AIS: what is it and where is it used?

The abbreviation "AIS" is often heard, but not everyone understands what it exactly means. The fact is that AIS - automated information systems - are so diverse that it is no wonder to get confused. Meanwhile, the term hides all familiar phenomena and processes.

What it is

According to the definition of a financial dictionary, an automated information system (AIS) is a combination of software and hardware designed to store and / or manage data and information and perform calculations.

That is, AIS are databases, programs, computers, electronic information stores and other equipment. With their help, information about the work or behavior of an object is automatically collected and accumulated. And an object can be anything: from an individual enterprise to an entire industry on a global scale, from an individual organism to distant stars and galaxies.

In addition, the concept of "AIS" also includes specialists who ensure the operation of the system. It can be not only programmers, but also managers, business leaders and other persons.

Where are AIS used? Yes, almost everywhere! AIS is already an integral part of everyday life. So, the World Wide Web is also AIS. You come to the bank or to the post office, take a ticket in the electronic terminal - AIS directs you to the right window and informs you when the turn has come.

AIS help manage production in factories, control the receipt and sale of goods in retail chains. With their help, meteorologists make weather forecasts, the military - control missile launches and monitor the security of borders, astronomers - study the universe.

AIS perform the following functions:

• accumulate information in databases;

• allow you to track processes in the field covered by AIS;

• make recommendations or make decisions themselves based on accurate, aggregated data;

• minimize the possibility of errors, reduce the influence of the "human factor";

• many times speed up production processes and the exchange of information;

• reduce the complexity of human work.

Types of AIS

Depending on the purpose and scope of application, several types of AIS are distinguished.

Information AIS. They help a person to accumulate, organize and use information. These include:

• information and reference systems (AIS), which are used for the accumulation, storage, processing and transmission of information. These are electronic dictionaries, reference books, various databases;

• information retrieval systems (IPS). Provide information from different sources based on the request. An example is Internet search engines. There are also regional, local and specialized IPSs - they are used in individual regions or professional areas;

• information-measuring (IMS) - are used to automatically collect information about the state and parameters of an object over time. For example, to track the operation of spacecraft systems;

• geographic information systems (GIS) accumulate information about various objects in accordance with their location in space (usually a map). You actively use such systems when you are looking for the address or geographical coordinates of the place of interest in your smartphone;

• IS for automation of workflow and accounting. They are widely used in enterprises, reducing the "paperwork".

Automated control systems (ACS) help a person manage certain processes. They are needed, for example, in large companies, manufacturing enterprises, and transport. ACS include, in particular:

• process control systems (ACS TP). For example, the operation of equipment in drilling and oil wells today is controlled by computers and programs. Man can only control and sometimes adjust the operation of systems;

• enterprise management systems (ASUP). Covers non-productive areas of the enterprise: planning, finance, sales, personnel management, etc.;

• branch systems of industry management (OSACU). For example, a special “Russian Post” system that tracks the movement of mail.

Examples of other AIS:

• artificial intelligence systems (SII), capable of solving some creative tasks;

• access control (and management) systems (ACS, ACS). They allow you to create special conditions of access at the enterprise, in the organization or private ownership. For this, electronic keys, fingerprint scanning and other methods of identifying a person are used;

• computer-aided design (CAD) systems that help to “computerize” the work of designers. Widely used in engineering, instrumentation, architecture and construction;

• automated research systems (ASNI) - help scientists make calculations and create accurate mathematical models of the studied phenomena or processes. Actively used in natural and exact sciences, find application in other fields;

• Learning AIS are e-learning systems. For example, Learning Space.

AIS for school and students

Let us consider in more detail the use of AIS in one of the areas.

In recent years, Russia has been actively implementing automated information systems in secondary education. They are aimed primarily at simplifying the interaction of the school and parents. Different AIS can operate in different regions, but usually they have a number of common functions:

1. Recording a child in an educational institution.

2. Electronic journal / diary. The teacher logs the schedule, homework, and student grades. Access to this information is given to students and their parents. An important condition: schoolchildren can only see their grades, and parents, respectively, only the marks of their child.

3. Informing children and parents about exam results.

4. The publication of news, announcements of contests and olympiads and other relevant information.

5. Useful links.

6. Online messaging between parents and teacher.

Thus, parents can follow the child’s studies and receive answers to most of their questions through electronic channels. Educational AIS in different regions may have their own additional functionality.

It is possible to enroll a child in school, to learn about his performance and preliminary results of the Unified State Examination through another AIS - "State services". The specific list of services available on the portal depends on the region.