Computer Information Systems Brief Essay Example for Free

Computer Information Systems Brief EssayIn order for the fraternity to extend to thrive, consideration of growth opportunities testament also be analyzed. In addition, the threats that Kudler may encounter if changes ar not implemented will also be discussed throughout this evaluation. The proprietor of Kudler comely Food stores assign gourmet foods and fine wines all within one location. All store locations offer baked goods, meat, seafood, produce, cheese, dairy farm products, and wine with little or no preservatives added. The success of Kudler Fine Foods is in part from the placements that the stores have in place. For example, the current computer establishment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the owner provides prep are to all employees and is, therefore, understood by all employees. This understanding of the computer establishment enables the daily trading operations of the business to thrive as sales increase. As the come with moves forward and introduces changes with technological advances, continued employee training is a must with the installation of pertly hardware and software programs. The number of products that must be accounted for, on a daily basis, at the Kudler locations is extensive.Presently, Kudlers accounting data is collected by point-of-sale (POS) terminals in each store. The terminals are ingestiond as cash registers when customers check-out. The POS system records all sales, items, quantities, prices, taxes and totals for all transactions. These intelligent terminals use keypads, touch screens, bar code scanners, and other input methods to capture data and interact with end users during a transaction, while relying on servers or other computers in the network for further transaction processing (OBrien Marakas, 2008, p. 81).Furthermore, functions are available for various types of sales reports to be created with the current system. However, the current system does not meet the of necessity of the bu siness as the computer system is outdated. Furthermore, the founder of the company, Kathy Kudler, is having great difficulty with monitoring the needs of the ternary stores and the situation will soon become overwhelming with further blowup. Ms. Kudler needs a computer system that will accommodate her current and future needs for her growing gourmet food business. Currently, each of locations operates with a stand-alone POS system.Ms. Kudler must travel between stores to ensure the managers are meeting her high standards and creates a unquestionable loss in productivity. The lack of remote access also presents an take for the future expansion plans for the business. With no way to access accounting, inventory, and sales information, successful expansion will not be possible. Ms. Kudlers strawman is a daily requirement at each location to manage the operations, inventory, sales, etc. and without updated computer engineering science the company cannot see any further growth.Not only is the company facing limited expansion possibilities, but current security measures are not sufficient. Although Kudlers present system is password saved and has backup capability, financial information may be in jeopardy. With the implementation of a new system can easily remedy this situation giving added security to the company. In addition to the companys financial information, protection to the companys customer base should also be of great concern. In particular, the customers credit card information is at high risk.Additional security measures addressing much(prenominal) concerns as passwords, employee identification numbers, and restricting employee personal use must be applied. For example, a proxy server can limit the employees internet access to approved websites (Bargranoff, Simkin, Strand, 2008). Not only will a proxy server prevent counterproductive activity from employees, but it will also limit the exposure to threats from viruses, theft, and internet hacker s. There are both strengths and weaknesses with Kudlers Fine Foods current computer technology practices.Kudler Fine Foods uses the POS system to record sales, items, quantities, prices, taxes and totals for all transactions. However a continuous challenge Ms. Kudler faces is the purchasing of additional inventory. The company uses forecasting, which allows the company to replenish its inventory based upon historical sales information. For the company to monitor its supply, a system must be implemented that will track individual items and allow managers to re-order necessary inventory from this information. The issue with a forecasting inventory system is that the decisions are based upon past performance, 2 to 3 days old.Unfortunately, sales do not follow the same pattern from year to year. In addition, sales from holidays, birthdays, weddings, and the deal are not accounted for under the forecasting system. Every year orders will continue to change depending on the economic stab ility of the state. Furthermore, holidays will not always be on the same day and will subsequently affect the forecasting information. In the event that too much inventory is order, the excess is donated to sympathy if in good condition, if not the excess is thrown away. Inventory management is crucial due to the perishing authorisation of the inventory items.It is a delicate balance because to satisfy customers, there must be enough on hand merchandise to avoid sales losses. It is imperative that Kudler Fine Foods increase the use of technology, if the company is to continue to grow and thrive. Most importantly that is a definite need for a network to assist Ms. Kudler with her talk needs between her stores and add updated software to handle the companys inventory needs. To implement the new technology, funding and training will be mandatory. The procurement of new software will be required for Ms. Kudler and her employees to run effectively and efficiently.