The creation of a system that provides charts and graphs specifically for senior management is known as an Executive Support System (ESS). These systems are designed to assist top executives in their decision-making processes by offering easy access to internal and external information in a highly summarized form. By visualizing data through charts and graphs, ESS enables executives to swiftly analyze trends, track key performance indicators, and make informed strategic decisions.
An Executive Support System is tailored to meet the needs of senior management, focusing on high-level data processing and analysis, which is essential for their role in steering the organization. This contrasts with other systems that may serve broader functions. For example, Decision Support Systems typically focus on aiding mid-level management and analysts in decision-making, while Management Information Systems are geared toward operational managers by providing detailed reports on the organization’s performance. Enterprise Resource Planning Systems, on the other hand, integrate various business processes and data across the organization but are not specifically optimized for providing executive insights through visual data representation. Thus, ESS stands out for its unique role in supporting executive-level decision-making.