Information Systems:

            Information Systems enable companies to take raw data and convert it into useful information that can help the company run more efficiently.  Information Systems can be described as a set of interrelated components that collect, manipulate, and disseminate data and information and provide feedback to meet an objective. This process can be employed manually, but by using computer-based information systems, it becomes possible to manage much more information as well as disseminating it to all the necessary outlets. 

             Wal-Mart gives its suppliers access to its inventory system, so the suppliers can monitor the database and automatically send another shipment when stocks are low, eliminating the need for purchase orders. Such an interaction can be described as business-to-business E-commerce (A business transaction executed electronically). Those suppliers in turn have their own systems in place that ensure they fulfill all their responsibilities. 

            By utilizing E-commerce, specifically business to consumer, a company increases it value by being able to reach a larger market. Instead of only having a retail location, sales can be made to anyone with an Internet connection, who may not have been able to make it to the store.  E-commerce can give a company a competitive advantage among competitors, including better customer service and lower costs.