Different Types of Information Systems
A) The different types of information systems at Western Chemical are:
a. Operations support systems
These include:
i. Transaction processing systems
Transaction processing systems are used to process business transactions. Western Chemical uses the internet and an electronic commerce website to capture data and process sales and order data as well as update inventory data.
ii. Process control systems
These are systems used to monitor and control physical processes. Western Chemical uses sensors to capture data generated by the chemical refinery process.
iii. Enterprise collaboration processes
These are systems used to enhance team and workgroup communications and productivity. They are also known as office automation systems. Western Chemical uses e-mail and videoconferencing systems. They also use intranets and extranets to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders globally.
b. Management support systems
These include:
i. Management information systems
These are systems that provide information in the form of specified reports and display to managers. Western Chemical is using text summaries and graphics displays that identify key elements of organisational performance and compare them to industry and competitor performance.
ii. Decision support systems
These are computer based information systems that provide interactive information support to managers and business professionals during the decision making process. In Western Chemicals, managers and business professionals access reports on periodic, exception and demand basis, and use computers to interactively assess the possible results of alternative decisions.
iii. Executive information systems
These systems provide critical information from many sources tailored to the information needs of executives. These are systems for easy access to
a. Operations support systems
These include:
i. Transaction processing systems
Transaction processing systems are used to process business transactions. Western Chemical uses the internet and an electronic commerce website to capture data and process sales and order data as well as update inventory data.
ii. Process control systems
These are systems used to monitor and control physical processes. Western Chemical uses sensors to capture data generated by the chemical refinery process.
iii. Enterprise collaboration processes
These are systems used to enhance team and workgroup communications and productivity. They are also known as office automation systems. Western Chemical uses e-mail and videoconferencing systems. They also use intranets and extranets to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders globally.
b. Management support systems
These include:
i. Management information systems
These are systems that provide information in the form of specified reports and display to managers. Western Chemical is using text summaries and graphics displays that identify key elements of organisational performance and compare them to industry and competitor performance.
ii. Decision support systems
These are computer based information systems that provide interactive information support to managers and business professionals during the decision making process. In Western Chemicals, managers and business professionals access reports on periodic, exception and demand basis, and use computers to interactively assess the possible results of alternative decisions.
iii. Executive information systems
These systems provide critical information from many sources tailored to the information needs of executives. These are systems for easy access to
References: 1. Sumner, M. Schultheis, R. Management Information Systems: The Manager’s view, 4th ed. Tata McGraw Hill Edition, 1999. 2. Gloor, P. (2003) Making the e-business Transformation, Gromwell Press, England. 4. Internet and E-Commerce, (2001), Information Technology and Systems, Icfaian Center for Management Research, Hyderabad.