Software Architecture Project
Team A
CSS 422
11-7-11
Mohammad Shakir Kamali

Executive Summary
This paper will discuss in detail the software currently in use at the four facilities of Riordan Manufacturing. Likewise, the paper will discuss the recommended software upgrades suggested by Team A in week 2. These recommendations will allow Riordan Manufacturing and its employee’s to work more efficiently and have greater overall productivity. This will ensure that Riordan Manufacturing will stay one step ahead of their competitors and have the ability to do business in a more professional manner. To do this, Riordan Manufacturing will need upgrades involving both hardware and software with minimal training and downtime.
Introduction
Riordan Manufacturing must update their current software and hardware systems to become up-to-date and competitive. Riordan Manufacturing consists of four separate locations, which all currently use dated software systems such as Microsoft 98 OS and Microsoft Office 2K, updating these outdated systems will increase efficiency with the advancements in newer systems. Riordan Manufacturing also has older outdated servers and switches that should be replaced to increase computing speed and transfer time. Updating the overall software architecture of Riordan will see gains overall for Riordan Manufacturing.
Company Background
Riordan Manufacturing is a global plastics manufacturer employing 550 people with projected annual earnings of $46 million. The company is wholly owned by Riordan Industries, a Fortune 1000 enterprise with revenues in excess of $1 billion. Its products include plastic beverage containers produced at its plant in Albany, Georgia, custom plastic parts produced at its plant in Pontiac, Michigan, and plastic fan parts produced at its facilities in Hangzhou, China. The company's research and development is done at