ABSTRACT
As already described in the introduction and the chapter on the historic perspective, the role of computers in modern society is constantly changing. Nevertheless, in most cases, computers as well as computer-based appliances are designed to help their users. Originally, this help was intended mainly for tedious tasks, but slowly it moved to providing a better user experience. The first computers were designed to perform tasks that were impossible or practically impossible using manual labor. For example, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) (see the section, “The First Computers,” in Chapter 1) was developed in order to help in complex calculations, which take a long time when performed by humans as well as potentially including human errors. Since then, computers have always been used to provide a technological solution to a known problem. In the case of information systems, the first significant contributions were related to manufacturing processes. Production planning, warehouse management, inventory control and management (both ingoing and outgoing), and so on cannot be achieved without a computerized system. As part of the production era (during the 1960s), various MRP (material requirements planning) systems were developed and sold. These systems help manage the whole production process, such as inventory control, bill of material, scheduling, and so on, and they support not only production but planning as well. It is this planning that is responsible for manufacturing what is required and exactly when it is required. Proper planning helps lower organizational overhead and leads to improved profitability. This elevated profitability was among the reasons so many manufacturing organizations started using expensive computers. In parallel, many other systems were developed for addressing scientific issues. Their contribution may be measured differently, but in many cases, these systems were responsible for advancing humanity in many ways (weather prediction, safer cars and airplanes, the human genome, etc.). At a later stage, with the development of communications, the whole supply chain was addressed, including new marketing strategies and new ways for distribution. Modern information systems added a new layer that addresses the customer and the tailored service provided for these customers.
