The SAPHMIS has to include three basic components according to the classical stages of information processing:

• The input component has to manage structured data entry and the import of data from inferior reporting levels. The imported data could either come from diskette or from an electronic messaging system.
• The processing component has to enable aggregational functions and the calculation of indicators from the entered data.
• The output component has to enable presentation and export of the processed data. Presentation can be interactive on the monitor by on-line analytical processing (OLAP) or printed reports. Several suitable types of presentations as tables or graphics must be possible. Especially a GIS component would be useful. In addition, the export of data has to be realized by diskette or electronic messaging.