To help implement and manage distributed systems, there is a need to use what is called system management software. Assuming a company is big enough and has operations spread out substantially enough to warrant a distributed system, the benefits are particularly clear. For a growing organization, you will find a cutoff point at which it becomes unrealistic to do individual installations on each station, and sort through the paper and electronic trail left by each user in order to centralize the entire setup.

Systems management, also known as change control is the process in which changes in the system are put into operation. This process is done in a controlled manner, hence the term change control, through the use of a pre-delineated model or framework. In hindsight, this method makes use of the systems management software which is very useful in making sure that any and all important changes are done systematically to achieve organizational changes and to search for possible solutions to problems that are associated with ineffective performance of your computer system and networks.

The moment the organization makes decisions to develop and install information system, a task force within or outside the organization is necessary to supervise and monitor the project.

Cost Reduction: First of all, no company, big or small, needs to worry about not benefiting from system management. The only debatable point is the ROI related to the cost of the software and paying a system administrator. Regardless, once implemented, it cuts down the need for IT staffing and other related expenses on a long-term basis. The real savings come from the capability to install new systems and software faster and at a lower cost. Companies start using client-server architecture, ERP and other kinds of enterprise level software and systems. It helps them expand, and open branches where otherwise it may not have been possible. End of the day, it leads to a massive makeover for the entire company, with large-scale improvements in distribution, productivity, work flow and reporting capabilities.

Managers have to develop proper documentation of how the system works and organize effective training for the employees on how to use the system. Both manual and computerized documentation help diagram and instruction sheets. Subsequently, this will avail the employee an opportunity learn how to use the system for different purposes. Beyond pure documentation, however, training may also include sessions which will enable employees to practice using the system under the guidance of experts.

Monitoring: A huge improvement in monitoring capability is one of the biggest advantages here, other than cost effectiveness and automation. Since the data on the network can be monitored, it is possible to make adjustments to more effectively manage peak periods and down time. Employee monitoring helps management keep an eye on employees and detect work patterns.


To summarize, the immediate advantages of using system management are very much real and the possibilities even bigger. End of the day, each company has to make an informed decision about this based on its own size and growth curve. A cost benefit analysis to figure out the ROI of system management software would be a good place to begin.