Evaluating different management support systems relating to information systems
Question
Task: Discuss the different management support systems relating to information systems. Discuss how ERP systems play a key role in managing and controlling enterprise-wide information streams. Provide an in-depth analysis of how ERP systems can enhance the data collection, organisation, and dissemination capabilities of a business Enterprise.
Answer
Introduction
Information systems in the modern and digital era have become essential to manage enterprise-wide data streams. Due to their significant potential to manage and consolidate business procedures and deliver real-time inputs, operational support systems like enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have become an essential commercial asset. The demand for such ERPs has surprisingly increased, as it enables business enterprises to rationalize and also help in cost reductions by organizing the activities as a whole.
In this essay, the main focus will be on the information related to these management and operational support systems, and how important the ERP systems are, as they play a significant role in administering and streamlining enterprise-related information. We will further analyze the perks of ERP systems in enriching data collection, administration, organization, and broadcasting of the capabilities of a business enterprise. Furthermore, we will also discuss the effect of ERP systems on business operations and the possible challenges that could occur while putting into effect an ERP system. This essay will illustrate the workings of the ERP systems along with the required instruments to have a solid position in the market.
Discussion
The different management support systems relating to information systems
In today’s technological world, information system is being used widely and has become an essential tool used in an organization to work operations smoothly. It has various management functions and is usually used in decision-making processes in such environments that provide the best and most accurate time for managing systems and information (Nussbaumer, Pope and Neville, 2023). This is a subset that is designed and supportive of. Similarly, we will have a short discussion about the different management relating to an information system:
Decision Support System (DSS)
One of the main supportive tools is a decision support system (DSS) that is designed to help managers in making perfect and accurate decisions and provide access to external data sources and other tools and software like modelling and analysis tools and decision-making software (Braun et al. 2020). This helps to make business optimization usually by using artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization tools that provide video information to managers to work properly.
Executive Information System (EIS)
The second tool for helping scenarios for working smoothly is the executive information system (EIS). These are designed in a manner to provide senior executives with accurate information about the work condition of an organization (Rahnavard and Gholami, 2022). It provides wide and analytical information that shows performance indicators that help to keep a check on the organization’s performance, identify trends and make strategic decisions. Also, it keeps a check on the sauce, scenarios on sales, revenue, profit and margins that keep a great analysis for helping in future.
Knowledge Management Systems (KMS)
Thirdly, knowledge management systems are designed in a manner to manage and share plans across different departments of the organization. It captures and helps to create a good culture of learning and sharing ideas by providing access to relevant information and distributing knowledgeable assets that give innovation and continuous improvement to the employees (Okour, Chong and Abdel Fattah, 2021).
Business Intelligence Systems (BMS)
If we talk about business intelligence systems, they are designed to provide basic insights into operation and performance including data mining and data analytics that give a wide perspective to the operations (Uzair et al. 2022). It is also used in data visualization to manage complex data and patterns and trends to help managers to work smoothly and give the perfect time to decision-making for the organization.
Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERPS)
Then, an enterprise resource planning system, this one generally integrates all aspects of the operation to work in a single system and provides a broad view of operations that include finance, human resources, supply chain management, and customer relationship management in an organization. Also, it reduces and improves efficiency and works smoothly and best works for the managers to make certain and informed decisions (SancarGozukar, Tekinerdogan and Catal, 2022).
Lastly, we conclude that management support systems are best to manage the operations to work in an effective way. There are different plans that make informed decisions that give accurate information to the managers. It includes decision support systems, executive information systems, knowledge management systems, business intelligence systems, and enterprise resource planning systems and has a particular selection in management support systems that helps in implementing the appropriate management support and operation can achieve their target goals which all is discussed in the essay.
How ERP systems play a key role in managing and controlling enterprise-wide information streams.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are an essential tool for businesses to manage their operations effectively. These systems play a key role in managing and controlling enterprise-wide information streams, providing real-time visibility into business processes and streamlining workflows (BonfanteArnedo, 2022). In this essay, we will discuss how ERP systems play a key role in managing and controlling enterprise-wide information streams, with examples from relevant companies based in the UK that have used ERP systems.
ERP systems are designed to integrate all aspects of a business's operations, including finance, human resources, manufacturing, supply chain, and customer relationship management. These systems help companies to streamline their business processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. They provide a centralized database that contains all the data related to a company's operations, making it easier to access and analyze information (Gröger, 2021).
One of the key benefits of ERP systems is their ability to provide real-time visibility into business processes. Companies can use ERP systems to monitor their operations in real time, which helps them to identify and address issues quickly. For example, in the manufacturing industry, ERP systems can be used to monitor production lines in real-time, identifying bottlenecks and other issues that could impact production.
Another key benefit of ERP systems is their ability to streamline workflows. ERP systems can automate many of the repetitive tasks that are involved in business processes, such as data entry and report generation. This helps to reduce the workload on employees, allowing them to focus on more strategic tasks. For example, in the finance department, ERP systems can automate the process of generating financial statements, saving time and reducing the risk of errors (Kumar, 2022).
