UNIT 2 - MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

SYSTEM & IT INFRASTRUCTURE

Presented by,
Dr. R. Kamala Saranya , BE, MBA, NET, M.Sc. (Psychology), CFN, Ph.D.
AP / MBA, NPSBCET, CHENNAI
What is a Management Information
System?

• Management information systems (MIS) are an organized method

of collecting information from various sources, compiling it, and
presenting it in a readable format.
• It helps business leaders and managers make strategic
management decisions.
• Today’s management information systems rely heavily on
technology to compile and present data.
• An MIS consists of interconnected hardware, software, personnel,
and processes that work together to collect, store, process, and
distribute information relevant to a company's operations and
decision-making.
Types of MIS

Types of MIS Description

1 Process Control Gather data to create reports based on the performance of systems and processes.

Management Reporting
2 Generate reports for the company’s operations.
System

3 Inventory Control Allow tracking of the current inventory state within a department or the company.

Gather information from internal and external resources and help team management make efficient business
4 Decision Support Systems
decisions.

Use Artificial Intelligence to simulate the judgment and behaviour of a person or organization with expertise and
5 Expert Systems
experience in a specific field.
6 EIS Report company data to top management directly in an easy-to-read format.

7 Transaction Systems Automate business processes and collect data on a company’s daily transactional activities.

8 Accounting & Finance Systems Track a company’s assets and investments and processes financial and accounting-related operations.

9 Sales & Marketing Systems Facilitate tracking of a company’s sales and marketing efficiency.

Allows control of organizational information circulating within the company and oversees tasks like recruitment and
10 HR Systems
daily administration, ensuring all employees comply with company standards.

11 School Information MS Help educational institutions manage daily activities like attendance, payroll, and employee schedules.

12 Local Databases Offer information about the residents of a given locality.

Functions of MIS
Provide Easy Access to the Information
• MIS allows team’s convenient access to marketing, financial or operational
information. MIS reports strategically storing large amounts of information
about the business in a central location that managers can easily access
over a network.
Data Collection
• Data from the company’s day-to-day operations are collected and combined
with data from outside sources. This allows a healthy and functional
relationship between distributors, points of sale, and any other supply chain
member.
Performance Tracking
• As production and sales numbers are recorded and stored in a central
database, MIS plays a crucial role in keeping track of the
performance of the employees. This information helps detect issues early
and make the right decisions quickly using the latest information.
Foster Collaboration in the Workplace
• In any large company, many situations require the involvement of
multiple people or departments in decision-making.
• MIS is an effective communication channel for the teams to
collaborate and ensure that the decision-making group can access
all the data required for effective decision-making, even working
from different locations.
Company Projections
• These management information systems come with trend analysis
features that will allow you to project how a business will perform
in its current configuration and how it will be affected once you
have implemented the changes you are considering.
• Even the ones without the trend analysis function will still offer
sufficient information to carry out the analysis accurately using
external tools.
Track the Implementation of Decisions
• MIS systems help project expectations for a particular decision.
• If they decide to implement the changes, it will be necessary to continue
monitoring performance to see if the teams are on track to achieve the
desired results.
Improve Company Reporting
• One reason large companies prefer management information systems is
the effectiveness of the reporting functions. MIS reports contain easy-to-
understand information, allowing management to make timely decisions.
• The system's accessibility to people from different parts of the
organization makes it an effective communication and reporting tool. The
results and all the necessary supplementary data can be shared among
colleagues.
• It is also possible to create short executive summaries that explain the
entire situation for company executives to review in situations that require
their approval.
Features of MIS
MIS have several vital features, including:
• Data integration: MIS integrates data from various departments and functions,
giving decision-makers a comprehensive view of the organization’s data.
• Data storage: MIS stores vast data in databases, making it accessible and
retrievable when needed.
• Data processing: MIS processes data to generate meaningful information. It can
perform calculations, comparisons, and other data transformations to produce
reports and insights.
• User-friendly interface: MIS systems typically have user-friendly interfaces that
allow non-technical users to easily access and interact with data.
• Customization: MIS systems can be customized to meet an organization’s needs.
Users can define the type of information they want to access and how it is
presented.
• Real-time information: Many MIS systems offer real-time or near-real-time data
updates, ensuring decision-makers can access the most current information to
make timely decisions.
• Report generation: MIS generates various reports, including standard
reports, ad-hoc reports, and exception reports. These reports help
managers monitor performance and make informed decisions.
• Security: Access to sensitive information is restricted, and measures are
in place to protect data from unauthorized access or breaches.
• Accessibility: MIS can be accessed remotely, allowing decision-makers to
retrieve information from various locations.
• Integration with other systems: MIS systems can integrate with other
organizational software and systems, such as
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, Customer relationship
management (CRM) systems, and Human capital management (HCM)
systems.
• Mobile compatibility: Many modern MIS systems are compatible with
mobile devices, allowing users to access critical information on the go.
• Data analytics: Advanced MIS systems may incorporate data analytics
and business intelligence tools to provide deeper insights and support
predictive analytics.
Components of MIS

