...on what beneficial operational decisions can be adopted at Kroger and how they will affect the distribution and supply chains. Summary Comparison between Wegmans and Kroger. The comparison based on distribution strategy shows that Wegmans have implemented strategies that give them advantage over Kroger Co. Such are warehouse semi-automation and conveyor use, which results in decreased labor cost and increased speed and effectiveness. Working with vendors to improve packaging has reduced inventory loss at Wegmans. Information sharing through Global Data Synchronization will further increase their effectiveness. The planned replacement of SKU with ID-tag chips will further improve Wegmans’ supply chain operations. Opportunities for improvement at Kroger. Key opportunities for improvement at Kroger Co. are automation of the warehouse process through the use of conveyor belts that will reduce labor cost and improve effectiveness. Current and future recommendations for Kroger. Key recommendation for Kroger at this point besides automation is vendor relations. Like Wegmans, Kroger should work with vendors to improve packaging and thus reduce inventory loss. Also, implementing Global Data Synchronization will improve communications with suppliers. Future recommendations will include the use of ID-tag chips as a replacement of SKU, which will increase speed dramatically. Analysis Data, Method, Assumptions. Qualitative data found in Stevenson’s...
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...Krispy Kreme Redefines Supply Chain Automation The superior doughnut manufacturer, partnering with J.S. Walker & Company, Inc., incorporates innovative Web-based applications to automate the supply chain process and address communication challenges. The Road to Automation Since its inception in 1937, Krispy Kreme has refined its ability to provide the freshest doughnuts and coffees to its customers and retailers. With three distribution centers, storefronts in thirtyseven states, Canada, and Australia, and with new locations opening at a rate of two stores per week, this fast growing enterprise recognized a need to streamline supply chain and communications procedures. In 1989, Krispy Kreme began using Macola, an inventory management, supply chain, and accounting system. For Krispy Kreme, “supply chain” means getting doughnut mix, frosting and sprinkles from the factory to the local shop, where doughnuts are made fresh on site. Even after introducing Macola, further automation became necessary when subsequent growth made it increasingly difficult to manage day-to-day operations. Krispy Kreme partnered with J.S. Walker & Co. to evaluate the company’s order, product delivery and inventory management life cycle. Analysis revealed that concentrating on process and supply chain communication would deliver the most significant time and money savings. Refining supply chain operations would also free managers to focus on customer relations. The solution: a Web-based intranet application...
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...SAGE 3 ERP The Riordan Manufacturing organization has a need for an integrated ERP system to make things operate more efficiently. Sage ERP solutions are designed to meet the basic needs of every company, but certain industries require more specific processes and operations (Sage Software Inc, 2014). Sage 3 provides insight when it is needed the most and improves efficiency across the business. Inventory Management for Riordan can be changed when an ERP system such as Sage is in control. According to Sage Inventory Advisor (2014), this system will forecast inventory levels to avoid stock outs and meet demands. It works across discrete and process manufacturing environments, and quicker with processes to include bills of material, quality control, and production analysis. Establishing good relationships with reliable Vendors is the key to supply chain management. The Sage 3 ERP will help Riordan Manufacturing identify poor performing vendors from good performers. Sage offers optimized ordering to ensure that all orders will be strategically placed in the shipping containers to maximize capacity for deliveries. Order processing is done through Sage by purchase invoice automation. All orders are placed through automation; therefore reducing the need for entering the information manually. The benefits of invoice automation, according to Sage Software (2013) are increased productivity, improved cost savings, boost in compliance, and reduction in errors. Sage...
