Hyperion Systems Engineering - Information and Decision Support Systems

Companies today face tough competition in an increasingly complex business environment. Now more than ever the market is dictating the quality of products and services as well as when and how these will be delivered. The challenge is to eliminate inefficiencies at all levels; to keep low stocks while maintaining high customer service levels; to respond fast to changing market conditions; to improve overall performance while cutting costs. This challenge cannot be met by developing and maintaining individual databases or tools based on spreadsheets that are �islands of automation�, in the sense that they are not integrated and deal only with a limited problem. Businesses need to adopt strategic information technology initiatives and to start investing in ERP systems, warehouse management systems and customer relationship management systems. These systems form the information technology backbone. By managing the data that describe the manufacturing, storing, distribution and financial functions, they control, record, track and reconcile the execution of the business activities. The next step is to adopt decision support systems. These use data from the transaction systems and constantly monitor performance of the supply chain, from the procurement of raw materials to the delivery of good or services to clients. They take into account not only the present, but also the history and the future direction. Based on these, they offer solutions to key supply chain functions like demand forecasting, production and distribution planning, detailed scheduling of production and distribution activities. Responsiveness and flexibility of the whole supply chain is the key to business success.