There are five major components of a Management Information System.

• People: People prepare and analyze MIS to achieve organizational goals.
• Data: Day-to-day business transactions of an organization.
• Hardware: Input and output devices, such as keyboards, mice, monitors,
printers, etc., help input data and display information.
• Software and Business Processes: MIS depends on software and
business processes such as MS Office, Banking Software, ERP systems,
CRM systems, etc.
• Reports: The MIS output provides managers with insights through
various reports, such as routine, on-demand, or exception reports,
aiding in decision-making.
Characteristics of MIS

The general characteristics of an MIS are:

• Use a variety of internal data sources.
• Provide reports on the routine operations of an organization.
• Allow users to develop custom reports, such as detailed reports.
• Provide a variety of different reports, both scheduled and on demand.
• Must be accurate and avoid including estimates or probable
expenses.
• Provide reports in various formats, including hard copies and
electronic copies.
• The information must be relevant for making a strategic decision.
Benefits of MIS

• Allows company management access to a single database to

manage all transactions and planning processes.
• It saves time and increases work effectiveness considerably.
• Ensures improved data analysis and decision-making.
• Maintains an accurate record of the system’s inputs and outputs
and tracks employee performance.
• Critically analyze a company’s and its employee’s strengths and
weaknesses.
• The CEOs or executives can take greater company financial and
operational controlBenefits of MIS
Limitations of MIS

Even though MIS has many benefits, it also has its limitations, which
are discussed below:
• While MIS may solve some acute problems, it is not the only solution
to all organizational problems.
• Involves maintenance and employee training costs.
• It cannot meet everyone's particular demands.
• If misdesigned, MIS does not serve the management and is irrelevant.
• The MIS is only good if the primary data is updated.
• The MIS provides most information in quantitative form. Hence, it
ignores qualitative information, such as an employee's behavior.
Functional Information System in
MIS

• The functional information system in MIS collects, processes,

stores, and shares information related to its specific functions.
• It helps organizations simplify complex processes, make correct
decisions and successfully achieve their business objectives.
• To operate any business successfully, it is imperative to
develop a system. Organisations must maintain transparency
regarding the sourcing of raw materials, the manufacturing
process, and sales strategies.
• To accomplish all these tasks, manpower is necessary, and
managing them requires having managers.
Marketing Information System

• A Marketing Information System (MIS) is a computerized system that operates

in conjunction with other functional information systems within the
organization.
• The primary task of the MkIS is to help management in solving problems that
are related to product marketing of the company.
• The main components of the system are equipment, people and methods that
are used in collecting, and sorting, analyzing, evaluating and distributing error-
free and timely information to marketing decision-makers.
• The primary responsibility of the Marketing Information System (MkIS) is to
establish the specific information required by the marketing manager
• sh the specific information required by the marketing manager. Once done, it
develops the framework for data collection, and after that, the information is
distributed on time to the end users.
Primary objective of marketing
management

The primary objective of marketing management is to ensure

customer satisfaction. This consists of:
• Identification of the needs of the customers,
• Development of the product concept,
• Product designing.
• Product positioning in the market, and
• Appropriate pricing of the product so that it can be sold in
the market
Prime duties carried out by marketing
management

