Accounting information systems (AISs) cover
all business functions from backbone accounting
transaction processing systems to sophisticated
financial management planning and processing
systems.
Traditional AISs recorded financial information
and produced financial statements on a periodic
basis according to GAAP pronouncements. Modern
ERP systems provide a broader view of organizational
information, enabling the use of advanced accounting
techniques, such as activity-based costing (ABC)
and improved managerial reporting using a variety
of analytical techniques.
Financial reporting starts at the operational
levels of the organization, where the transaction
processing systems capture important business
events such as normal production, purchasing,
and selling activities. These events (transactions)
are classified and summarized for internal decision
making and for external financial reporting.
Cost accounting systems are used in manufacturing
and service environments. These allow organizations
to track the costs associated with the production
of goods and/or performance of services. In addition,
the AIS can provide advanced analyses for improved
resource allocation and performance tracking.
Management accounting systems are used to allow
organizational planning, monitoring, and control
for a variety of activities. This allows managerial-level
employees to have access to advanced reporting
and statistical analysis. The systems can be
used to gather information, to develop various
scenarios, and to choose an optimal answer among
alternative scenarios.
Enterprise resource planning
(ERP) systems are large-scale information systems that impact
an organization's AIS. These systems permeate
all aspects of the organization and require technologies
such as client/server and relational databases.
Other system types that currently impact AISs
are supply chain management (SCM) and customer
relationship management (CRM).
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Accounting information system.
(n.d.). Dictionary of Accounting
Terms. Retrieved
November 11, 2006, from Answers.com Web site:
www.answers.com/topic/accounting-information-system.
Accounting information system.
(n.d.). Encyclopedia of
Business and Finance. Retrieved
November 11, 2006, from Answers.com Web site:
www.answers.com/topic/accounting-information-system. |
