The Benefits of an Information System

An information system is there to empower its users. A database simply provides data, but an information system is all about providing the best information the user needs to do their task more effectively. It also takes into account that different users doing their own specific tasks may need to see their information presented in differing ways. The benefits of an information system follow when the user can quickly access, understand and respond correctly to that information.

Take for example a bottling line that has the capability of filling 10,000 bottles a day, but like the majority of packaging lines actually achieves about 50% of its potential on average. The production manager wants to see the throughput data and the reasons why the machine is falling short. The operators on the other hand need to see alert messages as why the machine has just stopped and what action to take to fix it. The cause may be a specific mechanical failure such as a jam up, lack of product or one of many things. The production manager will be interested to discover that the mechanical failures only amounted to 8% stoppage time and another 5% due to lack of product. It will also notice that the main reason the line did not perform is because nobody pressed the start button when the machine was ready to run.

This example shows that Information systems can be powerful tools for business. The key is having current data converted to useful information and having that delivered to people who can act upon it before it’s too late. If the information is delivered too slowly then it is only a lesson learned rather than profitable opportunity.

Information systems do not need to be a real-time to qualify for this definition. The emphasis is more on providing useful information rather than raw data from a database that still needs processing or analysing to become meaningful.

Sometimes how an information system may benefit you is not initially clear. Often information systems evolve as your business grows. You may start with a simple database and as you identify areas where better information may provide economic benefits, you add to your base system. Information systems are rarely out-of-the-box solutions, they are something that grows with you. It is therefore very important that your systems technology allows you to have this path to build upon. You must be able to control the technology and not be locked into a standard boxed solution that only its manufacturers control. You get no assurance that their upgrades will be inline with your business needs of the future.

In summary, to get the greatest benefits from an information system, consider it an adaptable tool that you progress as your business progresses. Don’t get locked into inflexible technology, grow a system that delivers on what you really need most today, knowing that when tomorrow’s new challenges come, the system will have the flexibility to adapt. This is where custom software development delivers strongly.