In information architecture, the external information system portfolio is comprised of:

IS applications directed at recording and reporting on business activities. Examples include transaction processing systems such as payroll, order entry, purchasing, production scheduling, and accounting IS$.$

IS application$$ directed at managerial problem solving and decision making, competitive intelligence, and personal productivity. Examples include critical success factor report$$ng systems, decision support systems, expert systems, and such tools as are used for document preparation, computer$-$based messaging, electronic meetings, and workgroup computing.

IS applications directed at replacing manual work with IT$,$ on the factory floor as well as in offices. Examples include computer$-$aided design and engineering, robotics, automated response units, and workflow automation.

IS applications directed at linking the firm with its suppliers, customers, or other firms for the purpose of creating a strategic alliance. Examples include ERP, SCM$,$ EDI, and interorganizational systems.