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Work System, Information System, and Application System
Three related concepts form a nested hierarchy, each adding more technical specificity than the previous.
A work system is the broadest category: any system in which participants (human or machine) carry out processes and activities using information and technology to produce products or services for internal or external customers. Most HR activities exist within work systems.
An information system (IS) is a specialized work system tailored to an enterprise, in which most or all processes are devoted to capturing, transmitting, storing, receiving, manipulating, and displaying information. Its goal is the optimal provision of information and communication for operational tasks. Because an IS must match the specific organizational, technical, and personnel conditions of the enterprise, it cannot simply be purchased off the shelf — it must be individually adapted. The automated part of an information system is called an application system.
An application system (AS) is the technically implemented part of an information system. It contains all programs, algorithms, databases, and IT infrastructure required for a specific operational task or process. Within any enterprise, multiple application systems operate in parallel.
| Concept | Definition | Key characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Work System | Any system producing outputs for customers using participants, processes, information, and technology | Encompasses all work — not limited to information-handling |
| Information System | A work system specialized in information-handling activities | Enterprise-specific; cannot be purchased ready-made off the shelf |
| Application System | The technical implementation of an IS | Software, algorithms, databases, and IT infrastructure — no human or organizational elements |