Page 34 - Information Management 3rd Edition

Information Management
Step 7: Evaluation
Any system needs maintenance and this consists of addressing problems as they arise. This may include user problems, as well as changes to the system itself where shortcomings are identified. To assist users, a helpdesk is often provided.
2.9 Different types of information systems
Within the business are many different types of systems and information systems. The level of decision (strategic, tactical or operational), the use of information (for planning or control), the source type and application, and the destination (internal or external) of the information will determine what type of system will
Information systems are mainly conceptualised in terms of three types of beusedP.re-pub
An information system mostly consists of many subsystems. Each of these subsystems has its own goal and reason for existence, but it operates within the bigger system and serves the business as a whole.
Classifying information systems is not simple. As new uses are found for computer- based information systems, so new categories of information systems are developed.
systems
: transactio
n proce
(MIS) and expert systems. Within MISs we find different subsystems, such as decision support systems (DSS) and executive information systems.
2.9.1 Transaction processing system (TPS)
ssing syste
ms (T
PS), manag
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These are the basic business systems that serve the operational (lower) level of
the business. A TPS is a computerised system that performs and records the daily
routine transactions found in all businesses. Examples of these activities are sales,
receipts, orders, payments, banking transactions, payroll, hours worked and the
flow of material in an operations department. The transaction is added to the system or database as soon as it is received or as soon as it happens.
The main purpose of a TPS is to track the flow of transactions through the business and to answer routine questions. The information here is used to manage the lower-level activities in the business. These systems can only carry out the tasks for which they are designed and cannot be changed easily by the user. When designing such a system, it is important that the programmers understand the exact need of the business. The system must do what the business/users require. The inflexibility of these types of systems was one of the reasons for the development of more advanced systems that could support the decision-making process of managers. Transaction process systems are the backbone of a business, as they can provide updated information at any given time.
2.9.2 Management information system (MIS)
For managers of a business to make decisions on all levels, they need information. It is therefore necessary to have information available in an organised form and for this an MIS can be used. An MIS can provide managers with reports in an accurate and timely manner. It could also provide manager with online access to not only
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rmation systems
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