Club_It_Part_1

ClubIT, Part 1 BIS/219 8/16/2010 Instructor: Pat Sullivan ClubIT, Part 1 Club IT’s mission is to provide a place with ‘live music, DJ's, dance space and refreshments’ where people can hang out and enjoy themselves. Club IT’s primary clientele are an eclectic group ranging from those that “want to get out of the house” to the traditional “clubber”, and the typical customer base of Club IT are the young who are IT-savvy and consider convenience and efficiency because they are users of latest high tech tools such as the portable “smartphones” like the Blackberry and IPhone. Club IT can help to balance the needs of the company and the customer by providing needed Information Technology (IT). The IT department should be able to address the business problems which it experiences by conducting interviews with members of the organization and evaluating the information resources of Club. Information should be managed by using Application Software – programs that do specific tasks- within Information Systems (IS). Information Systems provide support for employees by providing office automation systems, automated product ordering, band scheduling, and ticket accountability, all of which will increase productivity of the employees. Other resources include a company website with info such as menu, type of music, and a map to increase awareness/ attract consumers. Also, an employee password protected intranet can be used to retrieve and share important employee information and to manage and track an individual’s tasks. Differentiation between other nightclubs can be achieved by using different strategies. One strategy is the use of technology. Because the typical Club IT’s customer is technologically savvy, the most benefit would be realized by replacing the outdated computer system with a more powerful, modern computer system with one like the HP Elite 7000 (www tigerdirect.com) for around $750. For example, with the upgrade, the customers can benefit because the wait staff and kitchen/bar can communicate wirelessly through electronic handheld menus. A customer can be seated at a table and order directly from an electronic menu that has been coded with the table’s location. The menu can include advancements like “just in time” items that tell the customer what is available and how long it will take to receive the order, allow the customer to play games and give background information on either the live band, or the song being played. The wait staff then delivers the food/drinks. Another option could be to order- and pay for- off of a secure online menu and then “log in” with a username and password from the table. This allows those that are tech savvy to use the technology that they are most comfortable with and negates the wait time’s common with long lines and limited staff. This also allows for discounts to those that are regular customers and for the individual to set a “budget”. Other ways technology can set Club IT apart from their competition is to through a member only portal on the website. This member only section could allow the customer to do things like write a review of the latest band that played at the club, participate in a blog, and check on their “tab” to see what has been ordered off of the menu. The member only site can also facilitate e-mail marketing on the part of the company. Club IT can target certain customers (based off of the information obtained from the registration process) and inform them of when their favorite band will return, or when a “like band” will play, thus increasing attendance with the lesser known named bands. Technology can also help with the back office by improving the efficiency of everything from paying bills to ordering supplies. Automation reduces the need for additional employees, thus reducing costs. In closing, while an IT upgrade may seem a little intimidating and expensive, the initial cost will be offset by improved productivity of the employees and will help keep the labor ratio to a more manageable level. Customers needs and wants can be better realized, increasing attendance and in turn increasing profits. In the end, with the proper implementation of the proper IT components- everything from hardware and software, to the people to manage them- Club IT can flourish and maintain the competitive advantage over the competition. References http://billso.com/2008/03/12/the-electronic-menu/ Club IT, Part One reading supplement www.tigerdirect.com Rainer, Turban: Introduction to Information Systems: Supporting and Transforming Business, 2nd Edition