...UPS served their customers through websites. This allowed customers to become more dependent on their services and brand name. UPS Threats Even though UPS was a strong competitor in the parcel service industry, they still have viable competition that still holds a large percentage of the market share. FedEx is UPS's largest competitor. FedEx offers more services to their consumers. Another threat is the increase in globalization and the desire for foreign parcel service companies' to enter the U.S. market. FedEx StrengthsFedEx was created on an entirely new concept in package delivery. This concept was an overnight express air delivery service. FedEx has experienced consistent growth in terms of net income almost every year of operation. One of the biggest strengths is their business concept. The company also provides e-commerce and supply chain management services to clients worldwide. FedEx offers a wide variety of delivery options including worldwide express delivery, ground small parcel delivery, and freight delivery. FedEx is a household name and exceeds in express package delivery. FedEx's success is also because of the "People-Service-Profit," which means that they put their employees first. They believe that employees will be motivated to provide the best customer service possible and then profitability will follow. FedEx created the hub-and-spoke route system; they supplied logistical services, and the introduction of advanced technology. They also helped companies...
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...The inputs, processing, and outputs of ups package tracking system: Inputs: The inputs include package information, customer signature, pickup, delivery, time-card, current location (while en route), and billing and customer clearance documentation. Processing: The data are transmitted to a central computer and stored for retrieval. Data are also reorganized so that they can be tracked by customer account, date, driver, and other criteria such as the consolidation of orders for efficient final delivery of packages. Outputs: The outputs include pickup and delivery times, location while en route, and package recipient. The outputs also include various reports, such as all packages for a specific account or a specific driver or route, as well as summary reports for management. Technology Used By Ups: Technology has played a large role in UPS’s ability to expand and grow to serve globally in more than 200 countries and territories. UPS relies on several technologies to gain a competitive advantage against rival companies. The company streamlines processes by utilization of bar- code scanning systems, wireless networks, a mainframe computer, a portable computing device, software products and the internets. Using a handheld computer called a Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD), UPS drivers automatically capture customer’s signatures along with pickup, delivery, and time-card information. The drivers then place the DIAD into their truck's vehicle adapter, an information-transmitting...
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...are the inputs, processing, and outputs of UPS’s package tracking system? The company’s inputs are: package information, customer signature, pickup, delivery and timecard data, data location and billing and customer clearance documentation. Processing: They simply transmit data 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 storage and processing in the main computers. From there, the information can be accessed worldwide to provide proof of delivery to customer. The scanning of the barcode at various points along the route and the data is fed into the central computer to keep track of the progress of shipment. Output: the delivery information that can be assessed worldwide to provide proof of delivery to customers. Customers can also access this information through the UPS website or a special package tracking software supplied by UPS 2. What technologies are used by UPS? Technologies include handheld computers (DIADs), barcode scanning systems, wired and wireless communications networks, desktop computers, UPS’s central computer (large mainframe computers), and storage technology for the package delivery data. UPS also uses telecommunication technologies for transmitting data through pagers and cellular phone networks. The company uses in-house software for tracking packages, calculating fees, maintaining customer accounts...
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...keep customers satisfied, and competitors on their toes. In the past 10 years FedEx has made much progress in automating many of their information systems such as invoicing and accounts receivable. They also led the industry in providing online services to their customers, and high-speed mobile devices to their couriers. One of their most notable technological advances was their development of DirectLink. FedEx created DirectLink, a powerful electronic data interchange (EDI) enabling software, to allow customers to download invoices, create reports, export data, and remit payments. Customers can still pay their bills online, over the phone or the traditional way by mailing in payments; however, FedEx encourages customers to sign up for DirectLink because of many advantages it offers (FedEx, n.d.a). DirectLink allows customers to download bills, remit payments online and manage their own account, which is extremely efficient for the customers and the company. For one, electronic invoicing allows FedEx to save money on printing and postage costs. Electronic payments also save time and create less manual work for the company. The AIS validates records and processes payments. With the AIS processing payments, it eliminates the chance of human input error; it also prevents returned check fees. Allowing customers to manage their own account also saves money on call center costs. When customers have questions about their account they can go online and look at...
