Processes of Information System

The basic purpose of the Information System is to convert and manage data into something that is meaningful. Bocij et al (2003) lists the basic processes for doing this as follows:

• Classification - placing data into categories that are meaningful.
• Sorting - ordering data into a recognisable sequence.
• Aggregating - summarising data.
• Calculating - combining data in useful ways.
• Selection - retaining or discarding data based upon a predetermined selection procedure.

However it is worth noting that any action that serves to arrange data in a meaningful way can be considered a data process. From these basic data processes the functions of the IS can then be listed as follows (Alter, 2002): 

• Capture - obtaining a representation of information in a form permitting it to be transmitted or stored.
• Transmit - moving information from one place to another.
• Store - retaining information for later use.
• Retrieve - finding the required information.
• Manipulate - creating new information from stored data using the data processes mentioned above.
• Display - showing information in an understandable format using an HMI.

It can be seen that there are a number of technologies involved in these functions some of which have appeared relatively recently and are still changing but it is the combining of technologies appropriately that makes a useful IS.