24 December 2013
18 December 2013
Assignment 1 : UPS
1. What are the inputs, processing, and outputs of UPS's package tracking system?
Inputs: The inputs include package information, customer signature, pickup, delivery, time-card data, current location, billing and customer clearance documentation.
Processing: The data are transmitted to a central computer and stored for retrieval. Data are also reorganized so that they can be tracked by customer account, date, driver, and other criteria such as the consolidation of orders for efficient final delivery of packages.
Outputs: The outputs include pickup and delivery times, location while en route, and package recipient. The outputs also include various reports, such as all packages for a specific account or a specific driver or route, as well as summary reports for management.
2. What technologies are used by UPS? How are these technologies related to UPS’s business strategy?
Inputs: The inputs include package information, customer signature, pickup, delivery, time-card data, current location, billing and customer clearance documentation.
Processing: The data are transmitted to a central computer and stored for retrieval. Data are also reorganized so that they can be tracked by customer account, date, driver, and other criteria such as the consolidation of orders for efficient final delivery of packages.
Outputs: The outputs include pickup and delivery times, location while en route, and package recipient. The outputs also include various reports, such as all packages for a specific account or a specific driver or route, as well as summary reports for management.
2. What technologies are used by UPS? How are these technologies related to UPS’s business strategy?
Technologies consist of handheld computers (DIADs), bar-code scanners, wired and wireless communications networks, desktop computers, UPS’s central computer, storage technology for the package delivery data, UPS in-house package tracking software, and many different pieces of software to access the Internet and many different pieces of software for tracking packages, calculating fees, maintaining customer accounts, and managing logistics.
The Web serves as the foundation for new kinds of information systems such as their Web based package tracking system. Through the use of DIADs, the UPS drivers automatically capture customers’ signatures along with pickup, delivery, and time-card information. UPS’s information systems use these data to track packages while they are being transported. The result is an information system solution to the business challenge of providing a high level of service with low prices in the face of mounting competition.
UPS has used the same strategy for over 90 years. Its strategy is to provide the “best service and lowest rates.” One of the most visible aspects of technology is the customer’s ability to track his/her package via the UPS Web site. However, technology also enables data to seamlessly flow throughout UPS and helps streamline the workflow at UPS. Thus, the technology described in the scenario enables UPS to be more competitive, efficient and profitable. UPS’s culture has been centered on placing service to the customer first. This company philosophy can clearly be found in their package tracking systems.
The Web serves as the foundation for new kinds of information systems such as their Web based package tracking system. Through the use of DIADs, the UPS drivers automatically capture customers’ signatures along with pickup, delivery, and time-card information. UPS’s information systems use these data to track packages while they are being transported. The result is an information system solution to the business challenge of providing a high level of service with low prices in the face of mounting competition.
UPS has used the same strategy for over 90 years. Its strategy is to provide the “best service and lowest rates.” One of the most visible aspects of technology is the customer’s ability to track his/her package via the UPS Web site. However, technology also enables data to seamlessly flow throughout UPS and helps streamline the workflow at UPS. Thus, the technology described in the scenario enables UPS to be more competitive, efficient and profitable. UPS’s culture has been centered on placing service to the customer first. This company philosophy can clearly be found in their package tracking systems.
3. What strategic business objectives do UPS’s
information systems address?
· Operational
excellence:
UPS has maintained leadership in small-package delivery services despite stiff
competition from FedEx and the U.S. Postal System by investing heavily in
advanced information technology.
· New products,
services, and business models: In June 2009 UPS launched a new Web-based Post
Sales Order Management System (OMS) that manages global service orders and
inventory for critical parts fulfillment. The system enables high-tech
electronics, aerospace, medical equipment, and other companies anywhere in the
world that ship critical parts to quickly assess their critical parts
inventory, determine the most optimal routing strategy to meet customer needs,
place orders online, and track parts from the warehouse to the end user.
· Customer and
supplier intimacy:
Customers can download and print their own labels using special software
provided by UPS or by accessing the UPS Web site. UPS spends more than $1
billion each year to maintain a high level of customer service while keeping
costs low and streamlining its overall operations.
· Improved decision
making:
Special software creates the most efficient delivery route for each driver that
considers traffic, weather conditions, and the location of each stop. UPS
estimates its delivery trucks save 28 million miles and burn 3 million fewer
gallons of fuel each year as a result of using this technology. To further
increase cost savings and safety, drivers are trained to use "340
Methods" developed by industrial engineers to optimize the performance of
every task from lifting and loading boxes to selecting a package from a shelf
in the truck.
· Competitive
advantage:
UPS is leveraging its decades of expertise managing its own global delivery
network to manage logistics and supply chain activities for other companies.
It's Supply Chain Solutions division provides a complete bundle of standardized
services to subscribing companies at a fraction of what it would cost to build
their own systems and infrastructure.
4.
What would happen if UPS’s information system were not available?
UPS is able to quickly access up-to-date information on which to make better decisions. Information systems help UPS managers to make better decisions. Through the use of information technology, UPS has made their business processes more efficient, which in turn has resulted in higher revenues.
If UPS’s information system were not available:-
- Not able to compete effectively
- Not able to provide value to customers
10 December 2013
MODULE : INFORMATION SYSTEM AND ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
Prof. Madya Dr. Rusli Abdullah
Information System Department
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology
Universiti Putra Malaysia
43400 UPM Serdang
Tel. no: 03-89466557
E-MAIL: rusli@fsktm.upm.edu.my
Course Assessment
1. Assignment (Including Presentation) - Total : 50%
- 5 coursework & presentation (Group) - 30 %
- 1 project (Individual) - 20%
2. Test (Mid-Term) - 20 %
- Memorization (40%)
- Common sense (60%)
3. Final Exam - 30 %
9 December 2013
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