Club_It,_Pt

Running header: CLUB IT, PART II Club IT, Part II Laura D. Booker BIS/219 December 11, 2010 Professor Paul Withey Club IT, Part II Club IT is a newly remodeled club that offers its clients a venue where they are entertained with live music, dancing, and a light-fare menu. In an effort to stay competitive, Club IT hired an intern to analyze the club’s data management, information technology, and decision-making capabilities. The result of this analyzes yielded several problematic areas. For example, customers cannot purchase event tickets or merchandise either in person or via telephone. The club did not have the means to order supplies, nor did they have mechanisms in place to track items that sold and those that did not sell. The club does not have a system in place that sufficiently stores information, thereby, making information retrieval, and sharing inaccessible to employees. Club IT Resources Despite the numerous improvements to the club’s interior, Club IT did not upgrade its information systems. The only tangible technology Club IT has is the internet. The role of the Internet is not being used as a resource for business management or customer relations. Recommended Solutions In an effort to resolves some of the club’s deficiencies in information technology, the club should invest in several software modules (e.g., Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Supply Chain Management (SCM), and Customer Relations Management (CRM). These software modules will integrate how Club IT responds to increasing business needs, thus, making the club responses more effective and efficient. However, it would not be feasible for Club IT to purchase these software modules independently because of the cost. As a small business, it would be in the club’s best interest to invest in an online organization that specializes in integrated business managements system. For example, BizAutomation.com is an online organization that acts as a hub for businesses to purchase multiple software programs, and run their entire business with one integrated system. Investing in this organization would enable Club IT to run its entire business through this vendor for a minimal monthly fee. The objective of an ERP system is to integrate the functional areas of the organization so information will flow easily (Rainer, 2008). Incorporation of ERP, SCM, and CRM Although Club IT do not have the proper technology to manage its business, by investing in an ERP, SCM, and CRM software systems it would enable the club to; manage its data; upgrade information technology, and enhances the Club’s decision making capabilities. Inasmuch, customers will be able to purchase tickets to events, and purchase Club IT merchandise online. These systems will also enable the club to efficiently order supplies, and track selling items and non-selling items. It will also aid Club IT to adequately store information, and allow employees to easily access, and share information with one integrated system. By incorporating minimal changes to the current manner in which business is conducted at Club IT will significantly increase the club’s effectiveness and efficiency both internally and externally. An ERP system will help Club IT to better communicate with employees, vendors, and clients. It also will enable the club to efficiently process data. The system improves the overall quality of reports; it integrates applications, while making maintenance of database easy. It will also provide a means for Club IT to respond to increasing business needs. The software can be used as a tool to ascertain future trends, and dynamics that will put into effect the use of e-business and e-commerce applications and practices. This will be a way for Club IT to meet the competitive challenges of today’s business environment. Suggested Use of Solutions Although Club IT do not have the proper technology to manage its business, by investing in an ERP, SCM, and CRM software systems it would allow the club to; manage its data; upgrade information technology, and enhances the Club’s decision making capabilities. Inasmuch, customers will be able to purchase tickets to events, and purchase Club IT merchandise online. These systems will also enable the club too effectively and efficiently order supplies, and the track selling items and non-selling items. It will also aid Club IT to adequately, store information and allow employees to easily access, and share information with one integrated system. By incorporating minimal changes to the current manner in which business is conducted at Club IT will significantly increase the club’s effectiveness and efficiently both internally and externally. The new database technologies will make it possible for Club IT to identify its customers, what they buy, and often they buy. It will also make predictions based on historical behavior. The objective is to enrich the customer’s experience at Club IT, thereby, yielding more loyal customers, and additional sales of products and services. In addition, a CRM software seamlessly integrates sales, customer service, marketing, and other functions that affect customers. CRM will improve and increase Club IT’s internal and external communication. References Rainer, R.K., & Turban, E. (2008). Introduction to information systems (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.