Electronic Meeting System (EMS)

An electronic meeting system (EMS) is software intended to stimulate problem-solving and decision-making within a group. Standard features of electronic meeting systems include electronic brainstorming (generally in an anonymous format), parallel processing, discussion tools and voting. The unique features of EMSs overcome the limitations of traditional face-to-face meetings such as lack of participation, criticism, and domination of the proceedings by only a few members.

Electronic meeting systems (EMSs) are distinct from web or video conferencing meeting systems, although both have some features in common and complement each other in the modern workplace. EMSs offer many advantages to organizations and users, such as reduction in travel costs, increased participation through anonymity, and better participant availability. These advantages more than offset the major drawback of such systems, which is a lack of personal contact.

EMSs can be designed for limited or specific purposes such as training and sales presentations. An example of a potential use for an EMS would be when a company plans to launch a new product and wants to test the potential appeal among employees who have the background and knowledge to be objective about the proposed offering. Using an electronic meeting system, participants can share opinions and criticism free of potential conflicts and group-think that might otherwise affect responses.