Structure of strategic information system

A strategic information system (SIS) is a type of information system that is designed to support the long-term goals and objectives of an organization. Unlike operational information systems, which are focused on day-to-day activities and transactions, SISs are intended to give organizations a competitive edge by providing them with the information and tools they need to make better strategic decisions.

The basic elements of an information system for strategic-level management are:

• Reporting - software responsible for the visualization (in appropriate format) data obtained from the databases of the company and provide them to the managers according to their information needs
• Analysis and answers - management tools for direct manipulation of the supplied information, as well as performing response to ad-hoc questions about specific collections of information,
• Efficiency measurement - software that allows to define the key metrics reflecting the situation of the company and the construction of strategic scorecards and early warning systems,
• Analysis of trends - of primary key measures of business efficiency, allowing for a better understanding of the changes taking place in time and in relation to the impact of rapidly changing environment
• Assistance in strategic planning - optimizing decision making process at all levels of the strategic management
• IT infrastructure - database hardware and software, software for data conversion, data warehousing, data transmission and tools for accessing the data.

Structure of strategic information system — recommended articles

Strategy and information technology — Information management — Capability mapping — Business motivation model — Controlling variants — Strategic management model — Definition of controlling — Strategic management system — Strategic planning functions

References

• Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2004). Management information systems: managing the digital firm. New Jersey, 8.

Author: Krzysztof Wozniak