The Strategic Level of Information Systems: Executive Support System (ESS)

Last, but not least we come to the top of the Information System pyramid, the Strategic Level.  In this level we have the Executive Support System, or ESS.  This level is also known as the Executive Information System (EIS).  As the name suggests, it is generally utilized by senior managers and executives.  This system allows executives to analyze the organization and discover long-term trends and plan the direction of the company accordingly.  These systems have the capability of being tailored to both the company as well as the executive using it.

As with the DSS system, the ESS system takes data from TPS and MIS systems and organizes it according to how the executive requests.  Along with this organizational data, the ESS system can pull data from outside sources and even other models.  This information is summarized and presented in forms such as reports, forecasts and also graphs – much like the DSS system, but in more detail.  Where “boxed” systems are available, most are tailored to the organization and individual depending on the information available and needed.

 

ESS systems are about forecasting the future direction of the organization and are very flexible and easy to use.  A large portion of the time, senior executives need systems they are comfortable using when looking to view the company position and identify future trends.  These ESS systems are perfect for just this thing.  This is always good news for the senior executive's assistant!