Anyone who wants to start a business has difficulties in managing the business.
Despite having knowledge in the area of administration and financial management, it is difficult to apply theory in practice and day-to-day situations exceed the knowledge that one has.
So, what can you do to be more efficient and effective in managing your company? The best thing to do is to understand what an information system is.
This system has information as its fundamental element, and therefore its purpose is to manage, store and provide data and information that can support the processes and functions carried out in the company, as well as also subsidize decision-making.
To understand more, continue reading.
What is an information system?
The first thing we have to think about in qatar telegram data relation to this matter is that an information system is not restricted to hardware or software .
This is a fairly common concept that scares some people, but it needs to be demystified as these systems are much more far-reaching.
In fact, the objective of information systems is to understand and analyze how the adoption of information technologies impacts the managerial and administrative decision-making processes of companies.
Therefore, as we have already stated, its main element is information, since this is what will guide decision-making. But where does this information come from?
Basically, it is the interaction that occurs between procedures, people and technologies, which work together with information systems to achieve the goals defined by the company.
In this sense, we need to highlight that the system is divided into subsystems.
One of them is social (including people, information, processes and documents) and the other is automated (composed of machines, communication networks and computers).
This shows that people really are essential to this tool.
What are the characteristics of this system?
The information system can work with 16 best content marketing blogs every marketer should follow various elements. These include software , hardware, databases, specialist systems, management support systems, among others.
That is, all computerized processes are included, which can make the correct information available and make the company function properly.
However, there are some inherent characteristics of this system that must be taken into consideration. Here are some of them.
Relevance
The system must generate relevant b to c database and necessary information for the company, which must be generated on time and be reliable.
Thus, this information has a cost close to that estimated by the organization and meets the management and operation requirements of the company.
Integration
There must be integration between the information system and the company structure.
In this way, it is easier to coordinate departments , sectors, divisions and other types of organizational units.
Furthermore, this integration process facilitates and speeds up decision-making.
Independent flow
This feature is quite different, because, at the same time that there is a flow of data processing, which occurs internally and externally, there is also an independent flow of information systems.
It is integrated into existing subsystems and therefore acts more quickly and at lower costs.
Control
It is not mandatory, but information systems may contain internal control tools, the purpose of which is to ensure that the information generated is reliable and to act in a manner to protect the controlled data.
Guidelines
They serve to ensure that the company’s objectives will be achieved in an objective, efficient and direct manner.
What are the types of information systems?
As there are different types of information and they are categorized into levels, there are also different types of systems.
Each of them has specificities and particularities, aimed at providing a certain type of information.
These various types of systems work in an integrated manner, serving diversified business interests. They act at the strategic, operational, knowledge and tactical levels.
To simplify, there are 4 main information systems. They are well known and used in organizations around the world. See which ones they are.
ERP
Enterprise Resource Planning systems are software that integrate different company processes and data, bringing them together in one place.
In this way, data from all departments of the organization are integrated and stored.
The data provided by ERP software helps to bring more agility to processes and enables on-demand production, also known as just in time.
The objective is to reduce stocks until they are eliminated, avoiding storage costs.
An example of how ERP software works is when a product is sold.
While the sale is being made, the production and purchasing departments are automatically alerted.
This makes it possible to check whether all the products are available or whether something needs to be purchased. It is also possible to identify the need to replenish stocks.
CRM
Customer Relationship Management software automates all functions related to customer contact, allowing organizations to collect and store contact data, customer preferences, purchase history, and more.
In this way, the company can contact customers for specific strategies, with the main objective of meeting consumer needs in advance.
SCM
Supply Chain Management systems already integrate the different processes related to service, product and information providers.
The purpose is to create value for the consumer , satisfying him when he acquires a product or service.
This type of software integrates data relating to manufacturers, suppliers and points of sale, ensuring that products are delivered in the required quantities and within the correct time frame, avoiding shortages or excess stock.
This ensures a high level of service while keeping costs low.
It is important to highlight that this software is composed of supply and component management systems, supply chain , product structure, origin and use tracking, and supply chain control.
In this way, it is possible to do everything from forecasting sales, inventory and product classification to reducing the cost of handling and creating parts.
NEXT
Management Information Systems are aimed at supporting decision-making and act at the strategic, operational and tactical levels.
Information can be reported using graphs, spreadsheets or the usual reports.
In the case of reports, they can be categorized into 4 types, as you will see now.
Scheduled Reports
They are one of the most traditional forms of information visualization. As the name suggests, they are programmed, that is, they are generated according to a schedule .
Some examples of scheduled reports are daily and weekly sales reports and monthly financial statements, for example.
Exception reports
They are generated in exceptional situations with the purpose of obtaining specific information.
For example, a report focused on the list of outstanding debts or one that presents customers who exceed the offered credit limit.
Reports and responses upon request
They present information in accordance with the entrepreneur ‘s request . Therefore, they do not provide specific data, but rather an overview so that the manager can quickly analyse the data and find immediate solutions.
Reports in stacks
The information is stored in a stack in the manager’s or entrepreneur’s network work area.