Why Business Information Systems Are Important
Information, from a broad perspective, is organized, processed and measured data. It gives meaning to data and allows decision making about different types of decisions. For instance, a particular customer’s sale in a certain restaurant is statistical data-this becomes information the company can use to predict what will be the next best sale or what special feature the restaurant will offer next time. Similarly, price fluctuations are measurable data that can be used to forecast what type of item will sell the fastest or strongest. There are many forms of information available.
Information systems are used to provide meaning to historical and ongoing data sets, to make sense of probabilities and to manipulate data according to predetermined procedures. This type of information technology includes, but is not limited to: Information systems, Information products, Knowledge resources, Knowledge application systems, Information products, Processes and Software and Process evaluation, Process modeling, Discrete mathematics, Financial accounting systems, Scientific data analysis systems, Web site content management systems and Web based software. These are just some examples. Other examples include: Weather information, Stock trading systems, Satellite navigation systems and Natural language processing.
It should be possible to design and build business information systems that make data more meaningful, accessible and actionable. In fact, this very goal is behind many of the developments of information technology itself. It should also be possible to implement such systems quickly, easily, economically and in a manner that maximizes productivity. However, before you invest your money in business information systems, make sure you fully understand the cost implications, the time and money that will be involved in training your employees to use the new software, the cost of technical support, training your own staff and the costs involved in installing and supporting the new system.