Marketing information system (MIS) consists of people, equipment, and procedures to gather, analyze, evaluate, and distribute timely and accurate information to marketing decision makers. MIS collects and analyzes information that is valuable for planning, implementing, and controlling marketing activities. The components of an MIS include internal records, market intelligence, marketing research, and a market decision support system. Internal records provide sales, cost, and other operational data. Market intelligence collects external information on customer needs and market trends. Marketing research solves specific marketing problems through data collection and analysis. A market decision support system uses computer hardware and software to help analyze information and support marketing decisions.