Free Essay

Computer Information System Brief

In:

Submitted By dmhoward1
Words 1194
Pages 5
Computer Information System Brief
Delvin M. Howard
ACC/542
06/02/2012
Instructor
Brad Thompson

Abstract
This brief will identify Kudler’s key business and accounting information needs and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of Kudler’s current computer system and technology use, including hardware and software. It will also explain what opportunities Kudler has in terms of technology and provide suggestions for improving Kudler’s ability to maximize these opportunities and evaluate the threats that Kudler may encounter given their current systems and offer your suggestions, in terms of using technology.

Computer Information System Brief

When it comes to the Kudler account after months of review the company needs an accounting information overhaul because their way of doing business is outdated. Thare are some strengths and weaknesses associated with this old way of doing business. However the company needs to be updated to compete with its major competitor Whole Foods who is becoming the corporate giant in the health food industry. The company needs an updated inventory accounting system and a system that incorporates this information so it can be interpreted. This brief will explain how Howard & Co. will facilitate this transition.
Strengths and weakness
We feel that your strengths are in the realm of customer service even though Kudler fine foods have more than one location it still has the feel of a family business, which is good, and we advise you to keep this feel. However when it comes to your current accounting system some weakness were found because the company books are done by hand and then put into excel spreadsheet which is effective if you know what you are doing. Even the stores inventories are accounted for once every two weeks for some products which it can virtually impossible to keep tract of the inventory. I also want to mention that you should use First-In First-Out (FIFO) inventory method for the various products you have in your store because most of your products have a shelf life. This system will almost guarantee that the products that’s been on the shelf the longest be sold first. When it comes to your accounting practices I feel Kudler Fine Foods need a major hardware and software implication.

Hardware The first thing I would want to improve is the old cash register system that your stores have. I know they are tied into a central computer but it is basically a cash register system because it does not account for the inventory of every product in the store when something is sold. I want to recommend the Comcash's Grocery POS System because it is built with the multi-format retailer in mind, allowing you to synchronize the grocery store processes and data with the overall store, warehouse, and HQ systems and includes high throughput scanner scales, customer activated pin debit, EBT, and WIC. The hardware that comes with this system is highly configurable touchscreen and the Grocery System simplifies critical day-to-day operations, improves customer service, and helps drive higher sales margins ("Grocery Store Pos Software Solutions", 2010).. Comcash provides a handheld inventory scanner for price checking on the floor or receiving in the backroom. I feel this hardware will in prove customer relations as well as make your stores more efficient.
Software
The Comcash Grocery POS system with Comcash Grocery Software has a lot of different features that will upgrade your stores and here are some examples of what this system can do for your company:
• POS Features which includes Sell item by UPC, vendor code or alternate code, Fully-programmable Touchscreen, Scan random weight item by dollars or weight, Customer and item maintenance at POS, Customer loyalty points by item or by Sale Amount, Search by description, sub-department, or vendor, Programmable and sorted receipt, Mobile POS, Manager access card (bar code or magnetic stripe), Suspend and recall orders for easy recall, Quantity entry before the item or at any time after, Print Payment Stub, Print bar code receipt, Cashier monitoring, Cash limit in drawers, with alarm, Customer accounting and balance can be queried from remote head office database.
• The Inventory Control Features are Set Minimum/Maximum Levels for Automatic Ordering, Barcode Tag Printing: Configure, Edit & Print, Automated Ordering by Product, Vendor, Departments, Category or Period Sales, Receiving With or Without P.O., Vendor Catalogs can be Imported for Future Ordering, Use Handheld Computer for Inventory, Counting, Ordering & Receiving, Transfers, FIFO or Average Costing. ("Grocery Store Pos Software Solutions", 2010). This software also offers some Store Operations Feature which can be integrated with QuickBooks Accounting, allow web store for people who want to shop online and surveillance. If you would like to look at this in depth please check out their website http://comcash.com/grocery.php. In all I feel that this software can make the Kudler name and Brand the standard in the fine foods industry.
Opportunities and Threats
By updating your hardware and software it will give the Kudler Fine Foods Corporation the opportunities it needs to be more competitive in its market. The opportunities will allow Kudler to carry more inventory, track cost better, and the ability to know what is going on at each location at all times without actually leaving headquarters. This will create more opportunities for growth because I feel this new system will effectively create more profits because there will be nothing unaccounted for. This accounting system will give the Kudler brand its stamp on striving for excellence and staying in line with the company’s mission statement of providing the world finest foods and have it there faster and more efficiently. However there are some threats the company may encounter if it stay with its current technology. One threat is zero growth and lower profits because they cannot get the products in and on the shelf on time and the fact that I know the CEO is pushing to gain a bigger market share in this industry. Another threat is the fact that without this upgrade the old technology will not be able to be fixed seeing your current provider tech guy had to visit your office 8 times last year.
Conclusion
In conclusion I recommend this transition because it will take you business in the stratosphere. The upgrade will be costly however it will end up generating about 30 percent more in sales the first year and a predicted sixty percent increase in revenue each year over the next five years. The hare ware can be bought or leased in which I recommend leasing the hardware since we are in the technology age where a computer can become obsolete in 6 months. You would also get a software upgrade each year in which you world stay up to date with the ever changing world market. Finally I appreciate you given our firm Howard& Co the opportunity to present you with this brief in order to help Kudler Fine Foods in its quest to become the purveyor of the finest epicurean delights.