• Forecasting sales,
• Evolving marketing strategies.
• Pricing,
• Designing products, and
• Launching products.
Model of Marketing Information
System

The Marketing Information System (MkIS) comprises various parts, including:

1) Input sub-systems: The input sub-system consists of the following points –
i) Transaction Processing System (TPS): This subsystem gathers data from
external and internal sources, which is then stored in the database.
ii) Marketing Research Sub-system: This subsystem conducts specialized
studies to collect external and internal data systematically. It is used to gather,
analyze, and interpret information about specific marketing subjects within set
timeframes and objectives.
iii) Marketing Intelligence Sub-system: This sub-system provides general
information on the development of the marketing environment within the firm,
enabling managers to adapt and develop marketing plans. It encompasses
sources and procedures for information gathering, often through unplanned data
collection.
2) Database: The database stores data from the input sub-systems (TPS,
Marketing Research, and Marketing Intelligence Subsystem) for use by the
output sub-systems.
3) Output Sub-systems: The output sub-system consists of the following
points
• i) Product Sub-system: Provides information about the firm’s products.
• ii) Place Sub-system: Offers information about the firm’s distribution
network.
• iii) Promotion Sub-system: Provides information on the firm’s personal
selling activities and advertising.
• iv) Price Sub-system: Assists managers in price-related decision-
making.
• v) Integrated Mix Sub-system: Enables managers to develop
strategies considering the integrated effects of various components
2. Manufacturing Information System
• The primary objective of manufacturing information systems is to
use computer technology to enhance the efficiency and processes of
the manufacturing system.
• Additionally, it ensures the production of higher-quality products and
reduces the cost of manufacturing.
• Manufacturing systems use information and process it to produce
better end products as output, incorporating information systems
technology, data, material management, and equipment as inputs.
• The transformation process, which converts raw materials into
usable materials or components, can be considered as the central
point around which manufacturing systems are designed.
• These systems include value-added processes such as material
processing, as well as support systems like scheduling.
Model of Manufacturing Information System
The components of the manufacturing information system are as follows:
1) Input Sub-systems
The following sub-systems are involved within this system:
i) Transaction Processing System (TPS): The transaction processing system
populates the database with data gathered from both external and internal
sources.
ii) Industrial Engineering Sub-system: This sub-system includes the activities
generated by Industrial Engineers (IEs) who conduct studies of
manufacturing operations to ensure efficiency. IE’s set up standards in the
production domain against which actual performance is compared.
iii) Manufacturing Intelligence Sub-system: Manufacturing Intelligence (MI)
refers to the software used by corporations to consolidate manufacturing-
related data. This data can then be reported, analyzed, visually summarized,
and transmitted between the plant floor and enterprise-level systems.
2) Database
The database is responsible for providing data to the output sub-systems. It
obtains data from the three input sub-systems of the manufacturing information
system.
3) Outputs Sub-systems
It comprises the following sub-systems:
i) Production Sub-system: Production data can be gathered and processed quickly
using terminals throughout the production floor. The collected data can be utilized
in all phases of production control and also for billing purposes.
ii) Inventory Sub-system: This sub-system manages raw materials inventories. In
most cases, the purchasing department maintains vendor data. However, in
certain situations, the manufacturing department may procure specific raw
materials. Regardless of the case, the manufacturing department must always be
aware of the origin of the raw materials, the various types of new products offered
by vendors, and their current prices.
iii) Quality Sub-system: This sub-system is responsible for checking the quality of
the product after it has been manufactured to ensure it meets the required
standards.
iv) Cost Sub-system: This sub-system compares costs with other options once
they have been identified
3. Human Resource Information System (HRIS)
• The prime objective of the personnel information system is to provide
information about the individuals working within an organization
seamlessly and to forecast the personnel needs for the future.
• Personnel Information Systems (PIS), Human Resource Information
Systems (HRIS), or Human Resource Management Systems provide
information to the people working in the personnel department,
enabling them to make decisions easily and carry out tasks effectively.
• Finance, accounts, and budgets are the main modules related to the
Computer-Based Personnel Information System (CBPIS). CPIS is a
database that contains all the posts and service details of every
employee working in government organizations. Organizations collect,
maintain, analyze, and store information about the people working and
their respective jobs with the help of methods provided by PIS.
Models of Human Resource Information Systems
• The HRIS model is shown in the image below:
• The different components of the Personnel Information
Systems model are as follows:
• 1) Input Sub-systems: The sub-systems comprising this
system are as follows:
• i) Transaction Processing System (TPS): This sub-system
provides input data to Personnel Information Systems using a
format similar to that used in MkIS.
• ii) Human Resources Research Sub-system: This sub-system
conducts special studies related to human resources.
• iii) Human Resources Intelligence Sub-system: This sub-
system gathers data related to HR issues.
2) Database: The database supplies data for use in the output sub-systems. In
turn, the three input sub-systems provide data to the database.
3) Output Subsystems: The output sub-system of the HRIS addresses each
specific aspect of HR management, including planning, recruiting, workforce
management, employee compensation, employee benefits, and preparation of
HR reports required by the environment. In this manner, the output systems
can be determined, and users engage with the output subsystem with great
interest.
4. Accounting Information Systems
An Accounting Information System (AIS) helps the firm’s accounting operations
and involves high data processing. This system contains four essential tasks:
1. Data gathering,
2. Data manipulation,
3. Data storage and
4. Document preparation.
Continuation …

