Computer Information Systems Brief Essay

In enact for the connection to continue to elaborate, consideration of growth opportunities result also be analyzed. In addition, the threats that Kudler may encounter if changes argon not implemented depart also be discussed throughout this evaluation. The owner of Kudler delicately Food investment firms flip gourmet foods and fine wines every within one location. All store locations offer baked goods, meat, seafood, produce, cheese, dairy products, and wine with little or no preservatives added. The success of Kudler Fine Foods is in part from the musical arrangements that the stores have in place.For example, the flow rate computer system is available 24 hours a day, seven courses a week, the owner provides training to exclusively employees and is, therefore, understood by all employees. This understanding of the computer system enables the daily operations of the business to thrive as gross revenue increase. As the company moves forward and introduces changes with te chnological advances, keep employee training is a must with the installation of new hardw ar and software product 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 distri justively store. The terminals are applyd as cash registers when guests check-out. The POS system records all sales, items, quantities, prices, taxes and totals for all dealingss. These intelligent terminals use keypads, touch screens, bar code scanners, and early(a) input methods to capture data and interact with end users during a transaction, bit relying on servers or other computers in the network for notwithstanding transaction processing (OBrien & Marakas, 2008, p. 81).Furthermore, functions are available for various types of sales reports to be created with the genuine system. However, the occurrent system does not meet the postulate of the business as the computer system is outdated. Furthermore, the founder of the company, Kathy Kudler, is having great difficulty with monitoring the needs of the three stores and the situation pass on soon become overwhelming with further expansion. Ms. Kudler needs a computer system that get out 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 coming upon her high standards and creates a substantial loss in productivity. The lack of outside access also presents an issue for the future expansion plans for the business. With no counsel to access accounting, record, and sales training, successful expansion allow not be possible. Ms. Kudlers presence is a daily requirement at each location to manage the operations, inventory, sales, etc. and without updated computer technology the company cannot obtain any further growth.Not only is the company facing restrain expansion possibilities, but current security measures are not sufficient. Although Kudlers present system is password protected 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. supererogatory security measures addressing such concerns as passwords, employee identification numbers, and restricting employee personal use must be applied. For example, a proxy server can repair 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 gainsay Ms. Kudler faces is the purchasing of additional inventory. The company uses forecasting, which allows the company to replenish its inventory base 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 years old.Unfortunately, sales do not follow the same pattern from year to year. In addition, sales from holidays, birthdays, weddings, and the like are not accounted for under the forecasting system. Every year orders will continue to change depending on the economic stabi lity 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 a great deal inventory is order, the unembellished is donated to charity if in good condition, if not the excess is thrown away. Inventory management is crucial due to the perishing potential 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 assertive that Kudler Fine Foods increase the use of technology, if the company is to continue to grow and thrive. or so importantly that is a definite need for a network to answer Ms. Kudler with her communication needs between her stores and add updated software to handle the companys inventory needs. To implement the new technology, funding and training will be indispensable. The procurement of new software will be required for Ms. Kudler and her employees to run effectively and efficien tly.