LO3 KNOW THE FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

3.1 Features of information systems

Data is information stored in its raw (or most basic) form. The reason why information is stored like this is so that only the information that is needed for specific functions can be used.

People are another key feature of information systems and need to understand how the system works to maximise the potential of the data stored in the information system.

The hardware requirements need to be analysed before the system is built so that the long term needs of the system can be met. Different hardware components such as a server and networking components such as routers and switches will be required for the system to work over a network.

Software is a key component of any information system as it is what lets the end user access the system to enter and find information. 

Telecommunications such as networking technologies. For a range of people to access information on an information system then the system needs to run over a network and as previously mentioned hardware components to create a telecommunications network are needed to do this.

3.2 Functions of information systems

Input
Inputting information in to a information system has two parts

Detailed data - stored and processed and forms the basis for the rest of the system.

User -tells the system what sort of analysis they want from the system 

Storage 

The data should be stored efficiently with the highest level detail available. The IT department should take regular back ups of the system and the stored data regularly, this should be kept in a different location in case of disaster

Processing
The processing of data is where the information is turned into knowledge.

Output
Outputted information can be displayed in many forms.
The main two forms are:
- Graphical (e.g. Charts, graphs)
-Textual (e.g Reports, number)

Control and feedback loops
Result of outputted information from a system
- if the information outputted is wrong feedback would be sent back to the people who inputted the data into the system, so that it can be inputted correctly.

Closed and open systems

A system is commonly defined as a group of interacting units or elements that have a common purpose. The units or elements of a system can be cogs, wires, people, computers, and so on. Systems are generally classified as open systems and closed systems and they can take the form of mechanical, biological, or social systems.

3.3 Data into information

Difference between data and information

Data can be any character, text, words, number, pictures, sound, or video and, if not put into context, means little or nothing to a human. However, information is useful and usually formatted in a manner that allows it to be understood by a human.

Content Writer. (2013). Features of information systems. [online] Available at: http://www.contentedwriter.com/features-of-information-systems/ [Accessed 1 Aug. 2017].

Scribd. (2017). Features and Functions of information systems. [online] Available at: https://www.scribd.com/doc/52642792/Features-and-Functions-of-information-systems [Accessed 1 Aug. 2017].

Encyclopedia.com. (2017). Open and Closed Systems - Dictionary definition of Open and Closed Systems | Encyclopedia.com: FREE online dictionary. [online] Available at: http://www.encyclopedia.com/management/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/open-and-closed-systems [Accessed 1 Aug. 2017].