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...UPS CASE STUDY For UPS to operate as immaculately as it does it takes advantage of a system that has taken many years and billions of dollars to develop. It all starts with the package labeling. For each package a label is given. On the label are a barcode and a number. On the barcode UPS inputs important information about the sender, destination, and estimated arrival time. UPS uses this information to process its packages. With its automated tracking system UPS can monitor the delivery process and even re-route packages if needed. Periodically through the life cycle of a delivery barcode devices scan shipping information on the package labels to update milestones in the delivery status. Customer reps can use this information to update customers on where their package is. Customers also have the option to check themselves vi a the UPS website or mobile app. UPS utilizes a myriad of technology to insure its success. One of the most important is its Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD). This is the everyday device that uploads to a wireless network and gives its drivers instructions for the day. It also captures customers’ signatures and automatically updates tracking information in the UPS system for processing and storage. From the beginning UPS promised “the best service and the lowest rate.” UPS works hard to deliver on this commitment. Going back to UPS’s label system information is sent to one of its computer centers before the package is even picked up. This...
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...They have hubs located in St. Louis, Bayonne N.J, and in Los Angeles. Huffman’s trucking has a fleet of 800 trucks. Each truck is equipped with a GPS tracking system. This allows each truck and it’s cargo to be tracked to and from its destination. The dispatch is vital to operations, by allowing the truck and cargo to be tracked, and monitored. The companies driver’s are tracked from the moment he and his freight leave the warehouse. It also allows for real time access. Without real time access, remote locations would not be able to access the specific data on the trucks, in real time. Each truck is connected to the system through the real time access. Keeping these systems up to date will increase the speed of delivery and information. Each truck is equipped with a GPS system that is connected to the hub. Each hub has specific information, on all trucks and freight. This way the company knows which trucks are carrying which freight and going to which destination. Without exact locations of each truck, shipments can get lost or misplaced. Without this information system, the company could get back logged and need to sort out everything. This is very important to keep the costs down. The company would have to conduct a manual search and and therefore end up being more costly. They would have to contact each driver and go...
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...booth components, equipment, and shipments? Booth Components – Names of components, Serial numbers of equipment and manufacture information, Approximately how long does it take to set up, Where it is being shipped from and where it is being shipped to and what type of shipment is being used and price of equipment. Also what is the weight and size of components being delivered and scheduled time of delivery. Equipment – Equipment would have the same fields as booth components except need tracking system to now where is equipment is located and in what order each piece of equipment will be showcased. Shipments – Shippers name, address, and contact information, shipment warranty information, scheduled delivery and pickup times. Something that is contained on our shipment boxes is how many pieces are being shipped and how to handle equipment because some electronic equipment needs to be handled with care. Example of two relationships that need to be tracked. The first relationship that needs to be tracked is between the shippers and equipment being shipped. Marketing assistant needs to keep track of shipping information to determine when shipment will arrive and to coordinate movement of equipment. The second relationship that needs to be tracked is between personnel that supervised the set up and breakdown and booth components. In order to account for booth components the marketing assistant needs to know who to contact for each component, especially if any issues arise. ...
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...UPS Case Study 1. What are the inputs, processing, and outputs of UPS’s package tracking system? 1) The inputs of the package tracking system are information about senders and receivers, such as their names and addresses, the weights of packages, the contents of the packages, the pick up dates, the type of services (ground shipping, overnight shipping, etc.) and customers’ signatures. 2) The system then processes those information to calculate and compare delivery routes for each driver and calculate the estimate delivery date for each package. 3) The outputs of the system are the most efficient delivery routes for drivers and delivery status for packages. 2. What technologies are used by UPS? How are these technologies related to UPS’s business strategy? 1) The technologies used by UPS include handheld computers, bar code scanners, wired and wireless communications networks, desktop computers, UPS’s data center, storage technology for the package delivery data, UPS in-house package tracking software, and software to access the World Wide Web. 2) UPS’s business strategy is: best service and lowest rates. By using these technologies, UPS creates the most efficient delivery route for every package. Thus the costs are reduced significantly. Additionally, customers can access the UPS web site to check delivery routes, calculate shipping rates, determine time in transit, print labels, schedule a pickup, and track their packages whenever they want to. These bring...
