Types of Systems or Classification of System

The systems can be divided into the following types −

1.Physical or Abstract Systems

• Physical systems are tangible entities. We can touch and feel them.
• Physical systems may be static or dynamic in nature. For example, desks and chairs are the physical parts of a computer centre which are static. A programmed computer is a dynamic system in which programs, data, and applications can change according to the user’s needs.
• Abstract systems are non-physical entities or concepts that may be formulas, representations or models of a real system.

2.Open or Closed Systems

Systems interact with their environment to achieve their targets. Things that are not part of the system are environmental elements for the system. Depending upon the interaction with the environment, systems can be divided into two categories, open and closed.

Open systems: Systems that interact with their environment. Practically most of the systems are open systems. An open system has many interfaces with its environment. It can also adapt to changing environmental conditions. It can receive inputs from, and delivers output to the outside of the system. An information system is an example of this category.

Closed systems: Systems that don’t interact with their environment. Closed systems exist in concept only. 

3.Man–Made Information Systems

• It is an interconnected set of information resources to manage data for a particular organisation, under Direct Management Control (DMC).
• This system includes hardware, software, communication, data, and application for producing information according to the needs of an organisation.
  Man-made information systems are divided into three types −
• Formal Information System − It is based on the flow of information in the form of memos, instructions, etc., from top level to lower levels of management.
• Informal Information System − This is an employee based system which solves day to day work related problems.
• Computer Based System − This system is directly dependent on the computer for managing business applications. For example, the automatic library system, railway reservation system, banking system, etc.