Executive information system - Definition and Overview

An Executive Information System (EIS) is a computer-based system intended to facilitate and support the information and decision making needs of senior executives by providing easy access to both internal and external information relevant to meeting the strategic goals of the organization. It is commonly considered as a specialized form of Decision Support System (DSS).

The emphasis of EIS in on graphical displays and easy-to-use user interfaces. They offer strong reporting and drill-down capabilities. In general, EIS are enterprise-wide DSS that help top-level executives analyze, compare, and highlight trends in important variables so that they can monitor performance and identify opportunities and problems. EIS and data warehousing technologies are converging in the marketplace.

See also

• Data warehouse
• Decision Support System
• Expert system
• Online Analytical Processing (OLAP)

References

• Gray, P. (1994). Decision support and executive information systems. Englewood Cliffs, N.J., Prentice Hall.
• Marakas, G. M. (1999). Decision support systems in the twenty-first century. Upper Saddle River, N.J., Prentice Hall.
• Power, D. J. (2002). Decision support systems : concepts and resources for managers. Westport, Conn., Quorum Books.
• Sauter, V. L. (1997). Decision support systems : an applied managerial approach. New York, John Wiley.