Many companies use some form of an information management system, or IMS. Some smaller companies do this through a database found in most office software products. Others purchase external IMS and integrate these systems with currently used software. The type of information management system a company chooses depends on how much value the system can bring to the company.
Database Management
The chief feature of an information management system is its ability to store data and make that data easy to retrieve by the system’s users. The type of database used determines how the information management system responds to requests or queries for information. Systems that use a relational database store the data in separate tables instead of one large table. Once the data gets stored, database administrators connect relevant tables of data to each other through the use of keys. These keys identify the relationship between data in one table and data in another table. Relational databases provide a quicker response to queries and store more information than hierarchical databases. Hierarchical databases always access data starting at the top of the database and moves down. It does not look at the relationship between different pieces of information.
Reporting
The next most important feature of an information management system comes in the form of reports. An information management system is only as good as the reports it generates. The ability to produce information that helps in the decision-making process is a key attribute for this kind of system. Most IMS provide multiple report templates while others offer the ability to create specific reports and save these reports as a template for others to use.
Open Access
An information management system that allows open access to its system architecture lets a company comply more easily with external regulations and internal requirements. Open access means the company can more easily integrate the IMS with existing systems. This ability reduces the need for outside service people to perform internal service changes. Open access also reduces maintenance expenses because internal resources can manage the maintenance of the system.
Integration
Information management systems typically integrate with a company’s existing systems. How well these varied systems integrate often creates many challenges for internal and external resources. A good IMS provides ease of integration with legacy systems, thus allowing a company to maintain the equipment investments it has already made.
Scalability
Because not all companies require the full offering of some information management systems, scalability becomes a key purchase consideration. Smaller businesses might require a scaled-down version of an IMS now, but within a few years require additional features and larger database management capabilities. Purchasing a scalable system gives a company room to grow without losing its initial investment.
Database Management
The chief feature of an information management system is its ability to store data and make that data easy to retrieve by the system’s users. The type of database used determines how the information management system responds to requests or queries for information. Systems that use a relational database store the data in separate tables instead of one large table. Once the data gets stored, database administrators connect relevant tables of data to each other through the use of keys. These keys identify the relationship between data in one table and data in another table. Relational databases provide a quicker response to queries and store more information than hierarchical databases. Hierarchical databases always access data starting at the top of the database and moves down. It does not look at the relationship between different pieces of information.
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| Advanced Features Of Information Management System |
Reporting
The next most important feature of an information management system comes in the form of reports. An information management system is only as good as the reports it generates. The ability to produce information that helps in the decision-making process is a key attribute for this kind of system. Most IMS provide multiple report templates while others offer the ability to create specific reports and save these reports as a template for others to use.
Open Access
An information management system that allows open access to its system architecture lets a company comply more easily with external regulations and internal requirements. Open access means the company can more easily integrate the IMS with existing systems. This ability reduces the need for outside service people to perform internal service changes. Open access also reduces maintenance expenses because internal resources can manage the maintenance of the system.
Integration
Information management systems typically integrate with a company’s existing systems. How well these varied systems integrate often creates many challenges for internal and external resources. A good IMS provides ease of integration with legacy systems, thus allowing a company to maintain the equipment investments it has already made.
Scalability
Because not all companies require the full offering of some information management systems, scalability becomes a key purchase consideration. Smaller businesses might require a scaled-down version of an IMS now, but within a few years require additional features and larger database management capabilities. Purchasing a scalable system gives a company room to grow without losing its initial investment.
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