Management information system, or MIS, is a computer-based system that provides managers with the tools to make informed decisions to run their department effectively. Relative to other types of specialized information systems, an MIS is used by mid-level management to support ongoing operations. The emphasis is on making routine decisions. MIS depends heavily on internal sources of information.
One of the important roles of an MIS is to provide the right information to the right person in the right format at the right time. Information is collected within the organization on an ongoing basis and an MIS processes this information, so managers get the summarized reports. Information is typically in the form of reports on a daily or weekly basis.
MIS reports can be in the form of tables with numerical values, visual displays or other key indicators . Reports can be in paper format, electronic format or both. More sophisticated systems use electronic reports that can be updated on demand in close to real-time. This gives managers an updated snapshot of the current state of operations.
Examples of the broad scope and varied contexts of MISs are: