IT 210 Final Project PDF

Preview

Summary

Final Paper...

Description

IT 210: Business Systems Analysis

IT-210: Business Systems Analysis 3-2 Final Project Milestone One: Introduction, Business Requirements, and Competitors and Technology Jennifer Zeringue Southern New Hampshire University November 15, 2020

IT 210: Business Systems Analysis

2

Contents Introduction

5

Problem Statement

5

Two Technologies

5

Business Requirements

5

Objectives

5

Project Description

5

Key Technology Requirements

6

Competitors and Technology

6

Technology One Wireless, mobile computing, and mobile commerce

6

Technology Two Business analytics and Business intelligence solutions

6

Technology Solutions

7

Technology One

7

Technology Two

7

Recommendations

8

Technology Solution

8

Overall Benefit

8

Security Considerations

8

Security Features

8

Third-Party Vendors

8

IT 210: Business Systems Analysis Internal Safeguards

3 9

References

10

[Footnotes]

11

[Tables]

12

[Figures title:]

13

IT 210: Business Systems Analysis

4

Our company is a small brick and mortar company located in Baton Rouge, LA. The company has established itself the retail business for specializing in designer clothing, shoes and handbags for men and women sold at a discount rate. Currently the store employs five employees, two full-time and three part-time workers. At this time, customers can access the store website, but only to view a product list of what the store has. Any purchases must be made in-store. This is one of the stores biggest problems, as customers can access other competitor’s items through their websites, giving those stores an advantage over this one. In order to be on the same level as the competition, the store will need to develop a more prominent on-line presence that will help the store to become better customer-focused and increase the store’s growth and profits. Problem Statement1 In order to compete with the main competitors such as: Zappos, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack, Hautelook, and Lyst, the store needs to update the online presence as well as increase potential marketing strategies. The business owner is looking for solutions that will help the company integrate online shopping, manage inventory and shipping, provide order statuses and the ability for online payment processing, facilitates collaboration internally and externally (with staff and customers), manages customer contacts, and reporting. The owner also needs the new technologies to be able to manage the company’s current processes of sales, payments, inventory, and customer contacts. The current website for the company is very basic and does not allow purchases, only viewing of the products available. In order for a purchase to be made, a customer must physically go to the storefront. In the current retail market, on-line shopping is increasingly becoming the preferred way to shop and the company’s current website is hindering the store from potential customers and growth. The store does not currently have a reporting tool

IT 210: Business Systems Analysis

5

that would allow them to manage customer information and make informed business decisions and because of this they struggle to maintain accurate customer information. The business owner would like to restructure the business processes that would allow the integration of the brick-and-mortar business with an e-business. The goal is to improve the online presence of the store with new technologies that would allow not only attract new customers, but would help increase the potential growth of the company. Wireless, mobile computing, and mobile commerce and business analytics and business intelligence solutions are two of the technologies that will help this company achieve success. Two Technologies Consumers are increasingly using mobile devices for shopping and other interactions. The use of wireless, mobile computing, and mobile commerce can allow a retailer to increase sales opportunities, reduce lost sales, and make the shopping experience more pleasant and convenient for the consumer by making shopping online through wireless electronic payment systems easier, while also adding available promotions. (Crist, 2016) The business will thrive using wireless, mobile computing, and mobile commerce by bringing the products to the consumer at a more convenient time and way for them and giving them the ability to view products and make online purchases. “In the retail industry, understanding customer behaviors, attitudes, needs, and pain points is essential for the success of your retail organization”. (Synoptek, 2016) Business analytics and business intelligence solutions technology is another way that can help support business needs and expand on the ways to help increase growth. By applying this technology, the company can utilize information such as: supplier records, customer purchase history, employee

IT 210: Business Systems Analysis

6

data, and inventory. This system would be an opportunity to make the company more efficient and successful. Business Requirements Objectives The company’s current website does not allow consumers to purchase on-line and is this is limiting the customer database as well as the potential to compete within the retail market. The main objectives for this company to achieve the most beneficial progress is to incorporate new technologies that would allow the company to streamline business developments. This will allow the company obtain an online presence that will meet today’s consumer and business needs and to generate more revenue. Once the new technologies are implemented, training procedures and security measures will be taken to ensure the company data is protected internally, while also making sure business suppliers and technology vendors are taking the same steps to ensure privacy safety. Project Description For this company to meet the objectives stated and stay in competition within the retail market, a successful implementation of wireless, mobile computing, and mobile commerce and business analytics and business intelligence solutions technology are required. Investing in and revamping the company’s website to include online purchasing will increase the success of the business. Utilizing social media platforms to gain exposure will also be beneficial for the company. Linking all social media outlets to the new and improved website, will not only help with marketing the company, but will help drive consumers to the website. Ultimately, the anticipated outcome for this company is to meet the needs of the company with a new and improved e-commerce website, where customers can view items, place orders,

IT 210: Business Systems Analysis

7

track shipments, make payments, and communicate with the company. The new system will improve customer engagement and help turn a casual shopper into a loyal customer. It will also help limit the number of shopping carts left with items in them and increase sales for the company. (Crist, 2016). A new level of customer service can be achieved by engaging with consumers and offering promotional discounts and loyalty programs through the use of mobile devices and the website. Implementing new technologies that can track changing retail consumer trends will help the company stay competitive. New technology that can collect information from customers and the industry to obtain data on how consumers react to promotions and marketing will also help expand the company. This new technology can help the company meet customer needs while also gathering data on demand and trends. Also, useful data and having access to reports can help the company stay ahead of the competition. Technology Requirements The key requirements needed for this company to be successful are integration of online purchases, shipping, order status management, inventory organization, and management of current process. Implementing these changes will help the company remain successful and giving the consumer the advantage of shopping at their time and leisure. Updating the website, will also require a partnership with shipping companies that can stand with the company standards. Competitors and Technology Looking at the company’s major competition will give a better understanding of how these technologies can help make and keep this company successful. The two companies we will compare and research will be Macy’s and Kohl’s.

IT 210: Business Systems Analysis

8

Technology One Wireless, mobile computing, and mobile commerce As technology advances, it is important for retailers to continue to keep up with the technology to help meet the needs of the consumer. Wireless, mobile computing, and mobile commerce plan an essential role in the expansion and growth of a business today. The first retailer we will examine is Kohl’s department store. Kohl’s opened in 1962 in Wisconsin by Max Kohl and today is one of the largest department chains. Macy’s is also one of the largest department chains. It was founded in 1858 by Rowland Hussey Macy. Both department stores use the wireless, mobile computing and mobile commerce technology. Both stores have updated websites that allow consumers to browse current inventory, check for promotional items and discount codes. Each stores sites are easily assessable through mobile devices, laptops, tablets, or the company’s app. Accessing Kohl’s website or app allows the consumer to use the Kohl’s cash, which encourages the consumer to spend more to save more. In-store, Kohl’s employees are equipped with walkie-talkies allowing the employees to better serve the customers with quick price checks or questions, while Macy’s employees have access to hand held devices to check prices and inventory. Both stores utilizes the technology to ensure customers are satisfied. Technology Two Business Analytics and Business Intelligence Solutions Utilizing business analytics and business intelligence solutions is a powerful way for retail companies to work towards their goals and meet consumer needs. Macy’s department store is a prime example of how using this technology has helped. Macy’s uses the technology through online shopping, mobile app, and the utilization of business analytics by using an analytics software called SAS Enterprise Miner. This software auto-generates reports, saving more than $500,000 a year in analyst time (RIS, 2011). This software helps the company understand the

IT 210: Business Systems Analysis

9

consumer needs and wants. The software can take the consumer data to create a report on each consumer and see what drives them to the website, what they are looking for and what they need. Then the company can target that consumer through their email database and send items the consumer may be looking for to drive them to the website. Technology Benefit Kohl’s Department stores have implemented a system that allows them to effectively meet the needs of the consumer through mobile commerce. Consumers are able to utilize the company’s online system to shop at their convenience and receive promotional discounts tailored to their needs. Following in the footsteps of this store will allow our company to have the same success. Updating to a better website that allows consumers to shop anywhere and anytime will increase the growth and customer base of the company. Macy’s use of the business analytics and business intelligence solutions technology has allowed them to gain a better understanding of their targeted consumer and how to use that knowledge to draw the consumer into a shopping experience with their company. Macy’s was able to tailor a shopping experience to each individual’s needs and wants. Our company can utilize this information to gain a broader customer base and an increased loyal customer base while also making better business decisions to identify customer trends and demands. Technology Solutions The addition of technology solutions is needed for businesses to become successful and develop. With the advancement of technology, there are several options for businesses to use to help them grow. For a business to grow and expand the reach of business to customers, the integration of technology is essential to that company. The advances in technology also allow anyone to reach a larger percentage of the customer base from any mobile device. Mobile

