What Are Management Information Systems (MIS)? Definition and Guide

A management information system (MIS) is a computer system consisting of hardware and software that serves as the backbone of an organization’s operations. An MIS gathers data from multiple online systems, analyzes the information, and reports data to aid in management decision-making.

MIS is also the study of how such systems work.

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Improved decision-making

The purpose of an MIS is improved decision-making, by providing up-to-date, accurate data on a variety of organizational assets, including:

Financials
Inventory
Personnel
Project timelines
Manufacturing
Real estate
Marketing
Raw materials
R&D

The MIS collects the data, stores it, and makes it accessible to managers who want to analyze the data by running reports.

Central information system

The goal of an MIS is to be able to correlate multiple data points in order to strategize ways to improve operations. For example, being able to compare sales this month to sales a year ago by looking at staffing levels may point to ways to boost revenue. Or being able to compare marketing expenditures by geographic location and link them to sales can also improve decision-making. But the only way this level of analysis is possible is due to data that is compiled through an MIS.

Running reports that pull together disparate data points is the key contribution of an MIS. That feature, however, comes with a significant cost. MIS implementation is an expensive investment that includes the hardware and software purchases, as well as the integration with existing systems and training of all employees.

Management Information Systems FAQ

What is management information system?

Management information systems (MIS) are information systems that organizations use to manage and support planning, decision making, and operations. MIS systems typically include hardware, software, data, people, and procedures. MIS systems provide managers with the information they need to make decisions, monitor performance, and control operations. Common MIS systems include customer relationship management (CRM) systems, supply chain management (SCM) systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and data warehouses.

What is management information system with example?

Management information systems (MIS) are systems used to collect, store, process and analyze data from various business activities. Examples of MIS include customer relationship management systems (CRM), enterprise resource planning systems (ERP), and data warehouse systems. These systems help businesses to better manage their resources, optimize operations, and make better decisions.

What are the 3 types of management information system?

Transaction Processing System (TPS): This type of system is used to record and process data from day-to-day business transactions, such as sales and purchases.
Management Information System (MIS): This type of system is used to collect, store, and analyze data to produce useful information for management decision making.
Decision Support System (DSS): This type of system is used to provide timely and specific decision-making support to managers. It uses data from within the organization and from external sources to help managers make better decisions.