Executive support system

An Executive Support System (ESS) is software that allows users to transform enterprise
data into quickly accessible and executive-level reports, such as those used by billing,
accounting and staffing departments. An ESS enhances decision making for executives.
ESS is also known as Executive Information System (EIS).
In addition to providing quick access to organized data from departments, some
Executive Support System tools also provide analysis tools that predicts a series of
performance outcomes over time using the input data. This type of ESS is useful to
executives as it provides possible outcomes and quick reference to statistics and
numbers needed for decision-making.
EIS helps executives find data according to user-defined criteria and promote
information-based insight and understanding. Unlike a traditional management
information system presentation, EIS can distinguish between vital and seldom-used
data, and track different key critical activities for executives, both which are helpful in
evaluating if the company is meeting its corporate objectives. After realizing its
advantages, people have applied EIS in many areas, especially, in manufacturing,
marketing, and finance areas.