Information has become one of the primary factors in business success. We’re living in the Information Age, and those with the best, most current, most accurate information will win the day. Knowledge is power, and data information is just another example of that power.
Application Software are the most common programs that run in the foreground of the computer. They tend to perform useful tasks which are not associated with computer maintenance, system boot-up, or hardware communication. Application Software are the most familiar forms of software and come in a variety of types. Most often they can be accessed through the graphical user interface of the operating system being used by double-clicking on an icon. Some of the most popular examples include word processors, spreadsheets, photo-editing programs, database programs, and accounting programs to name a few.
Use screen sharing software to collaborate with other users:
- Windows: Search the Internet for information on Chrome Remote Desktop, Microsoft Remote Desktop, TeamViewer, or similar applications. Use one of these applications to share your desktop with another user.
- OS X: Search the Internet for information on Chrome Remote Desktop, Microsoft Remote Desktop, TeamViewer, or similar applications. Use one of these applications to share your desktop with another user.
- Linux: Search the Internet for information on Chrome Remote Desktop, Microsoft Remote Desktop, TeamViewer, or similar applications. Use one of these applications to share your desktop with another user.
- All: Use collaboration features in one or more of the cloud-based office software suites to share and edit documents amongst users in real time.
Transaction Processing System (TPS)
Transaction processing is essential to helping businesses perform daily operations. Transactions are defined as any activity or event that affects the company, and include things like deposits, withdrawals, shipping, billing customers, order entry, and placing orders. TPS supports these business transactions.
Office Automation System (OAS)
OAS consists of computers, communication-related technology, and the personnel assigned to perform the official tasks. The OAS covers office transactions and supports official activity at every level in the organization. The official activities are subdivided into managerial and clerical activities.
Knowledge Work System (KWS)
The KWS is a specialized system that expedites knowledge creation and ensures that the business’s technical skills and knowledge are correctly applied. The Knowledge Work System aids workers in creating and disseminating new information using graphics, communication, and document management tools.
Management Information System (MIS)
Middle managers handle much of the administrative chores for day-to-day routines and performance monitoring, ensuring that all the work is aligned with the organization’s needs. That’s why MIS is such a valuable tool. Management Information Systems are specially designed to help middle managers and supervisors make decisions, plan, and control the workflow. The MIS pulls transactional data from various Transactional Processing Systems, compiles the information, and presents it in reports and displays.
Additionally, these reports can be produced monthly, quarterly, or annually, although MIS can have more immediate reports (e.g., hourly, daily).
Decision Support System (DSS)
The DSS is a management-level, interactive computer-based information system that helps managers to make decisions. The Decision Support System specifically gives middle managers the information necessary to make informed, intelligent decisions.
Decision Support Systems use different decision models to analyze or summarize large pieces of data into an easy-to-use form that makes it easier for managers to compare and analyze information. Often, these summaries come in the form of charts and tables.
Executive Support System (ESS)
The ESS is like the MIS but for executive-level decision-making. The decisions involve company-wide matters, so the stakes are higher. Consequently, they demand more insight and judgment.
The ESS provides greater telecommunication, better computing capabilities, and more efficient display options than the DSS. Executives use ESS to make effective decisions through summarized internal data taken from DSS and MIS and external sources. In addition, executive support systems help monitor performances, track competitors, spot opportunities, and forecast future trends.
Applications:
Information/Data Storage
Although companies need good information to create better goods and services, they must also have a reliable, cost-effective system to store the information that allows rapid data access when required. In addition, a sound information system helps businesses keep logs of essential activities and store valuable assets such as communication records, revision histories, activity logs, operational data, and other relevant documents.
Rolling Out New Products and Services
Although there is an ever-increasing demand for new goods and services, any business that wants to stay competitive needs information to make better decisions and consequently offer better products. Information systems help analyze independent processes and organize the company’s work activities. So, an information system allows a business to better understand how it can design, create, and sell services or products that people want.
Simplified Decision Making
It’s challenging enough to make decisions, let alone consistently making the exact, right decisions. There are no guarantees that an organization’s decisions will work. However, information systems help take some of the pain out of the process by offering information rapidly and easily.
Improving Employee Behaviors and Attitudes
Information systems can be effectively employed to improve communication between employers and employees. An efficient information system empowers employees by making relevant information more accessible, helping them become a part of the decision-making process. This empowerment boosts motivation and increases commitment to the project or assignment.