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...1. The UPS uses the scannable bar-coded label attached to packages, which contains detailed information about the sender, then destination, and when the package should arrive. The bar-coded label will transmit delivery information to UPS computer center. The dispatchers will create the most efficient delivery route for each driver. Then drivers use Delivery Information Acquisition Device to receive information and capture customers’ signatures. In this way, UPS can monitor and re-route packages, because of the technology UPS saved 28 million miles and 3 million gallons of fuel each year, what’s more, the customers can track their parcel in every minute through UPS web and the customer representatives are able to check the status of packages and respond customer’s inquiries. 2. UPS used tracking technology and Hired Hand technologies. The tracking technology make customer more trust and familiar with UPS cause customer can see where and how their parcel has been delivered, in the same time, UPS using the tracking technology saved a huge amount of money by reducing the mileages and fuels of delivery trucks’ daily usage. The Hired Hand technologies gain more profit from not only individuals but also manufactures. Because these technologies can provide both track products and help to build weekly manufacturing plans. 1. 2. 3. The UPS’s information system solved firstly road calculation. Without the information system UPS may spend millions more on trucks and...
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...[March 5th, 2010] [pic] | Rebecca Murphy, Reginald Demery and Melanie Bennett | Kudler Fine Foods is a small franchise of three stores currently. Each store provides the quality of service you would expect from a specialty store. Even though small in size the product selection is large. The current operating system each store has needs to be upgraded. All stores should run the same equipment requirements and software. Initially there would be cost involved for the upgrade but it is definitely a well worth investment to improve sales inside the stores and online. Adding the feature of ordering online would boost sales. Kathy Kudler would be able to create this online ordering site from within the current site or she could bring someone in to create it. Again it would be a well worth investment. Kudler Fine Foods is an amazing company but the website lacks information and customer satisfaction. When a customer visits the Kudler Fine Foods website we want them to experience the very best customer service while allowing them to want to revisit. We have to improve a lot of problems with the Kudler Fine Foods website to better help our customers and in order to do that we are going to improve the websites appearance, improve communication, which will include a 1-800 number for customers if they have a problem, create a FAQ page/email and most importantly...
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...plan that fits her budget in this economy is going to be tough but is very manageable. If you look at businesses in the market, then one should know that a business should be able to adapt to change and provide a service that is fast and reliable. We are going to be taking my sisters manual tracking and ordering system to an updated automated system. In order to make her store automated we will have to go on a shopping spree and purchase the hardware for the automated inventory system. Since we are on a budget we will look at the main things that will be needed. Hardware is a major part of automating her business. Hardware consist of a computer or laptop, an operating system, keyboard, router, mouse, and external hardware (i.e. printer, fax, and copier). My assumption is that she does not have any of this so we are starting from scratch. After purchasing and setting up the hardware she will need we will move on to the next step, Software upgrades and requirements. Software can be simple or it can be complicated. It can also be costly if you are not careful. If we go with the more expensive route we would need to invest in scanners. Investing in scanners will be necessary to keep up with the products coming in and out of store. Software can be complicated and become a very touchy subject. We could pay a third party to write a program for the store specifically or we could buy one that is already packaged. Benefits of having one made for the store consist of allowing you to...