• AIS collects data and helps decision-makers, such as investors,

creditors, and managers, to make informed decisions. It is a record-
keeping system that a business maintains for its accounting processes,
including purchases, sales, and other financial transactions.
• The Accounting Information System studies the structure and operation
of the planning and control processes, aiming to achieve the following:
1) Providing information to both internal and external stakeholders to
ensure accountability and effective decision-making, in compliance with
quality specifications conducive to effective decision-making conditions.
2) Providing suitable conditions for effective decision making.
3) Ensuring that no assets of the company illegally exit the company.
5. Financial Information System
• A Financial Information System is a CBIS system that provides
information regarding various financial matters of the firm to
both internal and external individuals and groups.
• Information is typically presented in the form of expert
system advice, results of mathematical simulations, special
reports, electronic communications, and periodic reports.
• Financial information generated by a financial MIS is used not
only by executives but also by individuals who make daily
decisions based on financial matters.
• The efficiency and accuracy of transaction reporting can be
improved with the help of Financial Management Information
Systems (MIS).
Model of Financial Information System
The different components of the financial information system are as follows:
1) Input Sub-systems: This sub-system consists of the following:
i) Transaction Processing System (TPS): This sub-system provides input data to the
system in a format similar to that used by MkIS.
ii) Internal Audit Sub-system: To ensure that the financial data of the firm is processed
correctly, internal auditors carry out an internal audit by analyzing the conceptual system
of the company.
iii) Financial Intelligence Sub-system: This sub-system gathers environmental data related
to financial issues.
2) Database: The database supplies data to be used by the output sub-systems. It
receives data from the input sub-systems (TPS, financial intelligence sub-system, and
internal audit sub-system).
3) Output Sub-systems: The financial information system consists of the following output
sub-systems:
i) Forecasting Sub-system: This sub-system plans how long the firm’s activity will last
in the economic environment.
ii) Fund Management Sub-system: The main aim of the fund management sub-system
is to keep the fund positive and balanced by managing the flow of money.
iii) Control Sub-system: Managers can effectively use various resources with the help
of the control sub-systems.
6. Production/Operations
The production/operations function involves activities that transform inputs
into goods and services. These activities vary across industries and markets,
but they generally include inputs such as raw materials, labor, capital,
machines, and facilities. The production/operations function is crucial for
ensuring that these inputs are effectively transformed into finished goods
and services. This function comprises five key decision areas:
1.Process: The methods and technologies used to transform inputs into
outputs.
2.Capacity: The volume of output that a production system can handle.
3.Inventory: The management of raw materials, work-in-progress, and
finished goods.
4.Workforce: The human resources involved in the production process.
5.Quality: The standards and procedures to ensure that products meet
certain specifications and customer expectations.
7. MIS in Inventory:
The MIS Inventory system is a feature rich module designed to
help you manage and control (not just track) your inventory.
Purchase and Stock Management
• The MIS Purchase Manager subsystem was designed to
organize many of the functions performed by the department
responsible for purchasing and stocking the goods which a
company resells.
• These functions include review screens for inventory statistics
to determine which items are being sold, item profitability,
special stocking conditions, reports assisting in developing
orders and definable product performance ranking functions.
Inventory statistics are compiled and maintained by the system. The statistics are used
by the system in order to advise on ordering (what to order), stocking (what to stock),
and notification of slow- moving or dead stock. Some of the statistics that are kept on
each item are:
• Performance/ABC Code
• Turns
• Sales History (units, sales, profit %)
• Product Rankings by Sales, Profit,
• Units, and Cost
• Stock Out Occurrences over last 24 months
• Last Stock Out Date
• Last Stock Days (number of days)
• Lead Days (average, last, best, worst)
• Highest in-stock amount and date
• Highest one-time sale amount and date (single customer dependency)
• Average unit sale per month
• Stock sufficiency/customer service levels (in-stock or backorder situation)
What is a Marketing Information System (MIS)?
• A Marketing Information System (MIS) is a helpful tool for
businesses.
• It's a way to collect, organize, and use marketing
information. Think of it as a system that gathers data about
sales, customers, and the market.
• This tool is important because it helps businesses make
smart decisions.
• It allows them to understand what's happening in the
market, what customers are doing, and what competitors
are up to.
Importance of a Marketing Information
System

