CH 1 Introduction of System
CH 1 Introduction of System
Content:
1.1 Definition
Introduction:
The Word ‘System’ means different things to different things to different people.
A system is a group of interrelated components working together towards a common goal,
by accepting inputs and producing outputs in an organized transformation process.
The interrelated components which are systematically arranged to form a system are called
subsystems.
In simple words, system is a set of elements which operate together to accomplish an
objective.
Systems may be physical, like the sun and its planets; biological like the human body;
technological, like an oil refinery; and socio-economic, like a business organization. System
concepts underlie the field of information systems.
In everyday life, we talk of education system, computer system, solar system, transportation
system, communication system, the body’s nervous system, weapons system, accounting
system, production system and so on.
1.1 Definition:
A System is an integrated collection of components which satisfy function necessary to
archive the system’s goals and which have relationships to one another that give cohesion
to the system and define its structure.
System can be defined as a group of interrelated or interacting elements forming a unified
whole.
It may be either physical or abstract.
An abstract system is an orderly arrangement of interdependent ideas or contracts.
But a physical system is defined as a set of elements which operate together to accomplish a
goal; it is made up of objects such as land, building, machines, people and other tangible things.
A system can also be understood as an organized or complex whole, an assemblage or
combination of things or parts forming a complex or unitary whole.
Input: Inputs are the information that enters into the system for processing.
Output: The main objective of a system is to get an output which is helpful for its
user. Output is the final outcome of processing.
Process: Process is defined as the activity that makes possible the transformation of
input to output.
Components: An irreducible part or aggregation of parts that makes up a system;
also called a subsystem.
Interrelated components: Dependence of one part of the system on one or more
other system parts.
Boundary: The line that marks the inside and outside of a system and that sets off
the system from its environment.
Purpose: The overall goal or function of a system.
Environment: Everything external to a system that interacts with the system.
Interfaces: Point of contact where a system meets its environment or where
subsystems meet each other.
Constraints: A limit to what a system can accomplish.
ORGANIZATION:
This implies structure and order.
It can also be defined as the arrangement of components that help to achieve
objectives.
For example, Hierarchical system in a company.
INTERACTION:
This shows the manner in which each component functions with other components
of the system.
It specifies there should be an interrelationship between every component of a
system.
For example, the main memory holds the data that has to be operated by the ALU.
INTERDEPENDENCE:
This means the components of a computer system depend on one another.
Each component should depend on other components of the system.
One component depends on the input of another component for proper functioning.
The output of one subsystem is the required input for another subsystem.
For example, A decision to computerize an application is initiated by the user,
analyzed and designed by the analyst, programmed and tested by the computer
operator. None of the persons can perform properly without the required input
from others in the computer center subsystem.
INTEGRATION:
It is concerned with how a system is tied together.
It is more than sharing physical components or locations.
It means that components of the system work together within the system even
though each component performs a unique function.
CENTRAL OBJECTIVE:
Systems always have a central goal.
These goals may be real or stated.
The important point is that users must know the central objective of a computer
application early in the analysis for a successful design and conversion.