The three activities in an information system that produce the information are

The major activities of an information system are;

1. Input of Data Resource

Data about business transactions and other events must be captured and prepared for processing by the input activity. Input typically takes the form of data entry activities such as recording and editing. End uses typically record data about transactions on some type of physical medium such as paper form, or enter it directly into a computer system. This usually includes a variety of editing activities to ensure that they have recorded data correctly. Once entered, data may be transferred onto a machine-readable medium such as a magnetic disk until needed for processing.

For example, data about sales transactions can be recorded on source documents such as paper sales order forms. (A source document is the original formal record of a transaction). Alternately, salespersons can capture sales data using computer keyboards or optical scanning devices; they are visually prompted to enter data correctly by video displays. This provides them with a more convenient and efficient user interface, that is, methods of end user input and output with a computer system. Methods such as optical scanning and displays of menus, prompts, and fill-in-the-blanks formats make it easier for end users to enter data correctly into an information system.

2. Processing of Data into Information

Data is typically subjected to processing activities such as calculating, comparing, sorting, classifying, and summarizing. These activities organize, analyze and manipulate data, thus converting them into information for end users. The quality of any data stored in an information system must also be maintained by a continual process of correcting and updating activities.

For example, data received about a purchase can be (1) added to a running total of sales results, (2) compared to a standard to determine eligibility for a sales discount, (3) sorted in numerical order based on product identification numbers, (4) classified into product categories (such as food and nonfood items), (5) summarized to provide a sales manager with information about various product categories, and finally, (6) used to update sales records.

3. Output of Information Products

Information in various forms is transmitted to end-users and made available to them in the output activity. The goal of information systems is the production of appropriate information products for end users. Common information products messages, reports, forms, and graphic images, which may be provided by video displays, audio responses, paper products, and multimedia. For example, a sales manager may view a video display to check on the performance of a salesperson, accept a computer-produced voice message by telephone, and receive a printout of monthly sales results.

4. Storage of Data Resource

Storage is a basic system component of information systems. Storage is the information system activity in which data and information are retained in an organized manner for later use. For example, just as written text material is organized into words, sentences, paragraphs, and documents, stored data is commonly organized into fields, records, files, and database. This facilitates its later use in processing or its retrieval as output when needed by users of a system.

5. Control of System Performance

An important information system activity is the control of its performance. An information system should produce feedback about its input, processing, output, and the system is meeting established performance standards. Then appropriate system activities must be adjusted so that proper information products are produced for end users.

For example, a manager may discover that subtotals of sales amounts in a sales report do not add up to total sales. This might mean that data entry or processing procedures need to be corrected. Then changes would have to be made to ensure that all sales transactions would be properly captured and processed by a sales information system.

Related Posts:

• Concept of Data Processing
• Data Security and Employee Confidentiality in HRIS Systems
• Data Processing Methods
• Computer System Concepts and Components
• The necessity and importance of Systems Design in Management Information System (MIS)
• Commonly used Computer Input Devices
• Case Study: Management Information System at Dell
• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Standards and Specifications
• Elements of a System
• Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)

Three activities of information systemsproduce information organizations need1.Input: Captures raw data fromorganization or external environment2.Processing:Converts raw data intomeaningful form3.Output: Transfers processed informationto people or activities that use itExample of Input data for Business, Process andOutput …

Perspectives on Information SystemsFeedback:Output returned to appropriate members oforganization to help evaluate or correct inputstageComputer/Computer program vs.information systemComputers and software are technicalfoundation and tools, similar to the materialand tools used to build a house

Perspectives on Information SystemsFunctions of an Information System

Perspectives on Information SystemsInformation Systems Are More ThanComputers

Perspectives on Information SystemsOrganizational dimension ofinformation systemsHierarchy of authority, responsibilitySenior managementMiddle managementOperational managementKnowledge workersData workersProduction or service workers

Perspectives on Information SystemsLevels in a FirmHow information systemswould factor into the day-to-day jobs of each of thethree types of workers

Perspectives on Information SystemsOrganizational dimension of informationsystems (cont.)Separation of business functionsSales and marketingHuman resourcesFinance and accountingManufacturing and productionUnique business processesUnique business cultureOrganizational politics“Every business is different.”Does this mean every businesswill have different informationsystems ?

Perspectives on Information SystemsManagement dimension ofinformation systemsManagers set organizational strategy forresponding to business challengesIn addition, managers must act creatively:Creation of new products and servicesOccasionally re-creating the organization

Perspectives on Information SystemsTechnology dimension ofinformation systemsComputer hardware and softwareData management technologyNetworking and telecommunicationstechnologyNetworks, the Internet, intranets andextranets, World Wide WebIT infrastructure: provides platform thatsystem is built on

Perspectives on Information SystemsRead the interactive sessions.UPS COMPETES GLOBALLY WITHINFORMATION TECHNOLOGYWhat are the inputs, processing, and outputsof UPS’s package tracking system?What technologies are used by UPS? How arethese technologies related to UPS’s businessstrategy?What problems do UPS’s information systemssolve? What would happen if these systemswere not available?

Perspectives on Information SystemsRead the interactive sessions.Dimensions of UPS tracking systemOrganizational:Procedures for tracking packages andmanaging inventory and provideinformationManagement:Monitor service levels and costsTechnology:Handheld computers, bar-code scanners,networks, desktop computers, etc.

Perspectives on Information SystemsBusiness perspective oninformation systems:Information system is instrument forcreating value

What are the 3 types of information systems?

What are the three components of information systems quizlet?

What are the activities of information technology?