Overall, ERP systems are an essential tool for businesses to manage their operations effectively. They provide real-time visibility into business processes, streamline workflows, and help to manage and control enterprise-wide information streams. Companies in the UK and around the world have successfully implemented ERP systems to improve their operations and gain a competitive advantage in their industries.
Analysis of how ERP systems can enhance the data collection, organization, and dissemination capabilities of a Business Enterprise-
Enterprise Resource Planning systems are one of the business processes that automate the software applications to enable organizations across different functional areas including accounting, human resources, supply chain management, and customer relationship management and help to operate the business by having a centralized system to control the data for various functional business processes (Kenge and Khan, 2020). We will examine different sectors of the system that could enhance the data collection, organization, and dissemination capabilities of a business enterprise to work well and properly.
Data Collection
If we talk about data collection ERP systems have some benefits that facilitate the data collected from various sources that work within an organization and boost the work features. This system works in different functional areas that store data in a single database to enable the organization (Lobe, Morgan and Hoffman, 2020). This enables businesses that ensure accuracy and up-to-date and eliminate data redundancy in the organization.
This system provides an effective manner for collecting data from different areas of business processes like sales, production, inventory, and finance and collects data from various sources to make available for departments that eliminates the need for manual entry and reduces errors for smooth work.
Data Organization
An ERP system helps to organize the data in a structural manner and once the data has been collected the system enables the organization to categorize the data into different segments that make it easier to analyze and interpret. This data can be helpful in decision-making, and improve efficiency that is used in optimizing business processes (Dubey et al. 2021).
An ERP system provides a database that can be accessed by several departments in the organization and allows consistent and standardized data. Also, it helps in reducing confusion and errors that can arise from multiple versions of the same data in an organization.
This also allows for personalized reporting reports and allows different departments to access the data in a format that makes sense for the specific needs. Also, they range from high-level overviews and have analyses that provide users with the ability to view and use data in the way that works for the employees in the organization.
Data Dissemination
ERP system is one that enables the dissemination of data in an organization in a more efficient and effective manner. The system with a centralized database and standardized reporting can automate the distribution of reports, alerts, and notifications to relevant parties. The system also includes notification that inventory levels to sales teams reach a certain threshold and when production goals are met or missed, the alert is given to managers and reports to the finance team for the budget performance. Through this process, the organization and their employees can save time and ensure the best and most vital information for accurate communication (Li, Jiang and Marlin, 2019).
Furthermore, adding to the point, the ERP systems can include other software applications like customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management (SCM) systems that provide a good view of all the business operations and allow more flow of information for improving efficiency for the organization.
At Last, ERP System is one of the essential tools that help in modern business operations to improve efficiency (Hsu and Brown, 2019). It also enables organizations to make accurate and latest decisions and information by facilitating data collection, organization, and dissemination and can improve processes and increase productivity, reduce costs and have better outcomes for customers and stakeholders in the business.
Thus, implementation of an ERP system can be a complex and costly undertaking, requiring significant resources and expertise which is important for organizations to evaluate their needs and select options before implementing an ERP system (Song andErmon, 2019). The maintenance and support are to ensure the system continues to meet the evolving needs of the organizations with regular updates, training, and troubleshooting which optimize the system performance and is necessary to maximize its benefits.
Overall if we conclude, we can say the ERP system is one of the valuable tools used for business processes in all sizes of industries that provides a centralized source of data that enables efficient data collection and organization and dissemination (Song and Ermon, 2019). Also, in today’s technological world, it helps to stay competitive and in achieving goals in the business environment.
Examples from relevant companies based in the UK that have used ERP systems.
One example of a company in the UK that has implemented an ERP system is Jaguar Land Rover. In 2011, the company launched its "Project Merlin" initiative, which aimed to streamline and modernize its business operations, including its supply chain and manufacturing processes. As part of this initiative, Jaguar Land Rover implemented an ERP system from SAP, which integrated its various systems and processes into a single, unified platform (Alaskari, Pinedo-Cuenca and Ahmad, 2021).
Another example is BAE Systems, a multinational defense, security, and aerospace company. BAE Systems implemented an ERP system from Oracle in 2013, which replaced its legacy systems and enabled it to standardize and centralize its processes across its global operations. The system has helped BAE Systems to improve its supply chain management, reduce costs, and increase efficiency, as well as enhance its data analytics capabilities.
Conclusion
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have become critical management support systems for businesses seeking to optimize their information systems. ERP systems enable businesses to collect, organize, and disseminate information across their enterprise, leading to increased efficiency, cost savings, and improved decision-making. By integrating business processes and functions, ERP systems provide a single, centralized source of data that supports enterprise-wide analysis and reporting. Therefore, businesses that adopt ERP systems gain a competitive edge in today's fast-paced business environment, as they are better equipped to adapt to changes and make informed decisions.
References
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