Frequent_Shopper_Program_Pt_2

Frequent Shopper Program, Part II Sarah Stanton 07/05/2012 BSA/385 Jeffrey Doolin Introduction Kudler Fine Foods has hired Smith Consulting to build a new Frequent Shopper Program for their three locations: La Jolla, Del Mar, and Encinitas. This program will be designed to track customer purchasing behavior and patterns, in order to offer the best quality products. In developing the new system, Smith Consulting will be in charge of building the hardware platform, network connections, software development tools, database information, user interfaces, controls, and security measures. Hardware Platform The necessary hardware platform will need to be consistent at all three locations in order for the new system to run smoothly. The La Jolla and Del Mar locations already have the same hardware setup, which includes the following: * 4 POS PII WIN9x Terminals * Novell 4.11 Server for POS * 10.1.50.0 Ethernet Network * UPS Standalone * PII 64 mg RAM WIN9x with Office 97 connected to a bubble jet printer and an external CD burner * PII w NT Server IIS4 WinFax Pro Built-in Modem and CDROM Reader * 56k Modem for Internet access A bar code system will be used to track customer purchases by utilizing the current bar code hardware that is currently in use. DSL or Broadband connection will need to replace the 56k Modems to increase power. Network Connections The network used by Kudler Fine Foods is a virtual private network, or VPN. This is a secured network that allows each location to share files and data with the headquarters. This also secures tracking information on the new system, and protects sensitive customer data. Software Development Tools Smith Consulting will follow the traditional model of the Software Development Life Cycle to build the Frequent Shopper Program. Documentation will be kept and referred to throughout each stage of the development cycle, and testing will be conducted throughout the process as well. Kudler Fine Foods will have access to review the documentation and they will be given a prototype of the proposed system prior to the development stage. Necessary changes will be implemented before the coding begins. Database Information The current database program that is being used by Kudler is Microsoft Access. It includes the following tables: * Customer * Inventory * Item * Order * Order Line * Store * Supplier * Tax Table * Tender Smith Consulting will add new tables and queries to accommodate the Frequent Shopper Program. Intricate testing procedures will take place at this point to ensure that the information is being distributed properly into the correct tables, such as product and customer data. User Interfaces The graphical user interface (GUI) is possibly one of the most important aspects of the project. This is the go-between between the customer and the program, and this is part of what will excite them about the program. Smith Consulting is prepared to deliver a graphical user interface that is easy to understand, simple to look at and navigate through, and able to help customers with their needs. Simplicity and a good color pallet are the goal in creating the user interface. It needs to be inviting and easy for customers to access their information. Controls A customer membership card with a unique barcode on it will be used to track purchases and ensure that information is accurately maintained. Each customer will be offered the membership card, upon accepting it they will be placed in the Frequent Shopper Program. Customers will also have the ability to log into their account on the website and change any personal data as needed and view their purchase history and loyalty points. Security Smith Consulting knows that proper security measures are necessary to protect sensitive information. This is why several security measures will be in place, and customer’s that rest assured that their information is safe. Kudler utilizes a private network, and all data will be kept in the database within that network. Conclusion Smith Consulting is ready to begin the process of the creating the Frequent Shopper Program. Throughout the project, testing will ensure proper development, and Kudler Fine Foods will have the ability to make any changes they need to. The Frequent Shopper Program will draw in more customers and result in a bigger profit for Kudler Fine Foods. Reference Kudler Fine Foods . (2011). Retrieved from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/cist/vop/Business/Kudler2/intranet/networks-lajolla.asp (2012). Software Engineering: Modern Approaches. Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection