...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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...Management Information Systems Rozenblat Oleg (oleg.rozenblat@euruni.edu) Case study: UPS Competes globally with information technology Question 1: What are the inputs, processing, and outputs of UPS’s package tracking system? UPS is the world largest ground and air delivery service that operates worldwide. The main activity is about to receive or collect the parcel from sender and deliver it quickly and safely to the receiver. From information perspective, in order to provide the service UPS should receive the input information from sender such as details about sender and receiver (destination of the shipment, address) and customer preference on the service required such as collection/drop off, shipping times, etc. After all the required details are entered to the system, special software prints the label for each parcel which contains all the information. Then, UPS processes the information transmitting the label to the centralized computer system which generates routes how parcel can be dispatched, costing, timing and tracking opportunities. After, the output process include the service delivered and various reports to the customers, internal reports, log of queries and transactions, bills, claims supported by receiver signature. Ups also prefers to collect feedback on the service they deliver, so they can improve their service constantly. Question 2: What technologies are used by UPS? How are these technologies related to UPS’s business strategy? UPS uses various hardware...
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...1) What are the inputs, processing and outputs of ups’s package tracking system? Answer: Inputs: Inputs include package information, customer signature, pickup, delivery, time-card data, 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: 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 2) What technologies are used by ups? how are these technologies related to ups's business strategy? Answer: • . Technologies used by UPS are: DIAD (Delivery Information Acquisition Device) Barcode scanning systems Smart Labels Wired and Wireless Communication Network (GPRS, CDMA) Desktop and Central Storage • This technology gives companies the best services and lower rates With the consumer demand for information about packages in transit, UPS.com was created. Over the internet, they were able to share information on proof of delivery, customer queries, delivery routes, time in transit...
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...STUDY CASE QUESTIONS: UPS Competes globally with Information Technology 1. What are the inputs, processing, and outputs of UPS package tracking system? The inputs in the UPS package tracking system is the detailed information about the sender, the destination, and when the package should arrive. The inputs of UPS’s package tracking system was picked up from “smart label” (scannable bar-coded label) attached to the package. The tracking system also include customer signature, pickup, delivery information by using hand held DIADs. The package tracking system also input the information about the current location (while en route) of the package and billing and customer clearance documentation. The processing takes places when the information is input in the scannable bar-coded label which is attached to a package. The information from the smart label is then transmitted to one of UPS’s computer system, and then it is finally sent to the distribution center nearest its final destination where the dispatched downloads the label data. The data is transmitted to the UPS central computer and is stored for retrieval. Data is reorganized so that it can be tracked by customers. The output occurs when the dispatcher of UPS downloads the label data and uses special software to create the most efficient delivery route for each drive that considers traffic, weather conditions, and the location of each stop. The outputs include pickup and delivery times, location while en route, and...
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...Jade Mediona UPS COMPETES GLOBALLY WITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Case Study Questions 1. What are the inputs, processing and outputs of UPS’s package tracking system? First, the inputs are the data needed or gathered like customer signature, pickup, delivery, time-card data, current location (while en route), and billing and customer clearance documentation. Then the processing is when the data is transmitted to the central computer and store for the retrieval and the data is organized when the data is transmitted to the processing. And lastly the output this is when the package or files are ready to 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 2. What technologies are used by UPS? How are these technologies related to UPS’s business strategy? * Computer Center (Data Center) – This is the one that handles the processing and all of the global data process that is feed into the tracking system. * Bar-coding technology - goes with their strategy in delivering packages at the fastest possible time. * Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD) - The DIAD also supported their business strategy of streamlining their business operations to provide best service to the customers. * A Web-based Post Order Management System - Management of other businesses supply chain...
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...What are the inputs, processing, and outputs of UPS’s package tracking system? The goal is to have detailed information about the sender, destination and when the package should arrive. Even before the package is picked up, information from the "smart" label is transmitted to one of the UPS computer centers and then sent to the closest center for the destination, they even download it and create the most efficient delivery route. The first thing a UPS driver picks up each day is a handheld computer called a Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD), which they can log into and download the route, it's then uploaded for storage that takes less than a minute and processing and can be accessed worldwide for proof or customer queries. Because of these things what UPS has done is made the delivery as efficient as possible and highly monitored by both them and their customers. Basically storing all different information such as the destination, the time it should arrive as well as the customers information. What technologies are used by UPS? How are these technologies related to UPS’s business strategy? Now the second question asks how the technology relates to their business strategy, and the only thing i could find regarding their business strategy is one quote from 1907 that promised: “The best service and lowest rates.” So with that in mind lets start with the scannable bar-coded label. It attached to a package which we already mentioned contains important...
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...GLOBALLY WITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY What are the inputs, processing and outputs of UPS package tracking system? The inputs for the UPS package tracking system are:- 1. detailed information about the sender, destination and shipping contained in the scannable barcode label attached to the package 2. the most efficient delivery route for each driver that is created through software, taking considerations of the weather & traffic conditions. The processing of UPS package tracking system are :- 1. the transition of the data from the label to UPS computer centre and later to the distribution centres near its final destinations, 2. the “340 Methods” for optimizing the performance of every task. 3. the downloading of the driver’s route into the Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD), 4. the transmition of UPS package tracking information to UPS computer network for storage. 5. 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. The outputs of UPS package tracking system are :- 1. the delivery information that can be assessed worldwide to provide proof of delivery to customers, through the UPS website or apps that can be downloaded by the customers. What technologies are used by UPS? 1. advanced information technology to create its package tracking system 2. the web-based Post Sales Order Management System (OMS) to manage...
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... UPS competes globally with Information technology (Tutorial 1) Prepared By: Muhammad Ali (mansqw@live.com) Student #: 1339100 ------------------------------------------------- Q1: What are the inputs, processing and outputs of UPS’s package tracking system? Answer: Inputs: The inputs include package information, customer signature, pickup, delivery, time-card data, 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. Output: The output includes pickup and delivery times, location while en route, and package recipient. They also include various reports such as all packages for specific account or a specific driver or route, as well as summary reports for management. Q2: What technologies are used by UPS? How are these technologies related to UPS’s business strategy? Answer: Technologies used by UPS are in many different form which includes Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIADs), bar-code scanners, wired and wireless communication networks, UPS’s central computer, storage technology for the package...
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...SITUATION Background What does UPS do? UPS delivers packages like mails and other documents to people and organization all around the world. What is their business? UPS is a company that delivers packages and also documents to more than 6.1million customers in more than 230 countries around the world. “UPS’s primary business is the time definite delivery of packages and documents worldwide’’(Wikipedia, 9/9, 12:18pm). One of the primary components that determine UPS’s success is how time definite and quick they are. This is accomplished by equipped, effective and efficient technology. COMPILATION What are the IT issues surrounding this case? * By investing heavily in IT, UPS has been able to gain a competitive advantage over its competitors. * How IT has been able to make work efficiient and efective by planning quicker and easier delivery roots, and also being able to track those delivery rootscan be an issue in this case. * Records of customers are kept, calculation of fees, and management of logistics are also saved through IT devices such as the bar code scanning systems etc. TO THINK ABOUT. 1) What are the inputs, processing and outputs of UPS package tracking system? A) Inputs * When UPS customer signs on theDelivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD) that signature can be considered an input. * Customer Information eg house address. * Pickup’s eg mails, packages etc. B) Processing The whole process that involves...
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...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 handheld...
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...Question (1) What are the inputs, processing, and outputs of UPS’s package tracking system? Inputs: For barcode system, detailed information about sender, the destination, and when the package should arrive will be input. For Traffic situation, weather conditions and the location of each stop will be input also. Finally, with a DIAD system, customers’ signatures along with pickup and delivery information, current location will be input too. Processing: Information from the bar-code label on a package is printed and attached to a pachkage. Then before the package will be delivered, information form the label is transmitted to one of UPS’s computer centers like Mahwah, New Jersey. And then, it is sent to the distribution center nearest its final destination so that dispatchers could find most efficient way to deliver. Finally, package information will be transmitted to UPS computer network through DIAD, and will be stored and processed in a way customers could access information easily. Outputs: First of all, most efficient delivery route for drivers. Secondly, shipping rates, current location, pick up and delivery time will be informed for customers. Also, proof of delivery to customers will be informed through DIAD. (2) What technologies are used by UPS? How are these technologies related to UPS’s business strategy? A. Scanable bar-coded label which contains detailed information about customer and packages. B. Delivery Information Acquisition Device...
