Food-Service-Manual-for-Health-Care-Institutions

Usually, systems investigation is the first step in this investigation process, whose purpose
is to determine whether information generated by the existing system satisfies and supports the
goals and objectives of the operation. Major functions of the current system must be evaluated
to determine if improvements are possible and, if so, what effect they might have on the department’s
revenues and expenses. Specifically, this step attempts to answer the following questions:
• What problems might an MIS solve?
• What new opportunities might an MIS provide?
• What new software or hardware will be required?
• Will the computer’s presence increase or reduce the department’s personnel requirements?
• What databases and operational procedures will need to be developed?
• What costs will be involved?
• Where will the financial resources come from to develop the MIS?
• If the system is to be used by clinical nutrition staff, who will absorb the costs of nutrition
services?
• Will the system interface with the Internet, personal palm-held computers, and organization-wide
MIS? (See Appendix 10.1 for the definition of interface.)
• Will desktop applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, Web browsing, and
e-mail assist with presentation for education of patients and staff?
Step 2: Analyze the System
The existing system’s ability to satisfy the information needs of managers and decision makers
must be determined. Emphasis is on determining the problems and limitations of the existing
system and, at the same time, identifying its strengths. Typically, this is accomplished by direct
observation, structured interviews of managers and users, and questionnaires.
Step 3: Design the System
Although the design of a computerized MIS often focuses on computer selection, computers
constitute only part of the MIS. The purpose of systems design is to develop the best possible
system that helps the operation achieve its goals and objectives and at the same time overcomes
some problems of the existing system. If this involves converting a manual system to a computerized
MIS, major investments may be necessary.
A computerized MIS consists of software, hardware, databases, telecommunications, personnel,
and procedures. A common mistake made in the design of a computerized MIS is the
selection of hardware without consideration of software capabilities. The selection of software
is the most critical decision and must occur before all other system components are selected (see
Appendix 10.1 for a glossary of computer terms).
Software
Software consists of specific instructions or programs given the computer. These instructions
enable the computer to transform data into information, which ideally results in increased profits,
decreased costs, and improved customer service.
Microcomputers use two types of software: systems software and applications software.
Systems software is designed to support the overall computer system by controlling and
enhancing the capabilities of the hardware and application software, rather than performing a
specific function. Applications software programs are designed to solve specific user-oriented
problems. Examples of application software are word-processing systems, database management
systems, and decision support systems including electronic spreadsheets. Because of the
important nature of applications software, outside discussion is warranted. Characteristics that
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