Explain the various major activities of an Information System.

The major activities of an information system are: Input of data resource: Input of data resources is prime and an important activity of an Information System. In this activity data about business transactions and other events is captured and prepared for processing. In this activity data entry activities such as recording and editing are covered. For example, data about sales transactions may be recorded on source documents such as paper sales order forms. (A source document is the original formal record of a transaction.) Alternatively, salesperson might capture sales data using computer keyboards or optical scanning devices, they are visually prompted to enter data correctly by video displays. This provides them with a more convenient and efficient user interface, that is, methods of end user input and output with a computer system. Methods such as optical scanning and displays of menus, prompts, and fill-in-the-blanks formats make it easier for end users to enter data correctly into an information system. Processing of data into information: Data is typically subjected to processing activities such as calculating, comparing, sorting, classifying, and summarizing. These activities organize, analyze and manipulate data, thus converting them into information for end users. The quality of any data stored in an information system must also be maintained by a continual process of correcting and updating activities. Output of information products: Information in various forms is transmitted to end-users and made available to them in the output activity. The goal of information systems is the production of appropriate information products for end users. Common information products messages, reports, forms, and graphic images, which may be provided by video displays, audio responses, paper products, and multimedia. Storage of data resource: Storage is a basic system component of information systems. Storage is the information system activity in which data and information are retained in an organized manner for later use. For example, just as written text material is organized into words, sentences, paragraphs, and documents, stored data is commonly organized into fields, records, files, and database. This facilitates its later use in processing or its retrieval as output when needed by users of a system. Control of system performance: An important information system activity is the control of its performance. An information system should produce feedback about its input, processing, output, and the system is meeting established performance standards. Then appropriate system activities must be adjusted so that proper information products are produced for end users.