formalizes the ideas of people in the workplace, the people themselves, and the systems and technologies used by the company.
Prior to the creation of DSS, companies had to spend time and money in building large-scale information systems that would churn all important data into structured and focused reports.
Executive Information System
An executive information system works as a reporting tool for company executives so that the decision makers of the organization can retrieve and manage data collected from all departments. This data is then used by executives to make informed decisions. While EIS isn’t exactly a tool like other information system types, it translates data into information that can be easily understood. Getting a robust EIS will help executives manage data and translate them into decisions that contribute in the company’s business strategy.
Marketing Information System
An important MIS type built mainly for the marketing wing, a marketing information system brings together heterogeneous data into one coherent report. While it is a good decision making tool for devising a marketing strategy, this particular information system also gives marketing managers or directors an array of methods for the interpretation and analysis of data gathered by the system. Having a marketing information system ensures that a company’s marketing team have timely and accurate data to work with so that they can plan their marketing strategy and implement these strategies for the good of the company.
Office Automation System
OAS can be implemented in all departments at all levels to ensure that the work flow is smooth sailing. It supports communication and also helps increase productivity within organizations. Like other information systems, OAS collects data and stores it but what makes it an effective tool is that it fosters communication within the whole office so as to manage workflow. The local area network or LAN is usually at the heart of OAS where employees and managers can transmit data via voice, email, or images to their office mates.
About the Author: Joshua Turner is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to business. In this article, he describes beneficial systems for businesses and aims to encourage further study with a bachelor of business management.