Executive information system

Man in front of the computer next to the Function Points Schema
Function Points Schema

An executive information system (EIS), also known as an executive support system (ESS),[1] is a type of management support system that facilitates and supports senior executive information and decision-making needs. It provides easy access to internal and external information relevant to organizational goals. It is commonly considered a specialized form of decision support system (DSS).[2]

EIS emphasizes graphical displays and easy-to-use user interfaces. They offer strong reporting and drill-down capabilities. In general, EIS are enterprise-wide DSS that help top-level executives analyze, compare, and highlight trends in important variables so that they can monitor performance and identify opportunities and problems. EIS and data warehousing technologies are converging in the marketplace.

The term EIS lost popularity in favor of business intelligence (with the sub areas of reporting, analytics, and digital dashboards).

  1. ^ "Executive Support System (ESS)". Techopedia.com.
  2. ^ Power, D. J., Decision Support Systems: Concepts and Resources for Managers, Greenwood/Quorum, 2002.