Information System Building

What is Information System

The information system is defined as a combination of infrastructure, people, software and hardware systems that supports data processing. An information system has a primary goal of converting raw data to useful information which can be used for human decision making and action. There are some typical components of information systems as followings:

• Hardware: It refers to machinery including processors, input/output devices, storage disks, and communication equipment.

• Software: There are computer programs used to analyze and manipulate data.

• Database: All data will be organized and stored into tables and files that will be processed by software to produce useful information.

• Network: It supports connection between different components.

• Procedures: These refers to the policies/rules that govern the design of the information system.

• People: this includes not only end-users but also technicians, data analysts, and system administrators.

Today, information systems have become more important due to their great influence on data analysis and problem solving.

How to build a successful Information System

Since an information system comprises numerous complex parts, a number of approaches are provided for systems building. Generally, the systems development life cycle includes seven main activities:

• Customer Requirements Gathering

• System Analysis

• System Design

• Implementation

• Integration & Testing

• Deployment

• Review & Maintenance

The information system must meets quality and productivity targets to be considered successful development. The complete system needs to not only satisfy the user requirements to achieve quality goals but also be delivered on time and within budget to gain productivity aims. Unfortunately, a large number of systems do not perform what end-users expect and therefore fall into disuse.