Systems Integration And Architecture

SYSTEMS INETGRATION & ARCHITECTURE – LECTURE NOTE 2

Computer Science & Information Technology Department Page 1

CHAPTER 2

SYSTEMS INTEGRATION

Systems integration means that you allow a heterogeneous (hodgepodge) IS to communicate or

integrate and share information (or data) seamlessly with one another. Systems integration is a key

issue for an organization for its growth – Management needs to pay close attention to this issue.

ERP systems are a major kind of enterprise information system allowing organizations to integrate

different systems into one organization-wide application with an integrated database management

system.

COURSE LEANING OUTCOME

At the end of the module, the students are expected to:

 Value the impact of organizational structure on information systems.

 Adapt about the evolution of information systems technology generations and architectures and

its influence on silo environment.

 Understand the role of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in systems integration.

 Evaluate what systems integration is and why it is important for organizations.

CONTENTS OF THE MODULE

This module contains the following lessons:

Lesson 1: Business process and Functional Silos

Lesson 2: Evolution of IS in Organization

Lesson 3: ERP and Systems Integration

DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO USE THE MODULE PROPERLY

In order to benefit profoundly from this module, please be guided by all the key points

presented below.

1. This module contains two (2) lessons. Each lesson is explained substantively. Read the

explanations thoroughly so that you could understand the lesson fully.

2. On the first page of each lesson, you will find the specific learning outcomes (SLOs) of each

lesson . SLOs are knowledge and skills you are expected to acquire at the end of the lesson.

Read them heartily.

3. You must answer the Learning Activities/Exercises (LAEs). The LAEs are designed to help

you acquire the SLOs.

4. Feel free to chat, call, text or send an email message me if you have questions, reactions,

or reflections about the contents or activities in the module.

5. The Practice Task/Assessment and the Assignment shall be checked by me.

Lesson 1: Business Process and Functional Silos

Silos are basically compartmentalized operating units isolated from their environment.

Horizontal Silos

• The POSDCORB (Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Coordinating, Reporting and

Budgeting) categorization by Luther Gulick led to a set of formal organization functions such as

control, management, supervision, and administration starting in late 1930s.

• Classification of organizations into departments like Accounting and Human Resources, reflects

the breaking of complex tasks into smaller manageable tasks that could be assigned to a group

of people who could then be held responsible.

SYSTEMS INETGRATION & ARCHITECTURE – LECTURE NOTE 2

FIGURE 2-1 Functional Model of Organization (POSDCORB) Source: Adapted from

Bernard, C. (1938). The Functions of the Executive. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

Vertical Silos

• Organizations also divided roles in hierarchical layers from strategic planning to management

control and operation control.

• CEOs and Presidents plan long-term strategy, midlevel management focuses on tactical issues

and on the execution of organizational policy whereas the lower-level management task is to

focus on the day-to-day operations of the company.