Editing Executive information system (section)

== Components ==
EIS components can typically be classified as:
* Hardware
* Software
* User interface
* Telecommunications

=== Hardware ===
When talking about [[computer hardware]] for an EIS environment, we should focus on the hardware that meets the executive's need. The executive must be put first and the executive's needs must be defined before the hardware can be selected. The basic hardware needed for a typical EIS includes four components: 
# Input data-entry devices. These devices allow the executive to enter, verify, and update data immediately
# The central processing unit ([[CPU]]), which is the most important because it controls the other computer [[system]] components
# Data storage files. The executive can use this part to save useful business information, and this part also helps the executive to search historical business information easily
# Output devices, which provide a visual or permanent record for the executive to save or read. This device refers to the visual output device such as monitor or printer

In addition, with the advent of local area networks ([[LAN]]), several EIS products for networked workstations became available. These systems require less support and less expensive computer hardware. They also increase EIS information access to more company users.

=== Software ===
Choosing the appropriate software is vital to an effective EIS.{{Citation needed|date=September 2008}} Therefore, the software components and how they integrate the data into one system are important. A typical EIS includes four software components:
# Text: handling software—documents are typically text-based
# Database: heterogeneous databases on a range of vendor-specific and open computer platforms help executives access both internal and external data
# Graphic base: graphics can turn volumes of text and statistics into visual information for executives. Typical graphic types are: time series charts, [[Scatter plot|scatter diagrams]], [[map]]s, motion graphics, sequence charts, and comparison-oriented graphs (i.e., [[bar chart]]s)
# Model base—EIS models contain routine and special statistical, financial, and other quantitative analysis

=== User interface ===
An EIS must be efficient to [[data retrieval|retrieve]] relevant data for decision makers, so the [[User Interface|user interface]] is very important. Several types of interfaces can be available to the EIS structure, such as scheduled reports, questions/answers, menu driven, command language, natural language, and input/output.

=== Telecommunication ===
As decentralizing is becoming a trend in companies, telecommunications plays a pivotal role in networked information systems. Transmitting data from one place to another has become crucial for establishing a reliable network. In addition, telecommunications within an EIS can accelerate the need for access to [[distributed data]]. It can be both by scientific and business means.