Types of system
A system is defined and determined by its boundaries and
objectives. It is quite likely that a system is an arrangement of smaller
systems in a logical order. When many smaller systems together make a larger
system, the smaller systems are called the subsystems of the larger system. A
large system can be split or decomposed into smaller subsystems up to a certain
level. This decomposition can go
down to a level where the input and the output are more or less same.
In a serial system processing, the entire output of a
subsystem is the input to the next subsystem and so on. In the matrix
arrangement the different outputs go to different sub-systems. A subsystem
receives more than input from other subsystems.
A large system is always complex and difficult to understand.
Therefore, for viewing it is in a different way, the system is split into the
smaller subsystems.
Breaking the system is hierarchical manner provides a way to
structured systems analysis. It gives a clear understanding of the contribution
of each subsystem in terms of data flow and decisions, and its interface to the
other subsystems.
The systems can be classified in different categories based
on the predictability of its output and the degree of information exchange with
the environment. A system is called
deterministic when the inputs, the process and the outputs are known with
certainly. In a deterministic system, you can predict the output with certainly.
A system is called probabilistic terms. The accounting system is deterministic
while the demand forecasting system is probabilistic one.
A deterministic system operates in a predictable manner while a
probabilistic system behavior is not predictable.
If a system is functioning in isolation from the environment,
then the system does not have any exchange with the environment not is it
influenced by the environmental changes. Such a system is called a closed
system. If the system has exchange with the environment and is influenced by the
environments then it is called an open system. All kinds of accounting systems, viz.,
cash, stocks, attendance of employees are closed systems. Most of the systems based on rules and
principles are closed systems.
The systems which are required to respond to changes in the
environment, such as marketing, communication and forecasting are open systems.
All open systems must have a self-organizing ability and sensitivity to absorb
and adjust to the environmental changes.
The business organization systems are open systems. The systems of manufacturing
are closed systems.
The information systems are a combination of a person (the
user of information), the hardware and the software. The hardware – software
system is a closed deterministic system but in combination with the user it is
an open a probabilistic system.
