Club_It_Part_2

Club IT Part 2 XBIS/219 Club IT Part 2 Club IT's current information system provides basic services to their customers and employees but these systems could be updated to provide a smoother flow of information and easier access for all users. As a system analyst, the first job is to determine and detail the business problems and if information systems are at fault (Rainer & Turban, 2009). From there the functions needed for a new system and the user requirements can be specified. Three problems Club IT are currently experiencing include the lack of an online marketing presence, out-of-date technology for customer service, and inadequate ordering procedures. After speaking with Reuben and other employees, I have determined what functions of a new system will improve these problems and detailed the user requirements for each. The first problem with Club IT's information system in the inability to advertise to customers in the media they are most comfortable with. The generation of clientele of Club IT is technologically advanced and currently Club IT is not up-to-date with technology such as online purchasing and marketing. A few strengths of the current system are the website advertising of club layout, merchandise and refreshments for purchase, and the schedule of music by month. One weakness is that customers must find the website on their own for this information. Another weakness of Club IT's online marketing is not having a mailing list to provide interested parties with the exact schedule of musicians. Club IT also is not currently reaching out to new customers. Functions of an updated system would include a current database of customer and performer information, the hardware and software to connect with customers online instantly with changes, and the creation of an online advertising presence. User information requirements include customer contact information such as e-mail address and other social media contact information like his or her Facebook contact information. Other user requirements include detailed information about the musicians and the future music schedule. The next problem Club IT faces is an outdated ordering system of supplies. The current system allows electronic ordering to be done through the website, a strength, but does not track inventory and currently lacks an automatic ordering system. Club IT could improve their supply chain through the use of Point of Sale technology involving each vendor and also tracking sales electronically. Functions of an improved system would track sales and orders, eliminating a physical count of inventory. Another function of the improved system will automatically order supplies when a specific level has been reached and keep track of expiration date of perishable items. User requirements include the recording of all sales in real time, the current inventory count, tracking of orders, and any expired product. This information would reduce the time involved in the supply chain and thus increase profit through reduced inventory. Last, Club IT's biggest problem is their reliance on face-to-face and over the phone transactions while their customers prefer an online purchasing environment. The existing system does allow customers to view products and prices, but they must call or go to the club to purchase anything. An improved system requires functions such as the ability to purchase online in a secure environment, a database of customer information, connection with the current e-mail system, and also basic customer relations. Customers must be able to contact Club IT should there be questions or problems and be given individual attention in an online environment. User requirements include customer information such as credit card information and shipping address if necessary. Users would also benefit from the feedback from customers because of the ease and speed of communicating online. This instant communication would allow Reuben and Lisa to tailor their music, refreshments, and merchandise to the desires of their customers. Club IT's information systems were adequate for when they opened their nightclub, but with the expansion of their club, they must keep up with information system changes as well. The fact that they have an online presence is a plus, but now they must reach out farther in advertising as well as allowing their customers and suppliers to connect with them online. Understanding their lack of an instant connection with their customers for purchasing will allow Club IT to implement functionally specific information systems. This should increase sales enough to offset the cost of implementation. Better resource planning will also reduce costs easily with a few minor updates to existing systems. References Rainer, R. & Turban, E. (2009). Introduction to information systems: Supporting and transforming business (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Retrieved from http://bcs.wiley.com/he-bcs/Books'action=resource&bcsId=4176&itemId=0470169001&resourceId=12382