Today, more and more businesses are moving away from manual processes as they embrace automation. Information systems have played an integral role in facilitating the transition to automation (Qrunfleh & Tarafdar, 2014). As firms embrace information systems, there are various issues that they need to be mindful of. These issues range from privacy to the threat of cyber crime. There is also need for firms to adopt the best practices if they are to derive the most benefit from the information systems.
In their efforts to adopt information systems, there are a number of matters that companies need to keep in mind. The complexity of computer programs is one of these issues. When writing codes for the information systems, companies must understand that the codes are intended to be used by humans (Wilson et al., 2014). To mitigate against the risk of creating programs that are too complex, it is advised that enterprises should ensure that their code is simple enough for the average employee to understand. The other matter that firms must consider when integrating information systems is security (Wilson et al., 2014). Today, the threat of cyber attacks is very real. There have been numerous attacks that have caused companies to lose crucial data. To ensure that this does not occur, firms must put in place protocols and policies that prevent unauthorized access. Redundancy and inefficiency is another issue that firms must have in mind when designing information systems (Wilson et al., 2014). It is possible for computer programs to become redundant and to fail to fulfill the purpose for which they were designed. All effort must be exhausted to ensure that the programs and other components of the information systems are future proof. These components must be adaptable so that they remain relevant even as organizations undergo changes.
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Technology is very dynamic. With each passing day, new inventions are being implemented. In the next five years, some changes will be witnessed. These changes promise to shape the decision-making process in organizations. One of the strategic analysis decisions that companies will need to make in the next five years concerns cloud storage (Fayoumi, 2014). Today, many companies rely on internal facilities for storing their data. As cloud storage becomes more available and cheaper, these companies will move their data to the cloud. This strategic decision will affect companies as it will provide them with a cheaper and more secure alternative for storing their data. The other strategic analysis decision that is expected in the near future is the automation of processes (Fayoumi, 2014). Now, paper-based systems are relied on heavily. They are slowly being replaced with electronic systems. Over, the next few years, the world is likely to see companies abandoning the paper-based systems as they turn to automation. As this happens, companies will be able to streamline their processes. Overall, efficiency and low cost operation can be expected when this decision is finally implemented.
There are various issues that people need to watch out for. Internet of Things (IOT) is one of these issues (Fayoumi, 2014). IOT is essentially concerned with connecting systems. It is expected that IOT will define how systems operate. Today, most systems stand alone. As IOT is refined, these systems will be connected and they will work together seamlessly. Big data is another issue that people should keep an eye out for (Fayoumi, 2014). More and more organizations are relying on data analytics to understand their markets. Going into the future, more firms will use data to gain insights regarding their customers and other elements of their markets.
It has already been noted that technology is dynamic. It is expected that changes in innovation will be witnessed. How information systems affected organizational processes is also expected to undergo transformation. The adoption of personal electronic devices is one of the changes that are expected (Gubbi et al., 2013). It is projected that going into the future, more individuals will adopt these devices and the devices will serve as crucial sources of data. The personal electronic devices will undoubtedly shape the processes of organizations. The organizations will use the insights that they gain from these devices to define their operations. For instance, data from fitness trackers can be used by sports companies to encourage individuals to be more active. Another change that is expected is cyber security (Cavelty, 2013). Organizations now understand that they must adopt tighter measures to shield their information systems from intruders. This change will affect organizational processes. It will force organizations to take all measures needed to secure their systems. For instance, an organization could require its employees to provide authentication when they wish to access the information system.
The stability of any information system relies almost entirely on how solidly it is built. There are various internal risks that could compromise the security of an information system. A collapse of the information security infrastructure is among these risks (Gibson, 2014). It is possible for the infrastructure to continue to function properly. When this happens, operations are affected and loopholes are created. These loopholes can then be used to access data. Regular checks and close monitoring of the information system is one of the measures that can be implemented to mitigate against this risk. These checks impact decision making in an organization. It compels organizations to invest significant sums and to call on all concerned employees to keep a close eye on the information system.
Despite the advances that have been made in the development of information systems, there are some risks that these systems still face. Unauthorized access is among these risks (Gibson, 2014). Hundreds of businesses across the globe have suffered security breaches that have led to lose of information. To mitigate against this risk, a company can limit access to a few individuals. These individuals should be provided with credentials that ensure that unauthorized access does not occur. The threat of unauthorized access will affect decision making strategies. As they make decisions, the leaders must ensure that sensitive information is not leaked. Information leakages can have devastating consequences. Apart from unauthorized access, data theft is another external risk that companies face. Hackers are able to exploit vulnerabilities to steal data. To protect its systems from this risk, a firm may revamp its system (Gibson, 2014). Hiring qualified personnel, improving security protocols and ensuring that only authorized persons can access the systems are some of the measures that can be implemented as part of the revamp process. The revamp process also affects the decision making process. It forces policy makers to set aside funds to implement the measures aimed at securing the information system.
In conclusion, information systems have enhanced organizational operations. They have made it easier for organizations to operate and to manage their data. Going into the future, information systems are expected to undergo changes. Refined technologies are among these changes. The changes will shape how organizations operate. As they prepare themselves for these changes, organizations must also put in place measures to safeguard their operations. These measures ensure that data remains safe and that unauthorized access does not occur.
References
Cavelty, M. D. (2013). From Cyber-Bombs to Political Fallout: Threat-Representations with An impact in the Cyber-Security Discourse. International Studies Review, 15 (1), 105-122.
Fayoumi, A. (2014).Current Trends in Information Systems: Cloud, IoTs and Big Data. Retrieved 12 th June 2017 from h ttp://blog.lboro.ac.uk/cim/2014/07/28/current-trendsin-i nformation-systems-cloud-iots-and-big-data/
Gibson, D. (2014). Managing Risks in Information Systems. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Gubbi, J., Buyya, R., Marusic, S. & Palaniswami, M. (2013). Internet of Things (IoT): A Vision, Architectural Elements, and Future Directions. Future Generation Computer Systems, 29 (7), 1645-1660.
Wilson, G., Aruliah, D. A., Brown, C. T., Hong, N. C. P., Davis, M., Guy, R. T., Haddock, S. H. D., Huff, K. D., Mitchell, I. M., Plumbley, M. D., Waugh, B. & Wilson, P. (2014). Best Practices for Scientific Computing. PLoS Biol, 12 (1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.1001745
Qrunfleh, S. & Tarafdar, M. (2014). Supply Chain Information Systems Strategy: Impacts on Supply Chain Performance and Firm Performance. International Journal of Production Economics, 147, 340-350.
