Information Systems and Organisations

The first use of IT in business was in data processing . Typical tasks were payroll, billing and stock control systems. In performing these tasks the IT system was acting as a data processing system to speed up the way that various transactions were performed. The staff involved in using the system were typically operational level workers and middle management. Higher level management would not be involved directly with IT systems at this level.

As IT systems developed it became apparent that, in addition to carrying out transactions, the system could also provide information about transactions that was useful to management. At its simplest, summary reports of transaction could be provided to analyse performance. More sophisticated systems will be able to provide forecasts based on analysis of past data. Analyse and forecast reports will aid the manager in making decisions.

© LEV