References
Grocery Store POS Software Solutions. (2010). Retrieved from http://comcash.com/grocery.php
O’Brien, J.A. & Marakas, G.M. (2008). Management information systems (8th ed). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Computer Information System Brief

...Computer Information System Brief ACC/542 Computer Information System Brief Kudler Fine Foods operates in La Jolla, Del Mar, and Encinitas California providing gourmet meats, cheese, produce, wine, and deserts to the community. Kudler Fine Foods offers its customers a selection of fine foods from around the world as the company takes pride in providing the finest epicurean delights. During the review of Kudler Fine Foods determined the company’s needs to strengthen accounting practices and fix the technological weaknesses found with the technology and computer systems. This brief will discuss the key business and accounting information needs; strengths and weaknesses of Kudler’s current computer system and technology use; explain the opportunities Kudler has in terms of technology and provide suggestions; and evaluate the threats that Kudler may encounter with the current systems. Computer System Kudler Fine Foods success depends on the systems three stores have in place. As each store sells meat, bakes goods, produce, cheese, wine, and dairy products, the computer system must allow managers and employees of the company to track inventory, sales, spoilage, and consumer purchasing trends. The current computer system in each store is accessible 24 hours a day, and the owner is responsible for training the employees to ensure each employee understands the daily operating system. The decision to have the owner train the employees serves as a strength because...

Words: 1288 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Computer Information System Brief

...Computer Information System Brief University of Phoenix Accounting Information Systems ACC 542 Jan 28, 2012 Computer Information System Brief Kudler Fine Foods a premier gourmet grocery store is considering the best methods to integrate technology into its business operations. Kudler currently has three store locations in southern California and is considering adding a fourth store in Carlsbad (Kudler Fine Foods Virtual Organization, 2011). Currently the organization uses Microsoft Retail Enterprise Management System (REMS), Quick Books, and Microsoft Excel for their software needs and has a system of microcomputers and server at each store. This brief will discuss an analysis of the company’s business and accounting information needs, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the current computer system and technology use. Business and Accounting Information Uses The organization needs to record sales, transactions, human resources, and inventory data correctly and assist store managers in placing purchases order and efficiently using resources. The inventory system needs to be easily accessible and provide reports that would assist managers in minimizing inventory costs. Kudler needs to “…develop competitive strategies to counter the actions of the competitive forces they confront in the marketplace” (O’Brien & Marakas, 2008, p. 49). For future growth the business needs to explore the information system requirements to start the website for...

