Software_Applications

Information Systems and Software Applications Information systems and software applications are integral part of most business nationally and internationally. Small businesses, like the local video store, to large corporations rely on information systems and technology to perform the essential functions of the business. “A computer-based information system is an information system that uses computer technology to perform some or all of its intended tasks. Software consists of computer programs that control the functions of computer hardware (Rainer & Turban, 2008).” The following paper will discuss information systems and software applications for three common organizational departments in a manufacturing business. The information will apply to the following departments: Management, Design, and Accounting. Microsoft Project 2007 Microsoft Project 2007 is a project management software application designed to be integrated with Microsoft Office and its various applications. MS Project provides management and the project managers and excellent tool to “manage projects more efficiently and effectively” (Microsoft, 2010). MS Project allows management to stay on top of a project, schedule and finances, streamlining team members and increase productivity through its integration of MS Office. Some of the new features of MS Project 2007 is the ability to pinpoint the sources of potential issues, it allows to see the impact of changes to the project and allows the user to experiment with what-if scenarios. MS Project can be purchased separately or packaged in Microsoft Office Ultimate. Auto CAD Auto CAD is the industry standard software used in manufacturing, architecture, and construction. Auto CAD is a computer aided design software used by designers, and drafters to draw simple and complex parts, assemblies, buildings, and an infinite amount of uses. Drawings are then created for manufacturing and construction blueprints. The benefits of Auto CAD are more accurate parts, increased productivity, and efficiency along the production line. In addition Auto CAD provides machine software integration, and three dimensional illustration drawings. Quickbooks Quickbooks is the preferred choice of small businesses. Quickbooks is designed for small to mid-size companies to track sales, banking, customers, vendors, and inventory. Quickbooks offers specialized programs for point-to-point sales, construction, and manufacturing. The benefits of Quickbooks are, it helps businesses manage their finances without requiring to buy various software to perform the same tasks. In addition it is simple to use for those that are not proficient accountants. Quickbooks is relatively inexpensive at a retail cost of $199, which makes it very popular among business. Conclusion There are many benefits gained by having the latest systems and software. Today's businesses use these tools to gain competitive advantages, efficiency, and productivity. The benefits of MS Project for management are project tracking, integration, and scenario experimentation. Auto cad provides designers and manufacturing businesses highly accurate and productive software. Quickbooks has facilitated the finance process for many businesses. As technology progresses software and information system manufacturers will be there to ensure business stay competitive. References Introduction to Information Systems 2nd ed. R. Kelly Rainer Jr. and Efraim Turban. 2009. John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken, New Jersey Microsoft Office- Project Overview. Microsoft Corp. 2010. found on http://office.microsoft.com/en- us/project/HA101656381033.aspx AutoCAD 2010 Overview. Autodesk. 2010. found on www.autodesk.com/autocad2010. Quickbooks Overview. Quicken. 2010. found at http://quickbooks.intuit.com/