An executive can view the problem areas by either distribution channels or product, checking to see in which region sales are down and in what product category sales are not meeting projections. Immediate decisions can be reached and scenarios can be developed to improve those areas. Executive Information Systems can contain advanced query languages that understand a question written in normal business terms rather than technical query tools. This allows the user access to any information as a question, thus eliminating the need for continuous report writing. It also reduces the continual problem of IS delivering a report that fails to answer the question the executive asked.
Most systems are relatively inexpensive and can be linked to a wide variety of databases.
Most systems are relatively inexpensive and can be linked to a wide variety of databases. Once the initial design is completed, the executive-user can be trained to maintain the system and make minor changes. Many systems have the capability to package pieces of the information. Charts appear, which can be transferred to Excel for further analysis or to Power Point for presentation. Successful implementation of an executive information system usually begins with defining what the user will want to see on a recurring basis.