Words: 1150 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Computer Information Systems Brief

...Computer Information System Brief Tina Monteverdi Accounting Information Systems ACC/542 July 15, 2013 Milan Havel Computer Information System Brief Kudler Fine Foods prides their selves on providing an upscale environment with all of the very best domestic and imported foods and wines. They have an experienced and knowledgeable staff that is able to assist customers. The founder, Kathy Kudler developed a business plan and obtained a financing and was able to open a store all within a six month time a turn that business into a profitable business in the first year. Over the next five years 2 more stores were opened and continuing to thrive. In order to continue growing Kudler’s is evaluating their accounting information system needs and determine if there are changes that can be made to improve their systems with either system changes or technology upgrades, as well as identify an potential technology threats that may need to be addressed. Identify Kudler’s Key business and Accounting Information Needs Kathy Kudler and her management team understand the benefits of a system that would meet the needs of this business and help to continue to thrive. Kudler’s computer system will be used to integrate their point of sale (POS) systems along with their asset management and accounting, accounts payable modules, general ledger, bank reconciliations, and lastly one of the most important systems the security systems. “The initial business plan for Kudler’s included...

Words: 929 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Computer Information System Brief

...Computer Information System Brief ACC/542 Kudler Fine Foods is a small network of specialty grocery stores. They have asked us to study and comment on their computer systems and information technology. In particular they are interested how technology can be effectively integrated into their operations. Following are their key business needs for information technology: cash registers, human resources and accounting department. Cash registers service for processing credit card payments or cash payments. Simultaneously as transactions are rung up, these systems also collect data that influence reports and other data. Sales information send data to general ledger, updating debits and credits, calculates cost of goods sold, calculates inventory and calculates daily profit. Human resources collect employee data that relates to their payroll, tax liabilities, performance and disciplinary issues. Also HR creates reports for OSHA and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Quick Books software is used to create employee database that includes such information about employees as pay rate, exemptions, seniority date. Accounting department is involves information systems in several areas. They collect data from POS to update General Ledger, some manual entry is involved. Bank helps accounting department to create cash reports. Accounting department handles check printing, control bank accounts, sets up cash accounts for cash payments to local farmers, separates...

Words: 1039 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Computer Information Systems Brief

...Computer Information Systems Brief: Kudler Fine Foods Crystal Levine February 3, 2014 ACC/542 Facilitator Yasin Dadabhoy Introduction Kudler Fine Foods is an upscale specialty food store that provides the very best domestic and imported foods from all around the world. They have a wide variety of specialty baked goods, fresh produce, and fresh meat and seafood. Kudler Fine Foods currently has three locations in the San Diego metropolitan area, and prides themselves on pleasing their customers and providing them with a delightful shopping outing. Kudler’s Key Business and Accounting Needs Kudler Fine Foods has some important business and accounting needs in order to allow for their businesses to run smoothly. Their needs include things such as inventory control, accurate recording of accounting transactions, and efficient tracking of customer accounts. Currently Kudler Fine Foods uses a Retail Enterprise Management System (REMS) for their current accounting information system. This is currently being maintained by Smith Systems Consulting. Currently Kudler’s REMS provides them with many important financial modules. The general ledger module provides them with functions such as the ability to run financial reports, and transaction details and roll-ups. The accounts payable module allows them to do things such as print checks and also allows the purchase order module to post vendor orders directly to the AP module. What they do need in this module is the system’s ability...

