Executive Information

Systems
“Turning Data into Knowledge”
 Contents
 Definition
 Characteristics
 Purpose
 Types
 Structure
 Tool
 EIS Model
 Uses
 Conclusion
 Definition of an EIS
 A tool for the senior manager
 Direct on-line access to relevant information
 Timely and accurate
 For individuals with limited time, limited
keyboarding skills, and little direct
experience with computers
 An EIS is easy to navigate
 An EIS is a system that provides information
to the executives on the overall performance
of the firm.
Characteristics of an EIS
 Tailored to executive’s information
needs
 Reports
 Analysis and graphics
 “Drill-down” process
 Easy to use
Purpose of an EIS
 Gives managers access to the data
 Promotes managerial learning
 Provides timely information
 Looking at the data leads to questions
 Identifies trends
 Measures performance
Types of EISs
 Data Driven
 Data driven systems interface with databases and
data warehouses. They collect information from
different sources and presents them to the user in
an integrated dashboard style screen.
 Model Driven
 Model driven systems use forecasting, simulations
and decision tree like processes to present the
data.
Structure of an EIS
 Presentation Graphics
 Tutorials
 Web Pages
 Internet Portals
 Intranet
 Database Queries and Reporting
Tools
 Database Interfaces
 Queries
 Forms
 Modules (Code)
 Hypertext Interfaces
 Custom Programming
EIS

 EIS are targeted at management needs to quickly

access the status of a business or a section of a
business.
 It usually consists of a PC networked to a central
computer. The PC works as the executive workstation
providing access to executive databases.
 Also known as ESS (Executive Support System)
 The information can be accessed easily and can also
provide varying levels of details.
 The EIS model
 It usually consists of a PC. In large firms it is networked to a
mainframe or central computer. The executive’s PC serves as
the workstation . The H/W configuration includes hard disk as
the secondary storage device.
 The executive’s database contains data and information that
has been processed by the firm’s central computer.
 The executive is provided an EIS S/W , which are menu driven
software to implement EIS.
 The system permits the use of the firm’s e-mail system and
access to the environmental data and information.
 EIS software supports input of explanation of the information
and the current news updates on the info.
Uses of EIS
 Generally an EIS is configured to display data such as order
backlogs, open sales, purchase order backlogs, shipments,
receipts and pending orders.
 Modern EIS systems can also present industry trend information
and competitor behaviour trends if needed. They can filter and
analyze data; create graphs, charts and scenario generations;
and offer many other options for presenting data.
Conclusion
An effective Executive Information System
isn't something you can just set up and leave
it to do its work. Its success depends on the
support and timely accurate data it gets to be
able to provide something meaningful. It can
provide the information executives need to
make educated decisions quickly and
effectively. An EIS can provide a competitive
edge to business strategy that can pay for
itself in a very short space of time.