1. Decision Making: One of the key advantages of having an MIS in

place is that it aids decision-making. By offering comprehensive data
and insightful analysis, it helps decision-makers within a company
make well-informed choices. This means they can look at the available
options and pick the most suitable ones for the company's benefit.
2. Market Understanding: Understanding the market is pivotal for
successful marketing, and an MIS proves to be quite handy in this
regard. It gives a peek into the market dynamics, customer behaviors,
and what the competitors are up to. This understanding is crucial for
businesses to tweak their strategies in line with what's happening in
the market, ensuring they stay on track and meet customer demands
effectively.
3. Competitive Edge: Timely and accurate information is like
gold in the business world, and an MIS ensures companies
have access to just that. It lets them respond quickly to
changes in the market. By staying abreast of industry trends,
customer preferences, and what the competition is doing,
businesses can position themselves well, making them more
resilient and responsive to market needs.
4. Resource Optimization: Efficient use of resources is a
make-or-break aspect for any business, and an MIS helps in
optimizing marketing resources. By providing insights into
the performance of different marketing channels, it assists in
using budgets more effectively. This ensures that resources
are channelled toward strategies and campaigns that bring
in the best returns, ultimately boosting overall efficiency.
5. Performance Measurement: Measuring how well marketing
strategies are working is an ongoing process, and an MIS
aids in this by providing tools for assessment and analysis.
Companies can gauge the effectiveness of their marketing
campaigns, pinpoint areas that need improvement, and
make necessary adjustments. This continuous feedback loop
contributes to refining marketing strategies, leading to better
overall performance.
Marketing Information System
Components
1. Internal Records: Internal records are the foundation of an MIS. These include
data generated and maintained within the organization. Examples include sales
records, customer databases, inventory levels, and financial information. Internal
records provide insights into the organization's performance and customer
interactions.
2. Marketing Intelligence: Marketing intelligence involves gathering external
information related to the market environment. This includes monitoring
competitor activities, analyzing industry trends, and staying abreast of changes
in the economic and regulatory landscape. Marketing intelligence helps in
understanding the external factors that can impact marketing strategies.
3. Marketing Research: Marketing research is a systematic process of collecting,
analyzing, and interpreting data to understand market opportunities and
challenges. It involves both primary research (direct data collection) and
secondary research (using existing data). Marketing research helps in gaining
insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and market dynamics.
4. Data Warehousing: Data warehousing involves the
centralized storage of large volumes of data from various
sources. It provides a platform for organizing, managing, and
retrieving information efficiently. A well-designed data
warehouse facilitates analysis and reporting, supporting
decision-makers in accessing relevant data when needed.
5. Information Output: The final component involves
presenting information to decision-makers in a meaningful
format. This can include reports, dashboards, visualizations,
and presentations. The goal is to provide actionable insights
derived from the processed data. Effective information output
ensures that decision-makers can easily comprehend and
utilize the information for strategic planning.
Types of Data in a Marketing Information System

