What is the main function of executive support systems (ESSs)?

Executive support systems (ESSs) are designed primarily to facilitate high-level decision-making within organizations. Their main function is to transform raw data into meaningful information that supports executives in strategic and tactical decisions. By synthesizing data from various sources, such as internal databases and external market trends, ESSs provide insights that help leaders understand their organization's performance and the environment in which it operates.

These systems offer visualization tools, dashboards, and reporting features that enable executives to quickly assess key metrics and trends without delving into the complexities of operational management, which is not their primary focus. Therefore, the emphasis of ESSs is on providing tailored information that can influence long-term strategies and decisions rather than managing day-to-day operations, developing software, or maintaining structures.