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...What are the inputs, processing, and outputs of UPS's package tracking system? There are two sides to UPS's package tracking system: the external, customer-oriented side, and the internal company and employee oriented side. The input starts with customer with the creation of a scannable bar-coded “smart” label which can be done from the UPS website or using a special software provided by UPS, both accessible via the internet. These labels will contain data about the sender, the destination, and package arrival times. This data is received by UPS's central computer for processing and the information is then forwarded to one of their distribution centers where logistical planning will occur. UPS drivers are given a handheld Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD) which can immediately record and upload pickup and delivery information and pictures of recipient signature to the UPS network, called UPSnet, for storing and processing. The data being sent from the DIAD is gathered from the scannable label on packages, recipient signatures captured, time card info, satellite feed of traffic patterns and changing schedules. Finally, all this information's outputs will include the UPS intranet available company-wide to distribution centers, customer service centers, etc., and the internet via UPS's website or embedded UPS functions within corporate customer's own websites. What technologies are used by UPS? How are these technologies related to UPS's business strategy? The technologies...
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...ABSTRACT This analysis of the information technology infrastructure at United Parcel Service (UPS) begins with a general overview of the company’s information technology (IT) environment to establish awareness of the size and complexity of this corporation. It includes a macro-level breakdown of the technology infrastructure of UPS ranging from the data centers to the PCs currently in operation. The study also more closely analyzes the software and database structure of UPS along with an analysis of the company’s E-commerce activities. It includes an interview with Tom Creech, the North Florida District E-commerce manager at UPS. Finally, research was conducted to evaluate the emerging technologies that UPS is implementing and employing to support the business strategy and maintain its competitive edge. INTRODUCTION A case study is a "published report about a person, group, or situation that has been studied over time." If the case study is about a group, it describes the behavior of the group as a whole, not behavior of each individual in the group. Case studies can be produced by following a formal research method. In doing case study research, the "case" being studied may be an individual, organization, event, or action, existing in a specific time and place. Case studies are analyses of persons, events, decisions, periods, projects, policies, institutions, or other systems that are studied holistically by one or more method. The case that is the subject of the inquiry...
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...1. What are UPS “Smart Labels?” What role do they play in UPS operations? UPS Smart Labels are bar coded labels that are used to initiate a UPS transaction. The bar code label contains all the key information about the customer, the package size, destination and weight. This information is sent immediately to a UPS processing center at the very time it is created with a UPS drivers hand held computer (the DIAD IV). The smart labels become the control document used throughout the transaction right through to final delivery. 2. Write out the steps a package takes from pick-up by a UPS driver to delivery including the role of DIAD, the UPS Data Center, and the UPS Package Center. Smart label created Information sent to processing center Information processed—stored, address corrected Information matched to dispatch plan Package is sorted Another label is printed specifying delivery truck and position on truck Geo software used to continuously update dispatch plans for trucks based on current load Information is displayed on the DIAD IV identifying drop off order, position on truck At delivery, package scanned. Information sent wirelessly to processing center Customers sign on the dotted line on the DIAD IV. Main processing centers store complete track of package for customer tracking 3. What role does wireless communication play in the UPS systems? DIAD IV is wirelessly connected to the main processing centers and the package centers. Generally UPS trucks contain...
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...www.hbr.org Top executives often feel uncomfortable making hard choices about information technology. But when they abdicate responsibility, they set their companies up for wasted investments and missed opportunities. Six IT Decisions Your IT People Shouldn’t Make by Jeanne W. Ross and Peter Weill Reprint R0211F Top executives often feel uncomfortable making hard choices about information technology. But when they abdicate responsibility, they set their companies up for wasted investments and missed opportunities. Six IT Decisions Your IT People Shouldn’t Make by Jeanne W. Ross and Peter Weill COPYRIGHT © 2002 HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL PUBLISHING CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. For several years now, we have observed the frustration—sometimes even exasperation— that many business executives feel toward information technology and their IT departments. Our center runs a seminar called “IT for the Non-IT Executive,” and the refrain among the more than 1,000 senior managers who have taken the course runs something like this: “What can I do? I don’t understand IT well enough to manage it in detail. And my IT people—although they work hard—don’t seem to understand the very real business problems I face.” Perhaps the complaint we hear most frequently from the executives—most of them CEOs, COOs, CFOs, or other high-ranking officers—is that they haven’t realized much business value from the high-priced technology they have installed. Meanwhile, the list of seemingly...
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