1. Primary Data: This type of data is collected firsthand, directly from original
sources. It involves gathering information specifically for the purpose at hand.
Examples of collecting primary data include conducting surveys, interviews, or focus
groups. It's like going directly to the source to get the information you need.
2. Secondary Data: In contrast to primary data, secondary data is information that
has already been collected by someone else for a different purpose. This can include
reports, articles, and publicly available data. It's like using existing information that
others have gathered to support your marketing insights.
3. Quantitative Data: Quantitative data involves numbers and measurements. It's
about quantities and can be easily expressed in numerical terms. For marketing, this
could be data like sales figures, website traffic, or the number of products sold. It's
all about the hard, numerical facts.
4. Qualitative Data: Qualitative data, on the other hand, is non-numeric and focuses
on qualities. It helps in understanding the underlying reasons, motivations, and
attitudes of consumers. Examples include customer feedback, reviews, or open-
ended survey responses. It provides a deeper, more nuanced understanding beyond
just numbers.
Steps Involved in a Marketing Information System
Process

1. Data Collection: The first step involves gathering relevant data

from various sources. This can include internal sources such as sales
records, customer databases, and inventory levels, as well as
external sources like market research, competitor analysis, and
industry reports. The goal is to ensure a comprehensive dataset that
covers both internal and external aspects of the market.
2. Data Processing: Once the data is collected, it needs to be
organized and processed to extract meaningful insights. This step
involves cleaning and structuring the data, performing analyses,
and using statistical methods to identify patterns or trends. Data
processing transforms raw data into actionable information that can
guide marketing decisions.
3. Information Storage: Processed information needs to be stored in a
secure and accessible manner. This involves creating a data repository
or a data warehouse where information can be stored centrally. Proper
storage ensures that historical data is available for future reference and
analysis, contributing to a more informed decision-making process.
4. Information Retrieval: Retrieval is the process of accessing stored
information when needed. Decision-makers should be able to retrieve
relevant data easily and quickly. This step ensures that up-to-date
information is available for analysis and decision-making, supporting
both strategic planning and day-to-day marketing operations.
5. Information Dissemination: The final step involves presenting the
information to decision-makers. This can be done through various
means, such as reports, presentations, dashboards, or visualizations.
The goal is to communicate insights in a clear and understandable
manner, facilitating effective decision-making by providing actionable
information.
Benefits of using a Marketing Information System

1. Informed Decision Making: An MIS provides timely and relevant

information to marketing decision-makers, enabling them to make
informed and data-driven choices. This leads to more effective planning
and execution of marketing strategies.
2. Competitive Advantage: Access to real-time market data, competitor
analyses, and industry trends allows organizations to stay ahead of the
competition. The ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions
provides a competitive edge.
3. Resource Optimization: By having a clear understanding of market
demands, consumer behaviour, and product performance, businesses
can optimize their resources. This includes efficient allocation of budgets,
manpower, and other marketing resources.
4. Improved Customer Satisfaction: A well-implemented MIS helps in understanding
customer preferences, behaviours, and feedback. This knowledge allows companies to
tailor their products and services to meet customer expectations, ultimately enhancing
customer satisfaction.
5. Strategic Planning: The insights provided by an MIS support long-term strategic
planning. Marketing managers can develop and implement effective marketing
strategies based on a thorough understanding of market dynamics, trends, and
potential opportunities.
6. Risk Management: The system assists in identifying potential risks and challenges in
the market. By being aware of these risks, organizations can develop proactive
strategies to mitigate them, reducing the impact of uncertainties on their marketing
activities.
7. Cost Efficiency: Efficient use of resources is achieved through targeted marketing
efforts. Instead of employing a trial-and-error approach, organizations can focus on
strategies that are proven effective through data analysis, reducing unnecessary costs.
8. Market Research Efficiency: MIS streamlines the market research process, making it
more efficient and cost-effective. With access to a wealth of data, organizations can
avoid duplicating efforts and leverage existing information for decision-making.
Examples of Marketing Information
Systems

