HA275 Information Systems
Prelim II
Information
integration
Information Integration Trend
•
Streamlined:
Reduced redundancy/data entry
•
Accurate:
Increased reliability of data
•
Timely
•
Relevant
•
Secure - Increased data control
•
Shareable across the enterprise
How to integrate?
1.
Stepwise approaches
•
Not always realistic to turn off legacy applications
•
Apps are crucial for daily operations
•
Apps are better than what you can buy
•
‘Big bang’ implementation = high risk strategy
Point-to-point
o
Custom software interfaces
Pairs of applications
Good for low budgets, easy
o
Drawbacks
Data extraction is slower
Exponentially complex
Build or buy?
Complex to install
Maintenance problematic
Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) – more efficient than P2P!
o
(EAI) – or middleware (software)
Single software hub
Acts as a bridge (switch)
Potentially less expensive than P2P
o
Drawbacks
Data mapping
Island risk
Build or buy?
Cooperating packages?
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Proprietary SW interfaces
2.
Complete replacement of isolated systems
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
– Software (IT)
o
Integrates all functions in a single package
‘Off-the-shelf’ and tailored by an organization
Data shared through a common repository
o
Can be purchased in modules that address only specific functional
needs
Best of Breed
Middleware
•
Why do we want ERP?
o
Single integrated infrastructure
o
Streamlined organizational activities
o
Facilitates confidence in information
o
Timely and informed decision making
o
Generic modules based on industry/functional best practices
o
Enables Business process reengineering (BPR)
o
Maintenance outsourcing
•
What are the challenges of ERP?
o
Whole-house implementation
o
Inflexible compared to in-house IS
o
Long and expensive implementations
o
2/3 failure – ROI, budget, time, functionality
o
Complex changes
Software is designed with a powerful agenda
…to workforce expertise, business processes, and organizational
structures
Outsourcing
Outsourcing
= hiring an outside organization to perform services (such as information
processing and applications development)
•
Example: McDonalds subcontracts with North Dakota call center

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- Fall '06
- EWAGNER
- Data Management, Data Mining, Database management system
-
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