User Managers' Systems Needs -1- User Managers' Systems Needs *

It appears that tomorrow is here today. We need to change the rules of the game and play catch-up ball. Managers need information not computer-based information systems. The latter is a means to the former end. Managers need flexible access to relevant data and the ability to analyze that data. Computer systems are intended to provide the means to make this possible, economic, and easy for managers. This paper assesses user managers' systems needs, the means, with an eye toward their appropriateness for various managerial ends. We have asked and answered the questions, how many systems do users currently have, how appropriate are those systems, and how many new systems do users want? Systems were classified by type into monitor, exception, inquiry, and analysis. The results are dramatic. The differences in managerial appropriateness of systems types has already caused a significant shift in users' demand mix by systems type. This presents serious management challenges to both DP and user departments. Moreover, the level of user demand for new systems, for each type and collectively, is simply overwhelming. This increases the managerial challenge; necessitating improved processes and criteria for prioritization of systems needs.