management information system

computer science

Also known as: MIS

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

A Management Information System (MIS) is a computer-based system that uses data from transaction processing systems to prepare management summaries, chart trends, and monitor performance against plans. MIS emerged in the 1960s to address routine decision-making problems for managers. These systems are crucial for information management, which involves capturing, organizing, and presenting data efficiently. MIS provides managers with detailed reports on their areas of responsibility, often focusing on past and present activities. They are distinct from Decision Support Systems (DSS), which project future outcomes and evaluate decision alternatives.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

computer science
Development of computer science
Management information systems, originally called data processing systems, provided early ideas from which various computer science concepts such as sorting, searching, databases, information retrieval, and graphical user interfaces evolved. Large corporations housed computers that stored information that was central to the activities of running a…
Read More
Management information systems, originally called data processing systems, provided early ideas from which various computer science concepts such as sorting, searching, databases, information retrieval, and graphical user interfaces evolved. Large corporations housed computers that stored information that was central to the activities of running a…
Read More

operations research
Decision analysis and support
…routine decision-making problems of managers, management information systems (MIS) emerged. These systems use the raw (usually historical) data from data-processing systems to prepare management summaries, to chart information on trends and cycles, and to monitor actual performance against plans or budgets.
Read More
…routine decision-making problems of managers, management information systems (MIS) emerged. These systems use the raw (usually historical) data from data-processing systems to prepare management summaries, to chart information on trends and cycles, and to monitor actual performance against plans or budgets.
Read More