IT 210: Business Systems Analysis

10

computing and business analytics and intelligent solutions will allow business owners to expand their volume and name. Technology One Wireless, mobile computing, and mobile commerce Wireless, mobile computing and mobile commerce has changed the consumer’s everyday life. Using this type of technology will be beneficial to the company in several ways. It would help reach the companies goals of increasing e-commerce technology as well as marketing directly to the customers. Mobile computing gives people the accessibility, immediate connection and personalization they need to do everything from business, school, social lives, or shop. Online integration and having quick and easy online access for product browsing, tracking shipments and payments will help the business grow and be more accessible and customer focused. Consumers are increasingly using their phones or smart devices for their shopping experiences and businesses having a website or app that is compatible will help increase customer base, online presence and sales. Technology Two Business Analytics and Business Intelligence Solutions Business Analytics and business intelligence solutions are a vital part in the success of a business. This technology is also needed for the transition to e-commerce. BA and BI solutions can help with integrating online shopping by collecting information and data on customer purchases to help the company make better informed decisions on the way to present the best possible products. Business Intelligence will also be able to help with the organization of data such as inventory, shipping and other processes that can be stored for the company to use at later times. BA and BI solutions are also great marketing tools to have. With this technology, a company can target customers through targeted promotions and sales. Recommendations

IT 210: Business Systems Analysis

11

Technology Solution The recommendation for this company would be to incorporate both wireless, mobile computing and mobile commerce and business analytics and business intelligence solutions. Using both of these technologies together will accommodate the business needs while also helping to meet all of the requirements. By implementing both of these technologies the company will have continuous growth as well as a competitive online presence. Overall Benefit

Incorporating cloud computing and wireless, mobile computing, and mobile commerce will provide various benefits. For instance, a business can use mobile commerce to develop a new marketing channel. Mobile computing and

IT 210: Business Systems Analysis

12

mobile commerce will enable the business to provide information to customers of product prices and offers that the company is giving. Also, by pushing notifications, an enterprise will become closer to a direct transaction with its customers since it will quickly remind the consumers about various products whenever

IT 210: Business Systems Analysis

13

necessary. Incorporating mobile commerce in business operations can allow the company to track the locations of its customers and personalize notifications. According to Niranjanamurthy et al. (2013), location tracking can benefit an enterprise by providing assistance to buyers in navigating directions or discovering the expected

IT 210: Business Systems Analysis

14

transportation. When a customer subscribes to the brand, a business can send them locationbased push notifications with discounts to improve Implementing wireless, mobile computing, and mobile commerce and business analytics and business intelligence solutions will provide various benefits allowing the company to become more productive and efficient. Incorporating wireless, mobile computing and mobile commerce will allow the business to reach their target consumer at a faster pace. This technology will also allow the business to target consumers through marketing promotions that allow them to reach a broader audience and establish an online presence. The business will become more efficient and customer oriented. Implementing business analytics and business intelligence solutions will give the business an advantage by connecting with customers and discovering the trends. The business can use this information to place orders and keep items stocked that are in high demand. Having the high demand inventory stocked and ready to sell will allow the company to create a good long standing relationship with the customers. This will also help the company expand business by word of mouth advertising. If these two technologies are implemented, the business will improve and grow. Basic Security Considerations

IT 210: Business Systems Analysis

15

Security is a vital aspect when operating e-commerce businesses. The expansion of ecommerce has made security a priority concern for small business. Some may see smaller companies as more vulnerable than larger corporations and this will make them more sustainable to hackers. (Kiisel, 2018) Protecting both the business and customer data is the most important concern when expanding to an online presence. All financial and personal data of both entities must be taken into consideration when updating security precautions. Security Features According to the guide of Small Business Information Security created by the Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), small businesses must take the appropriate steps to safeguard information and operate securely. These steps would include incorporating security features that would safeguard external and internal threats to the business. The company should take protective measures to limit access to business information and should conduct background checks on employees before setting them up with their own accounts. Others measures the company should take are installing firewalls and installing antivirus software on all systems being utilized. Antivirus and anti-malware programs will detect intrusions on computers. The business should also create backup procedures that will allow them to recover information in the event of a disaster. (Kiisel, 2018) Finally, every employee should be educated on all security precautions and measures taken to keep the company and customer safe. Third-Party Vendors When seeking out third-party vendors for the proposed technology, the company should consider numerous security and privacy precautions. When considering third-party vendors, first make sure the company shares the same values concerning data privacy and security that your company does. Using contractual agreements that specify data protection and providing the

IT 210: Business Systems Analysis

16

vendor with a copy of the company’s security policy and procedures is highly recommended. To ensure the vendors are compliant, regular audits and security checks should be performed. Finally, to build a relationship of trust and reliability, meeting with the vendor in person is highly recommended. Internal Safeguards The...