MIS Discussion 1 - 18 Hours

Question #1:  Information Systems I have used:

I have worked with micros in the restaurant business, SAP Manufacturing ERP Software, and the latest cloud based technology PLEX Manufacturing Software.  Each system has critical components that are used to drive the software.  Typically, data is collected and organized in a fashion that can be utilized by a business to perform its daily activities.  Each system is a framework in which data is inputted and distributed based on the operator’s current needs?  Like a calculator it takes your input and based on a few choices you make on the screen it organizes the data and distributes relevant information to other areas of the system.  For example, as a waiter in a restaurant you take a food order from a table of guest.  Each guest is an individual and each order is based on the information received from that individual.  Once the order is taken the collected information is entered into an interactive terminal.  Programmers have set up the framework of the terminal to ask you relevant information based on your input.  In this example let’s say the terminal has squares with unique numbers in each square that represent each table in the restaurant you are currently working in.  You start your interaction with the terminal by pressing with your fingertip on the square that represents the table where you just received the food and drink order from each guest.  Once the button is pressed you are given a choice of drinks displayed in the same fashion as the tables.  Guest #1 would like: Coke, Sprite, Water, Tea, Coffee, etc. you make the appropriate selection and boom you’re presented with the next choice.  Guest #1 would like: Entrée 1, Entrée 2, etc.  Once all the required information has been loaded into the system it distributes the information.  The kitchen gets an entrée order.  The system subtracts the entrée from the available inventory.  The system begins to add data to an invoice based on required steps being processed.  Finally, a bill is developed based on the guest choices and data entered by the waiter.  

I think the most profound computer information system that I have used to date is the cloud based PLEX ERP management system.  What makes this system so special is the information is literally on the cloud.  Access to the system is as available as the Internet itself.  Literally any Internet device can be turned into a quick access terminal to become an interactive part of the system. 

 

Question #2:  What can schools do to ensure students gain computer literacy and what computer components are most important?  I think the greatest contributor to my success was a typing class.  Understanding how to utilize the keyboard has provided me with a time saving method to get the required information into information systems I have used and will continue to use.  I believe this would be a great class for today’s students to make gains in computer literacy.  Understanding the use of a keyboard and other input devices like the mouse or a touch screen are critical to the success of new users.  As technology evolves in relation to industry I believe the future will provide fusion between programming software like Microsoft’s office programs, desktop publishing, video, and real-time streaming of inbound and outbound data that relevant information will be available upon a specific operation.  For example, a new machine is set up in a manufacturing plant.  The operation of the machine must be understood and information distributed to begin the procedure or operation of the machine.  I believe this information will live stream to a monitor and the operator will be instructed safely step by step how to perform the operation.  This will increase efficiency eliminate the need for extensive training, increase overall safety, increase overall quality, and ultimately increase profits. 

 

Question #3 Video 5G Technology Review:

After watching this video, I can already see some of the concepts being developed for this technology.  Currently in industry the push is to get relevant information to each member of the organization with the intent of informing of policy, procedures, key performance indicator’s, safety, product quality, sales, volume, inventory, operations, efficiencies, bottlenecks, possible problems, and a litany of other interests.  5G Technology will allow the required information to be realized at a speed that will impact all aspects of our lives.  As this technology comes on line one huge concern I have is the security of the information being used to drive these systems.  With big advances come huge challenges.

 

Question #4 Video Microsoft’s concept of how 2019 will look:

After watching Microsoft’s concept of 2019, I believe that they are too dependent on input devices.  I believe most of the information entered into tomorrow’s information systems will be gestures in the air.  System devices will use recognition tools in a combination of augmented reality or possible holograms utilizing gestures from our hands, arms, facial expressions, body movements, etc. to determine our intended needs.  Artificial intelligence will play a huge part in this process.