3.2 Main Components of an Information System

In this section, we will discuss details of main components of Information system described in
section 3.1.

Input
Input describes activities to produce raw materials which will enter into a system from the
environment. In information systems, it includes activities of gathering and capturing raw
data that should be processed.

Input to a system could take a manual or automated method. For example, a scanner at a
grocery store that reads bar codes and enters the grocery item and price into a
computerized cash register is a type of automated input. Generally, both automated and
manual methods of input are active. When the bar code reader fails to identify the item,
cashier can enter the code using the keyboard. Regardless of the input method, accurate
input is critical to achieving the desired output.

Processing
In information systems, processing part involves converting or transforming input data into
useful outputs by making calculations, comparisons and arranging raw data. Sometimes,
processing involves storing data for future use. This is a critical part in an information system,
and it can be done manually or with the assistance of a computer.

Output
In information systems, output involves producing documents and reports using results of the
processing activity. For example, pay slip of each employee prepared based on the
company format, reports of total pay to the management, reports to third parties such as
Labor Department (EMF contribution), Inland Revenue Department (Income tax employees).

In some cases, the output of a system could become an input to another system. Often,
output from one system can be used as input to control other systems or devices.
The salesperson, customer, and furniture designer can go through several design iterations to
meet the customer’s needs. Special computer programs and equipment create the original
design and allow the designer to rapidly revise it. Once the last design mock-up is approved
the computer creates a bill of materials that goes to manufacture to produce the order.

Output can be produced in different ways using different devices such as display screens,
printers etc. It can also be a manual process involving handwritten reports and documents.

Feedback
In information systems, feedback is a kind of output that is used to make changes to input or
processing activities. For example, errors or problems might make it necessary to correct
input data or changes to the logic of the process.

Feedback is also very important component for managers and decision makers.