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...System Analysis and Design Tony Eary October 20, 2012 Ibrahim Elhag– Instructor Strayer University Inventory Management Systems The necessary equipment for creating a low-cost automated inventory system would be a Rockwell Automation Printed Circuit Board, Wireless Antennas Cable with Circuit Board, Microcontroller Unit PIC18F4550, Handheld MC9190 G-Mobile Computer, and IR Remote Toggle Switch Kit, Bar Codes, and Personal Computer. The system I would want to create would be automated and run off wireless and IR signals where there will be some manual check, but the automated would be in place and manual is just to double-check on the automated system. There can be a lag in automated systems so there would be the need for manual checking in case the automated isn’t up to date because the last thing anyone wants is to be without what’s needed and then have to order it. The customer wouldn’t be happy and makes the business look bad at the same time. There will be an automated inventory system comprising of at least one bin configured to contain a plurality of stocked items, a platform configured to support the bin, a wireless circuit associated with each said platform and a wireless reader device having at least one microcontroller unit. The wireless reader device may be configured to read a wireless signal transmitted by the wireless circuit upon completion of printed circuit board. The printed circuit board includes a switch configured to selectively complete...
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...“Information Systems Proposal” July 9, 2012 Axia University BIS 220 – “Introduction to Computer Applications and Systems” Alicia Snedeker A&R Records Inc. Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Table 3. Benefits of Information Systems 4. Drawbacks of Information Systems 5. Conclusion Operating a business is hard and what makes it harder is not being familiar with the information systems being used. A business owner should have the understanding of which information systems work best for the business. I am writing this proposal to better inform you of how the knowledge of these information systems most benefits A&R Records Inc. Times have changed and we need to meet the times head on and maximize our value. The systems I am proposing we use are Transaction processing system, Functional Area IS, Management Information Systems, E-commerce systems, Office Automation Systems and Expert Systems. Different types of Information Systems | Benefits | Drawbacks | Transaction Processing Systems | Will allow us to ring up customers through check, credit, debit or even cash in an automated fashion. | If the system goes down it takes us longer to ring up the customers and only cash will have to be the choice of payment. | Functional Area Information System | Will allow us to make sure employees clock in to make sure payroll is being tracked. | System Crashing would not allow our employees to clock in and ensure the right amount of hours is...
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...Information Systems Proposal Name BIS/220 Date Instructor Round & Round Records Information Systems Proposal Table of Contents 1. Overview a. Round & Round Records Overview b. Overview of information Systems 2. Types of Information Systems c. Transaction Processing Systems d. Office Automation Systems e. Supply Chain Management Systems f. Executive Dashboard g. Functional Area IS 3. Table of Suggested Systems 4. Conclusion 5. References 1. OVERVIEW a. Round & Round Records Overview Round & Round Records is a joint business venture of John Doe and Joe Snuffy in the heart of the Los Angeles metro area. The business is targeted at a variety of demographics, from middle class music aficionados to retirement age nostalgic listeners. The intent of the business is to cater to these various audiophiles by providing them with the best selection of music on the format they prefer the most; vinyl records. b. Overview of Information Systems While John Doe is proficient in information systems technologies, Joe is not. This proposal is being drafted as a method of providing a concise and detailed review of information systems, the benefits and concerns of each, and how each will benefit the business. 2. TYPES OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS c. Transaction Processing Systems Transaction processing systems are designed to monitor inventory processes such as sales, returns...
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...Automated Process of Accounting Information Systems Time management, effective processes, and reliable internal control are keys to a business’ success. The core activities of any for-profit businesses revolve around payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and inventory processes. Any deficiency in any of those four processes can impair a company’s ability to operate and drive it to failure. Those four main activities must run smoothly and efficiently if a company aspires to be successful. Kudler Fine Foods (KFF) is not exempt from those requirements. KFF does have a well-designed accounting process, but that system is not integrated, and each store is operating on its own with the owner juggling all the time between the three branches to perform some control and to make financial decisions for all of them. Those four activities must be streamlined and integrated in order to render KFF more efficient and effective. In this summary, we will analyze the pros and cons associated with an industry-specific software, or develop customized software. We will look at various enhancement and automation options available to KFF. We will also develop flowcharts to show the flow of data into and from each of the four systems analyzed. Prioritize the Four Main Systems The priority of the four main systems should be automation of the payroll system first. Then, the Inventory process needs to be automated and from there that will connect to the accounts receivable and ending with...
