12.6 Integrating Functional Systems for Superior Organizational Performance
Functional information systems rarely stand alone. This reflects the fact that the functions they support should, as much as possible, connect with each other seamlessly in order to serve the firms customers. Customers expect timely order delivery, often on a just-in-time schedule; quality inspection to their own standards; flexible credit terms; post-delivery service; and often, participation in the product design process.
Information technology provides vital support for integrating internal business processes, cutting across functional lines, and for integrating operations with the firm’s business partners, its customers and suppliers.