Abstract

Computers traditionally make their first appearance in a business as a tool to automate time consuming tasks such as accounting, inventory control and document preparation. However, the true value of a computer system often lies in its ability to provide timely summaries and analyses of business performance. Business information requirements can be broadly categorised into three areas: operational processing (day to day tasks, data capture), management information (reporting and tracking, tactical planning) and decision support (strategic planning). Depending on the software used, a computer system can provide information from any of these areas. However, it is unlikely that any single software package can meet all the information needs of a business. It is becoming increasingly important for data to be easily transferred between systems. This paper looks at the various types of software available, what kinds of information each can provide and the need for integration between packages to provide the "total picture".

KJ, Bremner, LR Matthews, DJ Brears, and AM Painting

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 52, , 73-76, 1992