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...Applications of Information Technology – MIS535 May 27, 2013 Proposal Subject This proposal discusses the mismanagement of inventory that causes the major business problem. Resolving the issue requires better management procedures for controlling inventory with efficient and effective use of the existing resources. Implementation of Just in Time System will eliminate inventory waste, production delays, and extra cost of storage and disposal. Resolving these kinds of inventory management challenges will lead to positive competitiveness and will ultimately result in higher profit. Business problem Ford Company wants to produce a new model known as 2013 Ford Explorer. It has set it a target of producing 1,100 cars each day for the first eight weeks. However, it faces several constraints that threaten to prevent it from attaining this target. The cost of materials that it would incur is higher due to the huge amount of raw materials required in the production of these cars. It also requires a lot of time to assemble these cars, and this threatened the company’s objective of meeting its production target (Sulivan, 2005). It previously received its supplies from various suppliers who had to manufacture all the components required for the production of this model, load them into containers and later schedule them for delivery. This process of inventory management model is not efficient, since employees do most of the handling of materials and thus the quality of these components...
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...Information Systems Proposal Daniel Metzgar BIS220 June 20, 2011 Bud Stinson TABLE OF CONTENTS Title 1 Table of Contents 2 Abstract 3 Data Information Systems 3 Introduction 3 Executive Dashboard ______________________________________________________________ 3 Transaction Processing System ______________________________________________________ 4 Office Automation System _________________________________________________________ 4 Image 1.1 _______________________________________________________________________ 3 Table 1.1 5 Summary of Findings 5 References 7 Abstract Information systems is a vital part of a business plan. The key is to find the right information for our company. The three informaton systems we will discuss are the Executive Dashboard, Transaction Processing Systems and Office Automation Systems. Each of these systems have a distinct purpose and some are better suited for our needs than others. An executive dashboard can help us determine how sales are doing for our company. A transaction processing system will allow us to complete sales for our customers in a more efficient manner. An office automation system can be used to create any reports we may need to track finances and create invoices for our customers. The information here will help determine which is best suited...
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...antiquated process for inventory management. Most inventory checks are done through a printed form and then handed off to an Inventory Clerk for data entry. This process consumes time and allows room for human error. To enhance the inventory management at Riordan Manufacturing, implementation of a barcode scanning system and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) system is recommended. This system will provide full automation of inventory tracking from the receipt of raw materials to the shipment of finished products. This will reduce human error, accelerate the movement of inventory, and reduce stock-out. In addition, it will solve Riordan’s supply chain problem by implementing a shorter and more efficient supply chain process. Riordan Manufacturing’s objective in implementing a new inventory management process is to increase revenue and financial stability. Automation of the inventory management system will lessen human discrepancies/errors thus minimizing lost revenue/cost. The system will also minimize the time the current staff would need to enter manually inventory data allowing the company to effectively use those resources in other areas of the organization. This proposal outlines the need for Riordan Manufacturing to implement a new system(s) that will enhance their current inventory and manufacturing processes. Suggested implementation consists of barcode scanning and fully automated inventory management, and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI). Incorporating...
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...warehouses and distribution centers figuratively were bursting at the seams. Enter the Warehouse Infrastructure Initiative, which for all practical purposes was an attempt to re-engineer the old mousetrap; in this case, to make it bigger. When all was said and done, that effort was set aside in favor of the highly innovative - and successful - Direct-to-Store Delivery Transformation Initiative. Here are the benefits, according to Timothy Thornton, PBC vice president, supply chain logistics: The distribution strategy that ultimately resulted delivers more than product. "Breakthrough warehouse cost savings" flow as well. In addition, the model has reduced inventory system-wide, eliminated warehouse space constraints and provides the key for unlimited SKU growth. Leveraging new case-picking order-fulfillment automation technology and combining its homegrown order management tools enabled PBC to "crack the code" on...
