POS System and Information Systems: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Risks

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IT FOR BUSINESS
[Author]
[Professor]
[University]
[City, State]
June 12, y

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A basic analysis of information systems is given in this report through the reference of
the Four Season’s case study. The organization at hand transforms its business from a manual set
to a technological system that applies the benefits of information technology. As such, the
benefits, drawbacks, and attributes of information systems are highlighted below.
Keywords: Information system, Point of sales (POS) systems, Information technology

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Table of Contents
Contents Page
Introduction.............................................................................................................4
Advantages and disadvantages of POS system......................................................4
Competitive Advantages........................................................................................5
Advantages of a Centralized Database...................................................................5
POS and Decision Making.....................................................................................6
Telecommunication Options..................................................................................7
POS System Risks..................................................................................................8
Conclusion................................................................................................................9
References..............................................................................................................10

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Introduction
Information systems (IS) are subsets of information technology that enables users to
manage data. Their general objective is usually to analyze data in order to give conclusive results
for decision making. This aim is often accomplished using three distinctive data functions; data
collection, data processing, and data storage. Business today apply this technology to gain a
competitive edge while increasing their market shares. Essentially, an enterprise will improve its
overall understanding of the organization by constantly analyzing the data affiliated with it. The
same process also facilitates efficient business transactions and operations, as the same resources
provide the basis for making in-house decisions. Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery through
its activities illustrates the application of IS in business, a process that yields several benefits as
highlighted below. As such, this short report analyses the impact of information technology in
business particularly through IS.
Advantages and disadvantages of POS system
Through the three data functions, the POS system provides a platform to manage data.
This process facilitates the operations of the business such as the control of supplies which is
now based on credible results. Moreover, the system provides a robust application to track raw
data which helps manage inventory based on the returns it offers the enterprise. Furthermore, the
roles of the employees are governed by an automated system which saves time as no extra
supervision is needed (Cordella and Iannacci 2012). Finally, through the general functions of the
program, the company makes better decisions that are based on facts and not guesswork.
At the same time, the POS system does introduce several limitations to business,
particularly those of security and privacy. Since the application is given unsolicited access to
users’ data, it provides a central point of attack. Moreover, because it uses an open platform
(internet) it exposes sensitive information to unknown individuals if it is attacked (Hanks 2018).