Evolution of Information Systems in the Organizations

From Data Fragmentation to Unified Digital Ecosystems

Agnieszka Karakas

Evolution of Information Systems in the Organizations

From Data Fragmentation to Unified Digital Ecosystems

11 July 2024 , Explore the World of CloudOffix

Globalization and evolving competitive standards have necessitated significant digital changes in business. The digital transformation demands that businesses enhance their efficiency while continuously reformulating their digital objectives and strategies. The rapid technological changes have been transforming the business into a constantly evolving digital environment where information management is very crucial.

Many companies are boosting their efficiency, productivity, and profitability by strategically utilizing IT and consolidating technological standards. For a long time, IT departments were the stars of digital transformation. While they remain leaders, the landscape has changed. Today, everyone in the company is involved in information systems because we all are going digital.

However, the constant, ongoing, and seemingly never-ending digital modifications in business can directly and overwhelmingly affect employees. The rapidity, complexity, and unpredictability of our digital environment are truly remarkable.

Historical Development of Information Systems

In the past, companies used systems to store vital data, but these systems lacked search mechanisms and efficient data transfer capabilities. The introduction of integrated systems led to fragmented information, making it difficult to obtain consolidated data and resulting in inconsistent, redundant data across multiple systems.

Let’s take a look at simplified timeline of key developments:

  • 1960s: Digitalization focused on inventory control with customized software to address traditional inventory issues.

  • 1970s: Shifted attention to MRP (Material Requirement Planning), which handled all production-specific planning through the Master Plan.

  • 1980s: Expanded MRP to MRPII (Manufacturing Resource Planning), incorporating administrative activities, business planning, financial planning, marketing planning, and strategy simulation. IT began to serve not just as support but also to meet plant requirements.

  • 1990s: Systems suppliers developed additional modules to integrate with manufacturing modules, surpassing manufacturing limits. This led to the creation of the term ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning).

By  definition, ERP implementation  is  a set  of  solutions which  enables  the planning  and  the  financial ,  logistical  and productive  follow-up  of  a  company,  in  an  integrated way.

ERP Systems  (Enterprise Resource Planning)  are trying to  solve fragmented data problems  by aggregating in  one integrated system function  which can support the activities of the various processes  of the company's business..

Integration is  the key-word of  ERP, and its aim  is to promote  the quality and agility  of information within  the company and integrate all work processes, from raw material to the final selling transaction.

But time didn't stop in the '90s.

  • 2000s: The focus shifted to CRM (Customer Relationship Management). Service became superior to product, emphasizing customer experience over internal processes. ERP systems, being product-related, consolidated internal processes but were insufficient for handling diverse customer and employee interactions:

Companies began using various tools to manage customer experience, which included customer relations, product experiences, and interactions with the brand, service, and company. This era saw the rise of digital experiences and the need for agility.

Employee experience also became crucial for achieving a good customer experience and fostering growth. Companies needed to provide the tools and resources for employees to succeed.

However, these tools needed to be embraced and utilized effectively, bringing user experience into play. Besides ERP, businesses needed digital solutions for sales management, marketing, e-commerce, collaboration, and project management.

Companies initially adopted many different products from various suppliers for each requirement, leading to the use of dozens of solutions. This approach proved insufficient, highlighting the need for a new vision.

  • Today: Companies are shifting from using multiple tools to seeking all-in-one solutions and comprehensive services, recognizing the need for a unified approach to meet their evolving digital demands. The emphasis is on creating seamless digital interactions for both customers and employees, recognizing that employee experience is essential for talent retention and overall business success.

Centralizing Front Office Processes: The Next Evolution in Digital Ecosystems

In the 1990s, ERP systems revolutionized business operations by unifying fragmented MRP systems and other disparate processes, addressing a critical need for integration. Today, we face a similar challenge: our front office processes are scattered across various software and platforms, resulting in decentralized data. To navigate this complexity, a strategic imperative is to centralize these front office processes, mirroring the ERP model.

Currently, businesses often use separate tools for different functions: one for project management, another for collaboration, and yet another for marketing, CRM, or sales. HR services often rely on distinct tools as well. This fragmentation leads to inefficiencies and data silos, making it difficult to achieve a cohesive view of operations and performance.

How CloudOffix's Low-Code Total Experience Platform Solves This

In a highly competitive and technologically advanced market, leading companies have recognized the importance of creating an interconnected digital ecosystem. The need for a unified digital ecosystem is more critical than ever. CloudOffix’s Low-Code Total Experience Platform addresses this need by centralizing front office processes, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring data consistency.

What sets CloudOffix apart is its approach to integration. Today, it's not just about having integrated management systems; it's about having natively integrated management systems. CloudOffix is built from the ground up to ensure seamless integration across all front office functions, providing a more cohesive and efficient operational environment.


An infographic with three sections, each representing a different aspect of digital transformation for businesses. The left section, titled "The Fundamentals," has a neutral face icon and highlights the broad involvement of employees in digital transformation, the extension beyond ERP systems, and the inefficiencies of using diverse, unintegrated tools. The middle section, titled "The Strategic Shift," has a happy face icon and emphasizes the need for unified, integrated solutions, the benefits of centralized systems, and CloudOffix's low-code total experience platform. The right section, titled "The Hidden Truth," has a shocked face icon and discusses the persistence of siloed systems, the confusion among employees navigating multiple tools, and the excessive time IT spends on digitalization.

Key Benefits of CloudOffix’s Natively Integrated System:

  • Unified Digital Ecosystem: CloudOffix centralizes all front office functions, including project management, collaboration, marketing, CRM, sales, and HR services. It eliminates data silos, ensuring all departments work with consistent and up-to-date information.

  • Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity: CloudOffix reduces the need for multiple logins and switching between different applications.

  • Low-Code Customization: CloudOffix can be tailored to meet specific business needs and processes.

  • Improved Data Consistency: With a centralized system, all information is stored in a single database.

  • Seamless Collaboration: Teams can work together more effectively, with all necessary information and tools available in one place.

  • Scalability and Growth: CloudOffix is a  valuable asset for businesses at any stage of their growth.

The need for a unified digital ecosystem is more critical than ever. CloudOffix’s Low-Code Total Experience Platform addresses this need by centralizing front office processes, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring data consistency through native integration.

Blog Forms

Latest Blog Posts