1. Google Analytics: This tool provides insights into website

traffic, user behaviour, and the effectiveness of online
marketing efforts. It helps businesses understand where their
website visitors come from, what they do on the site, and
how different marketing channels contribute to website
performance.
2. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: CRM
systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, or Zoho help businesses
manage customer information, interactions, and
communications. They track customer preferences, purchase
history, and feedback, providing valuable data for targeted
marketing campaigns.
3. Social Media Analytics Tools: Platforms such as Hootsuite,
Buffer, or Sprout Social offer analytics features that track social
media performance. Businesses can measure engagement,
audience demographics, and the effectiveness of their social
media marketing efforts.
4. Email Marketing Software: Tools like Mail chimp, Constant
Contact, or Sendinblue not only facilitate email campaigns but
also provide analytics on email open rates, click-through rates,
and subscriber behaviour. This information helps refine email
marketing strategies.
5. E-commerce Platforms: Platforms like Shopify, Woo Commerce,
or Magento offer built-in MIS features. These systems track sales,
customer behaviour, and inventory data, helping businesses
optimize their online sales and marketing strategies.
6. Web Analytics Tools: In addition to Google Analytics, tools
like Adobe Analytics or Webtrends offer advanced web
analytics capabilities. They track user interactions on
websites, providing insights into user journeys, conversion
rates, and the performance of online campaigns.
7. Competitor Monitoring Tools: Services like SEMrush,
Ahrefs, or SimilarWeb help businesses keep an eye on their
competitors. These tools provide data on competitor website
traffic, keywords, and online strategies, aiding in competitive
analysis.
Product management information
system
• Product management information system is another name for
Product Information Management system or PIM.
• PIM software stores, organizes, retrieves, and modifies product data. It
serves as a collaborative tool that allows multiple authorized users to
access and update the information in real-time. Its version control
system helps establish PIM content as the single source of truth in a
company.
• When changes are made to product information, PIM software
maintains a record of who made what changes and when.
• The access history is a safeguard against unauthorized or incorrect
changes. Knowing that a PIM solution provides access control
establishes trust in the information, reducing reliance on human efforts.
What Data is In a PIM?

With a centralized source of curated information, companies can ensure the correct
data is being used. Service departments can look to the stored data for resolving
customer concerns. Sales and Marketing can deliver consistent customer
experiences, building trust and brand loyalty.
A PIM system with digital asset management (DAM) capabilities may contain the
following information:
• Product Galleries
• Product Reviews
• Product Ratings
• Installation and Assembly Videos
• User and Owner Guides
• Disclosures/Compliance Information
• Warranty Information
• Product Images
• Product Descriptions
• Product Specifications
• Product Accessories
• Replacement Parts
Who Uses PIM Software?

Sales
• Customer-facing sales staff need access to PIMs. When a customer asks
for information, sales personnel can download a product information PDF
and forward it to the customer in a matter of seconds.
• They can even print it if a customer prefers a hard copy. With PIM access,
sales staff can provide an improved customer experience.
• Salespeople have more confidence in the information because it has been
reviewed for accuracy.
• They are more comfortable using it in sales presentations. They no longer
need their "trusted" sources to verify the data before using it. Their time
can be spent on customer interactions rather than tracking down
information.
Marketing
• Marketing benefits from product information management tools like PIM because
they eliminate the "reinventing the wheel" cycle. Manufacturers often have siloed
data.
• Engineers working on one product line may have limited data on a complimentary
product. Each department may use different tools for storing the data.
• The mish-mash of data makes it difficult for marketing to find the data they need.
Once they find the data, they have to verify its accuracy.
Service
• After-purchase interactions are just as critical to a positive customer experience.
Making sure service departments have access to troubleshooting and installation
manuals provides a seamless customer experience.
• Callers are not placed on hold for hours while the service representative tries to
locate the answer.
• Accessible and accurate product information reduces the stress service agents
feel when confronted with a customer problem.
• When they can quickly locate what they need, they can meet the customer's
expectation for fast resolution. The experience underscores the reliability buyers
feel when dealing with a brand.
THANK YOU