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...Case summary: UPS has created its own information system with Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD) and Web-based Post-Sales Order Management System (OMS) globally by using developed information technology. These special systems help the company to reduce the cost of transaction greatly. By building its efficient order information management system, UPS can make optimal routing strategy, place orders online, and track shipments to meet customer needs. These information systems guarantee the possibility of two-day delivery nationwide as well as lower warehousing and inventory costs for the company. Questions: 1. What are the inputs, processing and outputs of UPS’s package tracking system? Inputs: the inputs include package information, customer signatures, pickups, delivery and timecard information, and locations on each route. Processing: in the process of transactions, the data is transmitted to the information center and stored for retrieval. During the whole process, the data of shipped packages is available to be checked by drivers and tracked by customers. Outputs: mostly the same data as the inputs, including pickups, delivery times, locations of routes and package recipients. In addition, the outputs also include calculations of shipping rates to enable UPS customers to embed UPS functions, such as cost calculations, to their own websites. 2. What technologies are used by UPS? How are these technologies related to UPS’s business strategy? Technologies include...
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...ROCKET FUEL: “QUANTIFIED SELF” DIGITAL TOOLS A CPG MARKETING OPPORTUNITY Q4 2014 OVE RVI E W Quantified Self (QS) is an emerging area of technology that allows consumers to use a variety of digital tools to collect data and learn about their behaviors and habits of everyday life. The increasing number QS digital tools available today includes smartwatches, wearable fitness trackers, apps, and websites. As consumers continue to integrate these new QS digital tools into their lives, the data collected by these tools presents new opportunities for CPG marketers to learn more about consumers’ behavior and better reach their target audiences. To better understand this new technology trend and assess its impact on the future of digital media for CPG marketers, Rocket Fuel conducted a custom primary research study among consumers in the U.S. to: • Understand consumers’ interest in using health and fitness QS tools • Gauge current usage of health and fitness QS tools • Understand the impact of health and fitness QS tools on consumer behavior • Evaluate consumers’ openness to sharing their QS data with CPG advertisers STUDY DETAILS This survey was conducted online using a trusted third-party research vendor and fielded from December 3 – 10, 2014, among 1,262 total respondents who live in the U.S., use a computer regularly, and either currently use a Quantified Self tool to track their health and fitness or who are interested in using a Quantified Self tool to track their health...
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...Technology: UPS Georges bou chahine Case study 1) The inputs, outputs, processing of UPS package tracking system: * scannable bar coded label: it is attached to a package that contains detailed information about the sender and the destination and when the package shoud arrive. * Smart label: the information about the package are condensed in the smart label and sent to one of the computer centers and then sent to the distribution center near the final destination. * Dispatchers: dispatchers are found in the distributions centers, it downloads data and we use special software to create the most efficient route for each driver. Taking into consideration (traffic, weather, location stop). * Bar code devices: scan shipping information and send it to the computer center. 2) Technologies used by ups: * DIAD (delivery information acquisition device): it can access one of the wireless networks cell phones rely on. It helps to show the days route of the package, and it captures customers signature with pickup and delivery information, it provides proof of delivery for customers. It can monitor and even re-route packages through the delivery process. * Company’s web site: to track package, check delivery route, calculate shipping rate, schedule pickup… Ups business strategy is to keep up customers up to dated about their packages and to build trust in their relations through this technology that offer the customer the best service and keeping the lowest...
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...Case Study: UPS Competes Globally with Information Technology 1. What are the inputs, processing, and outputs of UPS’s package tracking system? * The Inputs to the UPS package tracking system includes the following shipping information: * Customers signatures * Pick-up information * Delivery information * Time card information * Processing involves using the data captured above to update information on the central computer. * Outputs include the delivery status and position of a parcel. 2. What technologies are used by UPS? How are these technologies related to UPS’s business strategy? a. Handheld computer – the Delivery Information Acquisition Device is a handheld computer that lets the delivery agent collect delivery info remotely for real-time updating of delivery status. b. Cellular Technology – information collected on the DIAD is transmitted from the delivery vehicle via cellular network. This allows for remote and near real-time transmission of delivery data. c. World Wide Web – Allows customers to check delivery routes calculate shipping and schedule a pickup conveniently and remotely. This increases the reach of their services to those. 3. What problems do UPS’s information systems solve? What would happen if these systems were not available? d. I these technologies were not present, customers would not be able to track their shipments in a real-time manner. e. Customers...
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