Words: 764 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Computer Information System Brief

...Computer Information System Kerry Seeley ACC542 January 9, 2012 Jana L. Highwart, MBA Computer Information System Kudler Fine Foods is a specialty food store in the San Diego area (Apollo Group, Inc., 2010). Kathy Kudler opens three stores, first store is La Jolla, second store is Del Mar, and the third store is Encinitas. According to Apollo Group, Inc., (2010), Kudler Fine Foods has an assortment of local and international food and beverages including items such as seafood, produce, condiments, meat, dairy products, bakery, packaged foods, wine, and cheese. Kudler Fine Foods hires Seeley’s Firm to evaluate Kudler’s accounting and information technology systems. Seeley’s Firm will report Kudler’s business and accounting needs, current hardware and software, strengths and weaknesses of current computer system, investigate prospects to improve the technology use, assess risks concerning the current computer system, and recommendations to improve Kudler’s ability to manage business. Business and Accounting Needs Concerning Kudler’s over-all business and accounting needs, the general needs are human resources, maintenance, sales, information technology marketing, consumer relations, communications, and advertising. Kudler’s accounting needs is inventory, purchasing, security, payroll, general ledger, bank reconciliations, accounts payable, point of service transactions, capital assets, and accounts receivable. It is essential that Kudler Fine Foods needs are met...

Words: 1201 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Computer Information Systems Brief

...evaluate the company’s accounting operations and advise on how to integrate the computer systems to meet business needs. Key Business and Accounting Information Needs Kudler’s initial business plan included funds in excess of $50,000 to initial a Retail Enterprise Management System. Kathy Kudler contracted Smith Consulting to help analys the business needs and select an appropriate REMS. Smith Consulting has been contracted yearly to maintain the system for Kudler Fine Foods. The REMS was chosen to help integrate Kudler’s point of sale system with the accounting modules including, general ledger, accounts payable, bank reconciliation, asset management and accounting, and security. Strengths and Weaknesses Kudler’s currently runs using a point of sale system which reports all sales in detail sending information to the general ledger, electronic payment clearing house, and purchasing function. Each sale is transmitted into the general ledger automatically recording debits and credits, calculating cost of goods sold, calculating FIFO inventory levels, and net profit. The POS system sends automatic transmission for credit sales to the financial institution. With each sale the POS system also adjusts inventory on hand, records discounted purchases, and tracks ordering. Having these systems integrated eliminates potential posting errors. The Entrepreneur (2014) website states that a POS system should allow for a company...

Words: 481 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Computer Information System Brief Kudler Fine Foods

...Kudler Fine Foods’ Information Needs Kudler Fine Foods’ have a significant starting platform for their key business and information needs. With three stores and the profitability to increase their numbers in the future, it is necessary to evaluate Kudler Fine Foods in order to facilitate any technology changes needed to decrease the chances of growing pains in the foreseeable future. Keeping Kudler Fine Foods in a competitive position through technological growth will allow the company to expand and persevere in hard economic times. Kudler Fine Foods has three stores that are all connected through a T3 dedicated line. This allows all stores to remain in proper communication with the other stores and helps each store assist the others when needed. Strengths Kudler Fine Foods has many strengths in their information systems. The Retail Enterprise Management System (REMS) that Kudler Fine Foods received from Smith Systems Consulting laid the groundwork for an effective information system however; there are areas of needed improvement. The REM system came with a General Ledger module, Accounts Payable module, Point of Sale module, Bank Reconciliation module, and installed backup generators to assist in times of power failure. Kudler Fine Foods also has a dedicated T3 line that connects all 3 of their stores together. This line allows to effortless communication between administration and their stores so that information is ready quickly and easily when needed. Weaknesses...

