Institutions and corporations recognize the need for a well managed approach to the aquisition, consolidation and analysis of organizational data into meaningful information. Most recently, leading organizations have embraced the use of new technologies such as data mining and intranet groupware and browsing tools for the development and distribution of knowledge from accumulated information stores. Informatics can be defined as the tools and skill-sets required to bring information technology together with people to produce and manage knowledge. There is an equal focus on technological and information science involving a mixture of computer science, information studies, systems engineering, mathematics, statistics, psychology and cognitive science. Informatics integrates traditional information systems with new technologies that manage consolidated data warehouses, perform automated knowledge discovery, and disseminate information in various media forms via internet groupware and browsing tools.
Informatics is also concerned with human computer interaction.
Of prime concern is the design, use, and evaluation of computerized support mechanisms for users where teamwork and personal satisfaction are important. Management Informatics is a particular application of Informatics to the management issues concerning organizations. Currently, there is great interest from the finance and marketing areas, but this is just the beginning. Informatics methods and technologies are expected to be used for the efficient and effective control of product design and fabrication, service delivery, resource allocation, and inventory management. Canadian businesses are facing major managerial challenges manifested by increased competition and environmental change.