An Operational Information System (OIS) is a type of information system designed to support and facilitate the day-to-day operational activities and transactions within an organization. Operational information systems are essential for routine, repetitive tasks and play a critical role in efficiently managing and executing various business processes.
Key characteristics and functions of Operational Information Systems:
Time Horizon:
Focus: Short-term planning covering days, weeks, or months.
Purpose: Facilitates the execution of routine and operational tasks required for the ongoing functioning of the organization.
Transaction Processing:
Role: Handles routine transactions and processes large volumes of operational data.
Examples: Order processing, billing, payroll processing, inventory management, and employee attendance tracking.
Data Capture and Storage:
Functionality: Captures and stores operational data generated during daily business activities.
Examples: Customer orders, sales transactions, production data, and employee records.
Real-Time Processing:
Speed: Processes transactions and updates data in real-time or near-real-time.
Examples: Real-time monitoring of inventory levels, instant customer order confirmation, and online banking transactions.
Task and Workflow Management:
Functionality: Manages and coordinates tasks within operational workflows.
Examples: Workflow systems for managing approval processes, task assignment, and coordination of activities within a department.
Reporting:
Purpose: Generates standard operational reports to provide insights into daily activities.
Examples: Daily sales reports, production status reports, and inventory level reports.
Integration with Other Systems:
Connection: Integrates with other operational systems and databases.
Examples: Integration with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Supply Chain Management (SCM) systems.
Employee and Resource Management:
Functionality: Manages information related to employees, equipment, and resources.
Examples: Employee scheduling systems, resource allocation tools, and equipment maintenance tracking.
Communication Support:
Role: Facilitates communication within operational teams.
Examples: Email systems, internal messaging platforms, and collaborative tools.
Operational Information Systems are essential for the daily functioning of an organization. They handle routine transactions, automate repetitive tasks, and provide the necessary data and tools for employees to perform their operational roles efficiently. These systems form the backbone of an organization's information infrastructure, ensuring the timely and accurate execution of day-to-day business processes.