The Primary Component of the Information System
An information system combines various components such as hardware, software, and telecommunication networks built by people to aid the collection, creation, and distribution of data, especially in an organization. Moreover, information systems include such components as people, data, and processes. In simpler terms, information systems define the flow of information within a system or an organization. The sole purpose of an information system in business operations is to provide appropriate information to the users, data gathering, processing, and relay communication to those using the system. Therefore, this paper aims at defining various information system components while pointing out why human resources are considered the most critical component of the system.
Components of an Information System
A complete information system consists of various components that depend on each other. According to Ismagilova et al. (2019), information systems have six elements that work collaboratively to enable a business or organization’s success. The components of an information system include computer hardware, computer software, network communication, data, people/human resource, and process. All these components reinstate each other to form a good working information system.
Computer Hardware
Computer hardware is the physical component of information systems that can be seen and touched. However, some hardware is also visible when a garget’s case is open. The easily visible computer hardware includes keyboards, mice, pens, disk drives, iPods, printers, and flash drives (Ismagilova et al., 2019). Other computer hardware such as computer chips, motherboards, and internal memory chips can only be seen when a computer case is opened. The primary function of the computer hardware is the input of data into the system, and the output processed data out of the system. For example, a keyboard can key in the required data while printers print out processed data into a hard copy.
Computer Software
These are programs installed in the computers responsible for controlling and coordinating the computer hardware. Thus, the software is a set of instructions that directs the hardware components on what to do. As aforementioned, software is intangible and cannot be seen or touched. Software is usually created by programmers who follow a specific process to develop a series of instructions to control the computer hardware. Moreover, computer software is further divided into two broad categories. These include the operating system – that provides an interface between hardware and application and application software.
Data
Data is another component of an information system that cannot be left out. According to Ismagilova et al. (2019), data collects non-disputed raw facts. For example, names, figures, cities, pictures, voices, and many more. Moreover, data can be seen or heard, but they do not relay any important meanings without proper processing. Therefore, through the help of software, data must be aggregated, indexed, and organized whole together in a logical manner that crowns a new meaning that is easy to interpret and understand.
Networking Communication
Network communication is not considered an essential component of an information system; the current technology necessitates networking as part and parcel of the system. As recorded, the first personal computers were stand-alone machines with no access to the internet (Ismagilova et al., 2019). However, the modern operating systems software include mobile operating system allowing communication between them. Modern computers need to connect with other external devices or networks, allowing information sharing.
People/Human Resource
An information system is a product created by experts for people to use. Therefore, human resources are associated with the workforce necessary to run and manage the system. Moreover, the end-user of the information system also forms the central part of this component. An information system is ideally developed to benefit end-users who use the information generated for their purposes. Various information systems have different end-users, including accountants, engineers, salespersons, customers, clerks, and managers. Finally, people are also responsible for the development of information systems. In my opinion, this is the most critical component of an information system that aids business operations.
Process
Like in businesses, the process involves a series of steps undertaken by information system developers to achieve the best possible service for the end-users. These innovations aid feedback, critiques, and a user-friendly information system demand. Although today, many businesses are embracing automation, this is not enough, and for successful business operations, organizations need to incorporate information systems to enjoy more benefits. The benefits include value-generating and cost-saving activities that promote business wellbeing.
Why The Human Resource Component Is Most Important
Human resource is the most critical component that could guarantee business success. Man is responsible for all business ideas, plans, and execution of most important activities (Ismagilova et al., 2019). Moreover, the information systems around the globe are the product of man. Therefore, an organization needs experts and skilled personnel who can develop, install, run, and interpret furnished data to aid decision-making. As such, human resource stands out as the most critical component of an information system that enables the execution of all business activities.
An Example from the Personal Experience
Human power and knowledge are significant as business success is concerned. An organization may have all the necessary equipment and resources, but the business will fail without competent and skilled workers and experts (Ismagilova et al., 2019). I was once a casual worker of Genocide Inclusion before I joined campus. Although the company had all the required resources, including several computers and a strategic location, it failed terribly. The company could not secure competent workers who could install software, run, and control the machines. As such, no work could be done, and from this experience, I realized that competent and skilled workers are necessary for business success.
Reference
Ismagilova, E., Hughes, L., Dwivedi, Y., & Raman, K. (2019). Smart cities: Advances in research—An information systems perspective. International Journal of Information Management, 47, 88-100. Web.