What is the purpose of an Executive Information System (EIS)?

The purpose of an Executive Information System (EIS) is to provide access to strategic information for executives. This system is designed to facilitate the rapid retrieval of critical information that helps executives make informed decisions. EIS typically pulls data from various sources, including transaction processing systems and internal databases, and presents it in a summarized format that underscores trends, forecasts, and key performance indicators. This high-level view aids executives in understanding the overall performance and direction of the organization, allowing for more strategic planning and decision-making.

In contrast, managing daily operational tasks is the role of operational systems, which focus on routine activities rather than strategic vision. Analyzing transaction data is a function that is generally associated with operational and analytical systems that provide detailed insights rather than the high-level summaries required by executives. Additionally, developing training programs for staff is a human resource function typically handled outside the scope of an EIS, which does not directly deal with employee development or training initiatives.