Words: 1049 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Justification

...AND SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT UNIT 2: COMPUTER SYSTEMS ASSIGNMENT BRIEF #1 FRONT SHEET ASSIGNMENT NO.: 1 2 3 RESUBMISSION Student Name: _______________________________ Unit outcomes and assessment criteria Criterion Edexcel No.: _______________ Feedback Achieved / Not yet achieved LO1 - 1.1: Understand the function of computer systems: Explain the role of computer systems in different environments LO1 - 1.2: Understand the function of computer systems: Explain the hardware, software and peripheral components of a computer system LO1 - 1.3: Understand the function of computer systems: Compare different types of computer systems LO2 - 2.1: Be able to design computer systems: Produce a system design specification to meet a client’s needs LO2 - 2.2: Be able to design computer systems: Evaluate the suitability of a system design specification M1: Produce a system design specification to satisfy client’s needs. D1: Create a case to increase budgetary allocation for personal computers Assessor’s name (print) Assessor’s signature Date Student’s signature I ………………………………………………………….. HEREBY (print student name / student ID number) Date CONFIRM THAT THIS ASSIGNMENT TOGETHER WITH ANY SUPPORTING ARTEFACTS, ARE OFFERED FOR ASSESSMENT AS MY ORIGINAL AND UNAIDED WORK. ANY QUOTATION USED FROM WRITTEN OR INTERNET SOURCES, ARE DULY AND APPROPRIATELY ACKNOWLEDGED. BTEC HND in COMPUTING AND SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT UNIT 2: COMPUTER SYSTEMS ASSIGNMENT BRIEF #1 Assignment:...

Words: 1678 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

System

...• System Integrity/Validation and Final Project Summary o Project Summary o Over the past six weeks, our firm has analyzed the accounting information systems of Kudler Fine Foods. We have discussed their current computer system and evaluated the possibility of threats to it and recommend integrated software solutions. The T3 line at Kudler is clearly more data transmission than is necessary for the company, so it was recommended they switch to T1 dedicated line to reduce costs. Due to the importance of inventory control, we showed management how to take their current inventory data tables and construct pivot tables to improve decision making on inventory. Internal controls were reviewed on payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and inventory processes to ensure the accuracy and validity of data. The review determined that if Kudler does not implement the recommended internal controls system suggested, the business could be under serious threats. Information Technology (IT) auditing is another important improvement that Kudlers should make since our analysis showed that there are risks and vulnerabilities in the AIS process. Our final recommendation will be in the way that the audit process is improved by using computer assisted auditing techniques. This will complete the firm’s analysis and recommendations for Kudler Fine Foods. o Our firm last week analyzed and recommended different types of Information Technology (IT) audits that Kudler Fine...

Words: 1144 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Genesis to Revelation

...am going to explain about Genesis to revelation of computers evolution in the world. Computers are information systems, which has an operating system, and supports input, processing, output, and persistent memory. The changes taken place in computer technology since the time of invention and extension, conversion, revelation, subversion, diversion, emersion, and aspersion related to computers. Genesis Charles Babbage invents modern computer with a general purpose to carry out logical and arithmetic operations automatically. In the beginning stage computer has no operating system operated on hardware basis later on stages operating system has been invented to increase the functionality of computers. Growing of applications and hardware programs lead to situation as a necessity to create operating system. Extension Computers are the part of living in today’s modern world; Computer technology has been changing very rapidly because of the competition as well as the requirement of consumers. Some of the popular organizations are Apple, Dell, Sony, Lenovo, which are the market leaders and each company has different standards. Apple computers are the most popular and has good brand image because of the speed, reliability and for a very good battery backup. Dell and Lenovo computers have both expensive and less expensive computers with considerable quality and good brand image in the market. Conversion Conversion of computers was taken place by the invention of laptops in the year...

Words: 660 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Computer Information Brief for Kudler

...Computer Information System Brief ACC 542 Professor Irene Branum November 7, 2011 Kudler Fine Foods Kudler Fine Foods, an upscale gourmet food store, was founded in 1995 by Kathy Kudler. Their original location started in La Jolla, but recent expansion has allowed them entry into two additional locations, Del Mar and Encinitas. Each location is approximately 8,000 square feet of retail space situated in a fashionable shopping plaza. The Kudler Company offers the highest quality products to its customers in gourmet foods and fine wines. Their merchandise selections, combined with their knowledgeable and accommodating staff, have contributed to Kudler’s reputation for excellent customer service and superior product offerings. This reputation has increased proprietor confidence in their continued success, and has also influenced the potential plans of Kudler to continue their expansion into additional markets (Kudler, 2010). Further expansion will require a detailed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of Kudler’s operations, their current computer system, and their usage of technology. This brief is to identify if improvements are necessary, or if operations can continue for Kudler on their current and familiar basis. There is also a need to evaluate the current accounting practices and isolate potential weaknesses that may possibly obstruct Kudler’s growth opportunities and expansion objectives. In addition, this brief will help identify threats that Kudler may need...

