10 Examples of Information Management Systems: Benefits Included

Updated 16 April 2024

Information management systems are essentially digital database applications that provide functions and features for storing, collecting, monitoring, analysing, categorising and visualising raw data. Many of these systems are highly customisable and scalable, so they're often prominent in enterprises of varying sizes and operations. Understanding what an information management system is can help you identify one that's relevant and beneficial to the business. In this article, we define information management systems, list ten examples of information management systems and detail several of their benefits.

What are information management systems?

Before exploring examples of information management systems, it can be helpful to understand their purpose and function. An information management system is usually a software application serving as an interactive digital database. The specific functionality of an information management system might vary between software products, but most share similar functions. They usually collect data and organise it into categories. A professional can then review this data and make accurate decisions. For example, a marketing information management system may collect and organise marketing campaign performances. A marketing manager can review these performances to determine if they're succeeding or require revision.Information management systems typically have five primary functions, which are collecting, storing, processing, distributing and accessing information. An information management system usually collects data from internal sources, such as transaction or data processing systems integrated into the management system. It then stores the data into a specific type of database and processes it into information humans can interpret. The information management system distributes this processed information across its network, allowing individuals with the application and authority to access the data. Many information management systems also have secondary functions, such as visualisation tools or notification features.Related: What Is a Medical Coder? (With FAQs)

10 examples of information management systems

When exploring examples of information management systems, it's usually helpful to understand that different systems serve unique purposes and benefit specific industries. For example, some management systems may be specific for managing projects, while other systems may specialise in recording patient information in a healthcare enterprise. While information management systems share fundamental functions, they can differ extensively. Below, you can explore a list of ten examples of information management systems:

1. Customer relationships

Customer relationship management systems provide organisations with functions to collect, review and monitor customer interactions. The application may automatically store customer contact details, such as phone numbers, email addresses and social media handles. It may also record transactions, track customer support requests and monitor sales pipelines. Sales managers often use customer relations information management systems to ensure an organisation's customer support and sales procedures are effective. Depending on the scale of the information management system, customer relationship managers can review and analyse sales and lead data from a centralised dashboard.Related: How to Improve Customer Service Management (Steps and Tips)

2. Marketing

Marketing departments often use information management systems, as there are typically many metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), campaigns and procedures to track. Depending on the size of an organisation, its marketing department may have several marketing campaigns with varying processes and procedures. For example, an organisation may have a product release, social media, content and email marketing campaign. Each campaign typically requires extensive resource allocation, planning and task delegation. A marketing department may use an information management system to track campaign progress, communicate between projects, store performance data, delegate new responsibilities and automate tasks.Related: What Is a Content Management System? (With Benefits)

3. Medical

The medical industry often uses medical information systems to gather and organise patient information. Large hospitals may have hundreds of patients with varying ailments, treatment plans and treatment priorities. An information system can be crucial for managing medical practices, particularly when monitoring patient health. Medical professionals can perform many tasks and access important information through these management systems. They can record patient history, update treatment progression and allocate rooms to patients. Regarding business strategy, executives can also use information management systems to make informed business decisions, such as increasing patient capacity and reducing operating costs.Related: What Does a Health Information Manager Do? (With Skills)

4. Financial

There are usually many information management systems used in the financial industry. They often provide features for financial elements such as bookkeeping, accounting, tax and payroll. Organisations usually benefit extensively from financial information management systems because most operations produce significant amounts of raw financial data. Most financial data is statistical and can suggest current and future operational performance. For example, an organisation can track sales, expenditure, assets, liabilities and total equity. They can usually review these metrics from a central dashboard and visualise them in graphs and charts that clearly outline the organisation's performance.Related: What Is Asset Management Software? (With Implementation Tips)

5. Employee relations

An employee relations information management system is typically a specialised human resource system that helps organisations maintain and improve relationships in the workforce. An employee relations system might be an individual application deployed in an organisation or it may be part of a larger human resource information management system. These systems usually provide an organisation with features to communicate with its workforce and provide employee self-service features. Employees can request documents, review their payments and update their contact details. An employee relations information system may also allow an organisation to track its workforce performance and reward individuals.Related: 4 Benefits of a Human Resource Information Management System

6. Training and development

Similar to an employee relations management system, a training and development system may be part of a broader human resource information management system. It can be an excellent platform for managers to develop, assess, record and monitor training and development programs. Employees can typically view and complete training modules through the information system. The system then records their performance for managers to review. Large organisations may have varying training modules for different departments and job positions, so an information management system can be an excellent tool for managing the learning content.Related: What Is Training and Development? (Types, Benefits and Tips)

7. Recruitment

Large companies often use information management software for managing recruitment processes. A recruitment information management system is typically a combination of human resource and process control systems. The recruitment system usually stores candidate details, such as contact details, certifications and availability. It may also track the recruitment progression of individuals. For example, a recruiter may review which candidates have upcoming interviews. Depending on the scale of the information management system and the size of the organisation, the system may have an integrated applicant tracking system (ATS). An ATS records many candidate details, including their job application documents.Related: What Are Applicant Tracking Systems? The Ultimate Guide

8. Education

Educational institutes, such as schools and universities, typically implement an information management system. These systems allow education employees to track learning progression, communicate with students, distribute learning documents and review student performances. They may also provide students with self-service features, such as submitting assignments, reviewing schedules, requesting documents and analysing their completed learning material. An education information management system can automate many administrative tasks, such as creating a payroll and recording attendance. This automation can allow employees to focus on their teaching responsibilities, ensuring students receive excellent educational services.Related: What is a Learning Management System? (With Benefits)

9. Project management

Project teams typically use information management systems throughout the entire life-cycle of a project, from planning to closing. Project managers can use the system to track important data, such as project progression, performance, KPIs and expenditure. The system can also help project managers implement schedules and work breakdown structures. A project management information system usually has excellent communication features, such as specialised channels and discussion boards. Project managers can discuss and send reports to executives, clients and senior managers. The management system may also record and store all communication for later review.Related: What Is a Project Management Information System (PMIS)?

10. Supply chain

A supply chain information management system often incorporates characteristics of inventory and process control systems. Some supply chains may be extensive and include many processes. For example, an organisation may purchase raw materials from a supplier who transports the material for processing. A manufacturer may then receive the processed materials and begin the production phase. This supply chain process can involve extensive logistical planning, so an information management system can be extremely useful. Supply chain managers can review costs, transport methods and material procurement strategies to ensure the supply chain is cost-effective and time-efficient.Related:

Benefits of information management systems

Below, you can explore some typical benefits of using information management systems for varying industries and operations:

Improves efficiency: Information management systems can be excellent tools for improving workforce efficiency. This is because a workforce and its managers can access real-time data to help them improve processes and procedures.
Provides accurate data for better decision-making: With access to extensive data, executives and senior managers can analyse decisions and their potential effects on the business. These data-driven insights often allow organisations to make beneficial and timely decisions.
Promotes inter-department communication: Most information management systems can improve communication processes. The systems may provide extensive communication channels where departments can communicate with each other, share resources and discuss projects.
Increases productivity: The data provided by information management systems usually allows managers to assess current procedures and identify methods to improve them. This process often leads to increased productivity, as procedures become more efficient.