Information system (IS) is generally the integration of people, information technology, and organizational processes set to accomplish the organization’s goal or objectives. The information system can also be explained as a set of integrated components that harmoniously collect, process, store, and retrieve data while providing information, knowledge, and digital services to the company. Besides, Information systems can as well be described as a set of interrelated and interconnected components that work jointly in data processing steps (collecting, process, and store) and distributing information used in decision making, coordinating, controlling, analyzing, and visualizing business goals and visions.
The information systems are used in major business organizational processes such as communication, security surveillance, decision making, financial planning, managing human resources, products and services advertisements, and marketing and supply chain management, among other purposes (Beynon, 2020). The information system has five core components that work as a unit to facilitate the business organization’s basic activities. These primary components of information systems include Hardware, Software, People(users), Data, and Process. In a business organization, there are other primary components all linked by a network to facilitate communication and information sharing within and outside the business center. The other components include network, telecommunication, databases, and data warehouse.
The hardware: is the solid physical part of the information technology used for data capture, information display, data transmission medium, and for printing purposes. It includes computer system units, monitors, keyboards, mice, smartphones, networking devices such as routers, sensors, external drives, cables, laptops, CCTVs, and telephones. The hardware works on the data input to produce the desired output with the help of the computer software. Many business organizations use minicomputer hardware components to run all business processes, decision-making procedures, and strategic planning using business intelligence.
The software: is part of the information system responsible for the functioning and coordination of all hardware components. It is only physical but intangible. It comprises of different programs that work on the user request by following set rules and procedures to give the correct and accurate output. Two major software classes contained information systems, which are system software and application software. The system software is the program that controls and provides the environment for other application programs to run and execute user commands. The system software includes Operating systems, networking software, and utility programs. They also ensure the proper function of the hardware components by connecting them and supporting other external hardware integration. The application programs are the programs that are user friendly and where the users interact with the hardware component to have their request and commands executed.
The people: these are the user, employees, and staff who rely on the system to serve customers. Human resources is a useful component in the information system. They control through operating the system, repair, cleaning, and maintaining the system, enforcing the system security policies. The people do data collection within and outside the business organization and major data input tasks carried out by people. Specialists monitor the system database maintenance and operational process. The business organization requires several information technology specialists for the proper running and execution of digital services.
The procedures (process): these are the identified steps the all other components must follow in order to operate harmoniously without conflicts. The purpose of the procedures is to ensure that any activities or change required follows the right channel for efficiency and consistency in operations.
Databases and Datawarehouse: database is a collection of related data that can be retrieved through querying or by use of certain criteria, and it contains the vital data of the business organization. Datawarehouse is a collection of all relevant data in all forms that can be used by the organization to solve problems, make decisions, and plan for the future of the company. They are the source of big data to the business.
Justify your selection (why the chosen are most important)
The usefulness and significance of the components mentioned earlier are that, for example, the storage of the organization’s data is impossible without the computer user, hardware, and software. The users have their task for inputting the data to the system with the help of hardware peripherals and software displays (Bourgeois, 2018). The primary work of hardware is to accept and store any data input. The software ensures that the user has an interface to access and interact with the device without straining.
The network operating system software ensures that all departments in the organization can share and transfer files freely without the use of the manual system. It also ensures consistent communication within and outside the business center. Access to the central database and data warehouse is actualized by the networking software through interlinking the computer system in all departments. The routers also provide internet access availability, hence allowing communication outside the business organization and response to customer requests. The CCTVs provide security all-round the organization through the established network of the organization.
The people play the most critical roles, from installing the system to repair and maintenance methods. The organization required a database administrator who shall be responsible for database maintenance, update, querying, and enforcing access policies and security measures. The chief security officer, the person responsible for maintaining security within the organization by ensuring adherence to security policies by all workers in the organization. Data mining specialists to help the organization investigate and establish hidden patterns in the data warehouse.
The database is another useful tool in the information system for data grouping, updating, manipulation, and sharing within the organization. It organizes data in a manner that is easy to retrieve and to query. The data warehouse, however, provides a space for data mining and finding for information that can help the organization improve and sustain in the global economy.
The data and procedures are like blood in the human body. The main objective of the information system is to make use of data by following specified procedures. Therefore without data and procedures, the information system can not exist.
Provide examples to support your answer
Data input requires a user activity, storage of data, and information require both hardware and software. The organization requires a network to have consistent and real-time communication and sharing of information within the system.
The organization requires technicians for repair and maintenance of the system in case of breakdown or upgrade is required. The backbone of the system is data, and without data, the system would be void. There will be nothing to store and help the organization to grow. Moreover, the systems cannot operate itself; therefore, it needs different experts for the organization to benefit from it.
References
Bourgeois, D. T. (2018). Information systems for business and beyond.
Beynon-Davies, P. (2020). Business information systems. Red Globe Press.