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...A., Inc. HBS Case No. 9-693-019. Harvard Business School Publishing, Boston, 1995. , Hammond, Janice H. Barilla SpA (A). HBS Case No. 9-694-046. Harvard Business School Publishing, Boston, 1994. , Latour, Almar. Nokia Handles Supply Shock with Aplomb as Ericsson of Sweden Gets Burned. The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company, Inc., 2001. , National Cranberry Cooperative HBS #688122. From Case Map , John Crane UK Ltd Case : The CAD CAM Link . HBS #691021,24p , To Move or not to Move .Case of Cathay Pacific Airways . University of Hong Kong HBS #HKU003,22p , Note on Quality: The Views of Deming, Juran, and Crosby HBS .687011 , Process Control at Polaroid , HBS, #693047 , LL Bean Item Forecasting and Inventory Management HBS, #893003, 5p , Johson Control Automotive Systems , HBS,#69308623p , Title Operations Management Concepts, Techniques & Applications Operations Management Author Evans & Collier Edition 1st Year Publisher Name Cengage Learning Tata McGraw Hill Author Norman Gaither,Greg Frazier Edition 9th Year Publisher Name Cengage Learning William Stevenson Taylor 8th Relevant Websites Sr No RW-1 RW-2 (Web address) (only if relevant to the course) "www.apics.org " "www.asq.org "...
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...antiquated process for inventory management. Most inventory checks are done through a printed form and then handed off to an Inventory Clerk for data entry. This process consumes time and allows room for human error. To enhance the inventory management at Riordan Manufacturing, implementation of a barcode scanning system and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) system is recommended. This system will provide full automation of inventory tracking from the receipt of raw materials to the shipment of finished products. This will reduce human error, accelerate the movement of inventory, and reduce stock-out. In addition, it will solve Riordan’s supply chain problem by implementing a shorter and more efficient supply chain process. Riordan Manufacturing’s objective in implementing a new inventory management process is to increase revenue and financial stability. Automation of the inventory management system will lessen human discrepancies/errors thus minimizing lost revenue/cost. The system will also minimize the time the current staff would need to enter manually inventory data allowing the company to effectively use those resources in other areas of the organization. This proposal outlines the need for Riordan Manufacturing to implement a new system(s) that will enhance their current inventory and manufacturing processes. Suggested implementation consists of barcode scanning and fully automated inventory management, and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI). Incorporating...
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...m BUSINESS PROCESS AUTOMATION IN RETAIL The retail industry is facing sweeping and unprecedented change. Customers’ expectations grow higher, economic pressures require them to do more with less, and each day new competitors appear. Responding to that rapid pace of change, retailers tell us, is both their biggest challenge and their biggest opportunity. Retailers who can adapt to change can make intelligent, fast decisions; find new markets to exploit; and constantly improve their products, services, and operations. But retailers don’t have a switch to flip that turns them into supersmart, super-adaptable businesses. Hoping to find that switch, they often turn to technology, looking for some magic to help them navigate a changing business environment. However, technology by itself is not the solution. Any discussion about generating a positive impact for the business should first center on how to empower people with effective solutions that deliver results. A “connected retailer” not only leverages a flexible, economical technology platform that drives results, but also focuses primarily on its greatest asset: people empowered by the right solutions to act on the right information at the right time. To enable your organization’s people assets to extend their potential through the use of software, Microsoft delivers agile and adaptive solutions for business process automation (BPA). BPA solutions provide the tools, technologies, and infrastructure to automate complex business processes...
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...OPS/HC571 December 12, 2011 Christopher Kelley Material Management Proposal Material management department is typically responsible for directing the supply chain. Material management is an umbrella department that has many other functions (e.g., central store, laundry and linen operations, and sterile processing). The core purpose of material management is to direct and control the movements of goods in an efficient manner through a hospital system (Langabeer, 2008). This material management proposal document will elaborate on the role materials management plays within a hospital and the role of operations managers in this process. This document will further identify possible constraints a hospital may experience in its supply chain, the potential effects and justification on implementing a new collaborative planning process, and provide suggestions on how to manage a hospital supplied during a disaster. Role of Materials and Operations Management The role of materials and operations management plays within a hospital system is vital to the success of any health care organization. According to Langabeer (2008) material management controls significant resources and have total expenditures, or spending at 50% of a hospital budget. Materials management not only directs and controls the supply chain of a health care organization it is responsible for managing the flow of goods throughout the hospital and carry out supply and resource logistics. Materials management has numerous...
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