DSS aid in problem solving by allowing for manipulation of data & models whereas ES allow experts to
'teach' computers about their field so that the system may support more of the decision making process
for less expert decision makers. • DSS most often contain equations that the system uses to solve
problems or update reports immediately, and the users makes the final decisions on the basis of the
information whereas an expert system works from a much larger set of modeling rules,uses concepts
from AI to process and store the knowledge base & scans base to suggest a final decision decision
through inference. •DSS only supports the decision making process & a human user is required to weigh
all the factors in making a decision whereas ES must acquire knowledge from an expert and apply a large
but standard set of probability based rules to make a decision in a specific problem setting.
The main difference between management information system and decision support system is that the
management information system (MIS) supports structured decision making while the decision support
system (DSS) provides support for unstructured or semi-structured decisions.
Management Information System provides information like reports for managers to make required
decisions. It helps operational and tactical levels of the organization. It mainly supports structured
decision making. In other words, the decisions are well defined and described in detail. Decision Support
System is a system that provides information for managers in the decision-making process. It provides
support for unstructured or semi-structured decisions. In other words, these decisions cannot be
described or defined in detail.
What is Management Information System
A Management Information System (MIS) evaluates, analyzes and processes an organization’s data to
produce meaningful and useful information. It is a planned system to collect, store and distributed data
as information. These information helps to carry out the functionalities of the organization.
MIS supports a variety of uses. It helps to capture data, process data, store information, retrieval and
propagation. The summarized report for the MIS helps the middle-level management to monitor the
organization current performance status. Sales Management Systems, Human Resources Management
Systems are some examples of Management Information Systems.
What is Decision Support System
Decision Support System (DSS) allows senior managers to make non-routine decisions. These systems
help to find solutions to the problems that are unique and changes frequently. Decision support systems
use mathematical models, statistical techniques such as predictive modelling and probability to find
solutions and for better decision making.
There are various types of DSS. There are data analysis systems such as cash flow analysis and inventory
systems. There are also information analysis systems such as market analysis and sales analysis systems.
Furthermore, the accounting systems keep track of account details of the business. Those are few
Decision Support Systems. Overall, DSS is flexible, interactive, and easy to use. It allows decision making,
supports interpersonal communication and helps to automate managerial processes.
Difference Between Management Information System and Decision Support System
Definition
A Management Information System (MIS) is an information system that evaluates, analyzes, and
processes an organization’s data to produce meaningful and useful information based on which the
management can take right decisions to ensure future growth of the organization. A Decision Support
System (DSS) is an information system that supports business or organizational decision-making
activities.
Decision Support Capabilities
MIS supports structured decision making. On the other hand, DSS supports unstructured or semistructured decisions. This is the main difference between management information system and decision
support system.
Type of Information
MIS provides information to support internal operations. DSS provides information to support specific
situations.
Input and Output
MIS uses a large volume of data as the input and gives out a summarized report. DSS uses a low volume
of data and the output is decision analysis.
Main Focus
MIS focuses on operational efficiency while DSS focuses on making effective decisions.
Type of users
Middle and low-level management use MIS. Senior managers and analysts use DSS.
Conclusion
The difference between management information system and decision support system is that
management information system supports structured decision making while decision support system
provides support for unstructured or semi-structured decisions. In brief, MIS focus on operational
efficiency while DSS focuses on making effective decisions.