Information Systems

Gerardo Montano

CIS 205

10-11-10
Steven Rubin

Information Systems

Information systems support the business processes in an organization in many ways. First of all, business today need to have information systems to survive in today’s Internet worked global environment. It has become a major fundamental area of business administration. These systems are useful for managers, business professionals, and all other specialized personnel. By saving time, money, and manpower, information systems handle a big task and are a perfect solution for any business. Whether it is a small business or a big enterprise, this will greatly improve any company. An information system uses the resources of people, hardware, software, data, and networks to perform several tasks. The responsibilities for the information systems are to perform input, to process, execute output, serve as storage, and control activities in the structure. Also, there are information systems’ resources and products, including instructions for people, programs, and procedures. They can create several forms of information with using these tools, such as paper reports, visual displays, multimedia documents, electronic messages, audio responses, and graphic images. The business development at a local corporation, named GPSIT, goes through several procedures before being completely processed. Information systems take a major part of this practice by sending out e-mails to hot leads and possible buyers. After contacting several customers, a purchase will have accomplished. Payment for this purchase will then be processed with a valid credit card along with the customer’s information. Once payment has been accepted, the order will then go to next processing step. This stage will then take item(s) and package them up carefully to avoid any damages. Once the packaging is complete, a packing slip or label will be printed and placed on the package. After the order has been shipped to the customer, they will receive an email with a paid invoice and tracking number of their package. It will usually take two to five business days for a consumer to receive his order. If the customer has any questions or concerns on the product(s) or service, they can always contact the company, GPSIT, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Typically customers always call for instructions or simple questions on orders. Every time a call is answered at GPSIT, it is recorded and inputted in the database system. An information system is also used to check on employees and input when they check-in and check-out of their work. The strengths and weaknesses of the information systems are several. One large strength; is to monitor continuously and improve the business. They can monitor and evaluate employees, their work, their customer service, and all the sales produced in the company. The company and managers can also view how the business is doing on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This will indicate whether or not they need to be on pace or need improvement. The weaknesses that may come up from time to time may be glitches, viruses, hackers, or bugs affecting the system. These can be taken care off by having technicians close by and a secured network. Improvement in the companies system need to be a priority because there are updates and upgrades which approach rapidly. In order to have a perfectly running company and be efficient, information systems must be implemented. There are three main parts to a company’s system, which are Internet, intranet, and extranet. Internet is the one the whole world already knows of as being the biggest public network. This is used to advertise, marketing the company, and showing what the company is all about. Intranet is the private area of a company website. This is where only company employees are allowed to access and they can get into numerous applications. Extranet is the third main source of the company’s information system. This is where customers, outside contractors, and business associates can access. This part of the system is usually password-protected as well as intranet. An information system is a strong tool for all companies and a countless management instrument. A good information management system should integrate all company databases, and assimilate into the company’s website. By doing so, it will give employees and all personnel access to the information from another location. These information systems have practically become a backbone for many companies.

References
CIRE Magazine website, by Jim Young. (http://ciremagazine.com/article.php?article_id=318).

SCRIBD website, by Prof. Anatoly Sachenko. (http://www.scribd.com/doc/396076/Foundations-of-Information-Systems-in-Business)