Let’s keep it simple: First, what is an information system?
In his book “Information Systems and Management,” Robert Reix [1] defines an information system (IS) as a structured set of resources, including hardware, software, personnel, data, and procedures. These components work together to acquire, process, store, and communicate information, thereby aiding decision-making and control within an organization
In the current economic context, information systems are fundamentally linked to the use of technological tools for various purposes. This article will predominantly examine two specific reasons for their usage.
Organizational Effectiveness is one of the main reasons for the use of Information Systems in companies. For example, consider a company that specializes in the sale of automotive parts without an inventory management system that can determine the quantity, availability, and location of items based on manufacturer, model, year of manufacture, serial number, etc. This company could encounter significant difficulties, compromising its operational efficiency.
Automating inventory management through alert or messaging features helps keep in touch with staff, transmit instructions faster, and better coordinate the activities of different teams across the company. This reduction in information asymmetry helps to optimize resource efficiency.
The integration of information systems within companies can significantly increase their productivity. Regardless of the size, large, medium or small, and whether it is production-oriented or sales-oriented, a company must optimize its performance. This optimization is generally achieved by a more efficient organization of work with the introduction of technological tools like staff management, time management, etc.
For instance, the integration of an information system such as a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) with features such as customer request tracking, lead management, customer experience personalization, etc. in a business enables informed decisions based on customer interaction data. This process is essential for enhancing customer satisfaction and retention, thereby facilitating the company’s growth and development.
A good understanding of customers and suppliers is essential for the development of a business, especially when it comes to launching new products or services. In fact, in an article published on the website http://www.anark.com “The link between supplier collaboration and customer satisfaction”, Patrick Dunfey wrote: “The more a company understands its customers and suppliers, the better it can adapt its business model to improve customer satisfaction and foster stronger supplier collaboration. This knowledge allows for tailored strategies and proactive solutions”.
The establishment of an Information System (IS) should be prioritized during the inception phase of a company. It facilitates the collection, storage, processing, and dissemination of critical information required for making informed decisions. It plays a key role in various business activities, and its development is mainly aimed at automating tasks and improving the company’s efficiency and competitiveness. Today, the emergence of artificial intelligence tends to further increase the dependence of companies on information systems. According to (Devaraj and Kohli, 2003), the adoption of information technology is a strategic tool that allows men to improve their performance at work.
Information systems are used by companies to meet various needs. They generally help improve business performance by optimizing operations, facilitating communications, and enhancing relationships with the public, clients, and suppliers to improve customer satisfaction. Through websites that can serve both as showcases and points of sale, they make physical stores accessible to the public regardless of geographical boundaries. In conclusion of a study conducted in 2011 on the use of information systems in business and management, published by ICI Global, Mihane Berisha-Namani recommends paying greater attention to information system technologies, as they are essential for better management and the success of enterprises on system usage in business
[1] Robert Reix (1934-2006) was professor emeritus at the University of Montpellier, France. He has strongly influenced the management of information systems, particularly by being one of the founding members of the “AIM (Association Information et Management)” and the journal “Systèmes d’information et management”
[2] Patrick D. | Vice President of Marketing and Sales Enablement
References
..- Reix, B., Kalika, R., & Rowe – 2023 – Système d’Information et de Management – 8e Edition- Viubert.
.- Mihane Berisha-Namani, 2011. “Information Systems Usage in Business and Management, “International Journal of Innovation in the Digital Economy (IJIDE), IGI Global, vol. 2(2), pages 12-23.
.- Devaraj, S., Kohli, R., (2003), “Performance Impacts of Information Technology: Is Actual Usage the Missing Link?”, Management Science, Vol. 49, n°3, p. 273-289.
.- Witold Abramowicz, 2007, Business Information Systems, 1st edition – 10th International Conference, Poznan, Poland.
.-Patrick Dunfey – The Link Between Supplier Collaboration & Customer Satisfaction: https://www.anark.com/resources/blog/supplier-collaboration-customer-satisfaction
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