Summary Unit 3 Information System Assignment 2

P4 Describe the features and functions of information
systems
What is an information system?
An information system is a mixture of technical and human resources which can perform a variety of
different functions using an information within a company. Information system can compete and
communicate information which is a requirement for a specific company. A management
information system known as (MIS) is a much more precise type of information for the managing of
information in a company.



Features and the Functions of an Information System


Features
Five of the main features of an information system are as follows:

 Data
 People
 Hardware
 Software
 Telecommunications


Data
Data is one of the main forms of input for the information system as it is used for the producing of
information which the company will use for improving their performance. The data is raw and
obtained through different surveys, feedbacks and multiple meetings. When entered into the
system, the data must be stored in a more efficient and a more logical way like storing it with data
which is from the same source or both have similar purpose. The stored data must be as accurate
and valid as possible and fit-for-purpose, so it is outputted as information. Multiple departments in
an organization would try to gain more data and then add it to this information system. The process
and managing of this data will turn it into information which the business can use but any data
obtained must be accurate or the information which is produced in the output would turn out to be
wrong.


People


The people are another successful feature of an information system. They are used for the sourcing
of data which the company needs for their information system. There are valuable feature of an
information system. The people are also a valuable feature of the information system but for the
people to be effective then proper knowledge on how to use the information system properly must
be for them to be efficient. Also, the data which is entered into the system must be made sure that
the data which is entered into the system is valid so that the information which is produced by the
system is good information that the company can use. If there are no people in the business then
this would directly mean that the data is not being received so the business will not know what

, product needs to be sold. Feedback is usually given for what is good and what is bad for the
business.


Hardware


It is like a feature of an information system as it is needed for the information system to run, the
type of hardware such as a server or a PC which the Management Information system runs on
depends on the size of the company. If the company is large, then a server will be needed for the
hosting of the information system, so it can cope with the data which is being processed and stored
on the device. If the company is small, then a PC can be used. The hardware used must be good
enough because it should be able to handle the power which the software produces. So proper
hardware is required. So basically, everything depends on the hardware if it is good more
information can be processed at a better performance rate but if it is not that good then it may take
longer. Enough storage units are required which help in saving up all the information which is added
to the company’s database and more memory should be required for the backups and any
information which may be added in the future.


Software


It is also one of the important features when an information system is built, it is also used for the
input, storage and the process of the data into the system. The software size depends on how big
the company is and dependent on what the purpose of the information system is. The three type of
system which can be used are: general-purpose, special purpose and bespoke. General purpose
applications can be used for the making of simple and small management information systems. But
for much complex management information system special purpose and bespoke software must be
used. Any software can be used if the software’s are kept up to date which will help the business in
running efficiently, this is done so that the software can be used efficiently, and the security of the
software will also be updated. The updating of software is also important as the time advances and
multiple features can be implemented as the new features can benefit the company.



Telecommunications
For information system they are also one of the key features. When the information is produced it is
usually distributed through the company. Most of the information is shared in between different
companies over the internet, this can be dangerous as it a sever breach of security as well as breach
of the data protection act. Large organizations usually have intranet where the transferring of data
can be done, and they are protected by the company’s security system. So, telecommunication
system must be effective in safe data transfer and reliability.