Information_Systems_and_Software

Information Systems and Software Applications Cindy Burdick BIS/219 Linda Ballas University of Phoenix July 31, 2010 As a company or organization grows and expands its business the need for information technology grows also. With more business being conducted online, adding the potential for a much larger customer base, businesses are relying on information systems to streamline processes, and make the business of doing business more efficient. Three major areas of business in which this is needed are accounting, human resources, and all over business management. Accounting information systems, or AISs, bring together the practice of accounting with the design, application, and monitoring of information systems. These systems utilize up to date information technology resources combined with acknowledged accounting methods to provide financial information needed to manage an organization (Encyclopedia of Business and Finance, n.d.). The software used in these systems automates the organizations financial functions between other areas such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, billing, and general ledger (Madison, 2010). An information system for human resources allows companies to trace and examine information about applicants, employees, and former employees. These systems can be customized to fit the organizations specific needs, enabling employees to update their own benefits and change their addresses; a customized system frees HR staff to fulfill more organizational strategic functions. Managers may also access this information, allowing them effectively to support the employees who directly report to them (Heathfield, 2010). One of the fastest growing trends in human resources is self service HR software (Foley, 2010). This software tracks company benefits, employee wages, vacation time, and allows employees to make request for time off without contacting HR. The benefits of using this software include improved efficiency, reduced costs, easier regulation compliance, and legal management (Foley, 2010). The third business component is a management information system, or MIS. These systems combine computer hardware and software to process information automatically. They are used by organizations to allow many users to access and modify information. Commonly these systems operate in the background, and the users are normally unaware of the functions the system is generating (Schauland, 2010). One example of a MIS would be online bill pay; users enter their information into the system to schedule a payment, when the payment becomes due the system automatically processes the payment using the information that was provided. Often the system even generates an e-mail to alert the user of the action taken, and the outcome. A variety of software options is available depending on the type of business need. Many applications can be written specifically for the organization, or purchased software can be modified to meet the company’s requirements. In today’s economy the need for a company to expand requires the use of information technology and the systems that go along with it. Using the right system and software for the job can be a tremendous help in streamlining processes and making the job much more efficient, not to mention easier on the customer. References Accounting information system. (n.d.). Encyclopedia of Business and Finance. Retrieved July 31, 2010, from http://www.answers.com/topic/accounting-information-system Foley, M. (2010). Human Resources: A Self-Service Application. Managing technology. Retrieved July 31, 2010 from http://technology.inc.com/managing Heathfield, S. M. (2010). Human Resources Information System. About.com Guide. Retrieved July 31, 2010 from http://humanresources.about.com Schauland, D. (2010). What Are Management Information Systems' wiseGEEK. Retrieved July 31, 2010 from http://wisegeek.com/management Madison, N. (2010). What are the Different Types of Accounting Software' wiseGEEK. Retrieved July 31, 2010 from http://www.wisegeek.com/accounting-software.htm