ASSIGNMENT 1

My Assignment 1: UPS COMPETES GLOBALLY WITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Founded in 1907, UPS is the world's largest package delivery company and a leading global provider of specialized transportation and logistics services. Using advanced technology, access to global resources, and an integrated network of physical, technological, and human assets.

WHAT ARE THE INPUTS, PROCESSING, AND OUTPUTS OF UPS's PACKAGE TRACKING SYSTEM?

Input

Input is capture raw data from organization or external environment. Based on this case study, input of scannable bar-coded label are information about the sender, the destination and time arrival of the package. Input for Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD)are customer signatures and delivery information. 


Processing 

The data is transmitted into the central network. The driver places the DIAD into the UPS truck's vehicle adapter then the package tracking information is then transmitted to UPS's network for the storage and processing in the main computers.

Output

• The UPS can monitor and even re-route packages throughout the delivery process.
• Bar code devices scan shipping information on the package label and feed data about the progress of package into the central computer.
• Customer service able to check status of any package from desktop computer linked to the central computers.
• UPS customers can access information from company's Web site using their own computer or mobile phone.

WHAT TECHNOLOGIES ARE USED BY UPS? HOW ARE THESE TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO UPS'S BUSINESS STRATEGY? 

•  UPS use a Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD), which can access a wireless cell phone network. 
• UPS also use Web-based Post Sales Order Management System (OMS) to manage global service order and inventory for critical parts fulfillment. 
• Cisco system to embed UPS functions, such as tracking and cost calculations into their own Web site.

Those technologies to provide the best service at the lower rate.


WHAT  STRATEGIC BUSINESS OBJECTIVES DO UPS's INFORMATION SYSTEMS ADDRESS?

"Best service and lowest rates" 


WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF UPS's INFORMATION SYSTEM WERE NOT AVAILABLE?

Have higher in cost operation especially at delivery aspect. There is no "smart" label that make customer easy to print from Web site. UPS having difficulty to track the shipment and all the process increase the workload of UPS's staff.