CHARLES WATERFIELD

• Selecting and installing a portfolio management system

  01.03.1999
  As microfinance institutions scale up their operations the needs for timely and accurate information on the state of their portfolios increases indeed the reliability of their management information systems (MIS) is often the difference between the success and failure of the institution. This article outlines the process that is involved in selecting the right MIS for the organization. The information needs of the institution must be determined, along with the institutional resources that will be needed to match an MIS. Then the process of selecting an MIS is described, including what costs will be involved. The whole process is often more time consuming and costly than is anticipated because it involves a complete examination of core issues: what the institution wants to accomplish, how it goes about its tasks and how it measures success.