Words: 1230 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Introduction of Ppt

...Do not remove this notice. 1 Educational Objectives for Today • Foundations of the economy • Similarities and differences between analog and digital goods • Understand the basic concepts of the digital economy • A brief overview of the history of IT • Creative destruction and digital disruption | EBUS3050 | The Digital Economy| I. Introduction “These Google guys, they want to be  billionaires and rock stars and go to  conferences and all that. Let us see if they  still want to run the business intwo to three  years.” (Bill Gates, Microsoft, 2003) “$100 million is way to much to pay for  Microsoft.” (IBM, 1982) Week 1 3 “Information technology and business are  becoming inextricably interwoven. I don’t  think anybody can talk meaningfully about  one without the talking about the others.” (Bill Gates, Microsoft) “By 2005 or so, it will become clear that the  Internet’s impact on the economy has been  no greater than the fax machine.” (Paul  Krugman, Professor of Economics, 1998) “I think there is a world market for maybe  five computers.” (Thomas Watson, IBM CEO,  1943) “There’s no chance that the iPhone is going  to get any significant market share. No  chance.” (Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO, 2007) The ongoing advances in information technology have a strong...

Words: 2561 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Exploring Information Technology Careers

...I will be comparing three information technology careers and determine which one will be the most beneficial. Showing how each job ranks and how I qualified each job will also be shown in this paper. In the end you will see which job actually meet my standards and why I chose the job that I chose. Information Technicians, Cybercrime Investigators and Web Technicians are the careers that I closed took write about. I chose these three careers because they each have something in common. They all require the use of some type of computer. The only difference is the person doing the job, type of computer and what needs to be worked on. Each job was based on a certain criterion and from that I can determine which of the three categorized jobs was better for me or someone else to do that catered to my independent job category and what I prefer to do or of each one. Basically, it's a rating of a job like I would compare cars or a mortgage. Each of the three jobs had a rating and a Weighted Score. All of the jobs I had, I had to rate on a scale of benefits, environment, hours, location, Outlook, qualifications and salary. Then based on the totals determined which one of the three jobs would best fit me for my area of expertise the best and be best in my comfort zone. The information technician is an industrial occupation whose responsibility is maintaining communications and the computer systems. They are responsible for installing and maintaining computer hardware, software, and networks...

Words: 1526 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Identity Theft Via Cyberspace

...uses another’s personal information without that person’s knowledge or permission to pretend to be that person. There are several types of identity theft; financial, criminal, cloning, business, medical, and synthetic, just to name a few. Identity theft has been around a long time, but it has become increasingly more prevalent in recent years due to the increased use of cyberspace. It also has become easier for thieves to operate without getting caught. Identity thieves are all around. They are like strangers we tell our kids to beware of. Anyone we come in contact with could be a potential identity thief. Every day identity thieves are planning their next theft. They use cyberspace to collect information through phishing, which is sending emails that pretend to be a legitimate business, but provide links to fake websites and ask for personal information. Also, through pharming, they send emails with viruses attached. Another way is through robot networks, these allow a hacker to take control of a computer from a remote location. Lastly, through typosquatting, when people make typing errors they land on websites that are similar to legitimate businesses, this allows thieves to infect computers (Ramaswamy, 2006). Thieves also use spyware and malware to gain information from unsuspecting people. Identity thieves steal from unsuspecting victims for financial gain. They open credit card accounts, they infiltrate bank accounts, use the information to apply for phone service...

Words: 725 - Pages: 3