Recommendations of Middle-Sized Company (Essay Sample)

Recommendations for A Mid-Size Widget Manufacturing Company
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Institution
Recommendations for A Mid-Size Widget Manufacturing Company
Introduction
The medium-sized company is using manual operators to effects its operations where challenges and drawbacks are common. The staff and management team are using outdated systems to serve their customers where high instances of dissatisfactions may arise. Business intelligence, integration of operations and data integrity is important to any organization and thus this mid-sized company should adopt technology to safe guard its interests and increase their production. The introduction of internet has revolutionized the business world and there are many organizations wanting to adopt the latest changes to effect and upgrade their operations. This paper discusses how this middle-sized company can employ information technology (IT) and technology to upgrade its operations. There are several options that the company can engage in including accounting automation and human resources business processes. These options are geared towards enhancing competitiveness and making strategically placing the company at an upper hand in its operations.
Recommended components of the system
The company needs to design and install input devices, output devices, and storage facilities that will enable it to effectively communicate trade and manage its accounts and operations smoothly. There are several components that should be used to enhance IT and technology in the company. Some specification s includes adequate space to store required data and information that the company may need for its operations. RAM and ROM are needed for operational efficiency where the staff can use them to store information. Input devices include keyboard, mouse, trackball, touchpad, light pen and scanner. Output devices include monitor, plotters (for printing graphical outputs) and soundcards and speakers for projecting sound. Having USB (universal serial bus) should be available to access data and information from other sources. These are the needed for enabling the management and the stakeholders to enjoy high quality services (NIOS, 2013). Since the company does accounting businesses, software packages like AccountEdge that can manage the accounting inputs and outputs.
The operating system, utility, and application software that you recommend
The company should use Windows 8operating systems since it’s the newest version of OS that can serve the staff and customers well. Application software suited for the company include BambooHR, AccountEdge and cloud storage that when integrated offers the best service in reaching many customers and uplifting customer service. The systems should be upgraded and storage capacity upgraded too through using cloud storage. Servers with speeds of above 3 terabytes are recommended too with hard drives that can serve every department efficiently. Security will be provided by software like SecureAnywhere TM and WebProof for protecting the websites against viruses.
The company's communication and network needs
Communication for the company can be through emails, chat-boxes, skype, online massagers and other platforms like fax and telephones. Communication can also be enhanced by having intranets and internets where staff and the internal management can communicate freely and fast. Internet and website hosted though cloud storage will provide access of information to customers. "Contact us" forms will also be installed for the clients to engage with the management for feedbacks. The company will have to install all communication platforms for the customers and connect all computers and remote controllers that transmit information. Network will also include hardware like masts that will be used for distributing information to customers.
The database management system that you recommend
The recommended database management includes Applications Manager for monitoring web servers, databases, application servers and other systems for management. ERP (enterprise resource planning) software is needed to control use of resources within the company. Some of the best and recommended ERP systems include the Oracle that supports medium-sized businesses in their operations and daily chore execution. Other two systems recommended as the second and third choice for database management include the NetSuite and Microsoft Dynamics GP (Burnson, 2015).
Information about development of the information system
Information system should be developed through upgrading computers to the newest operating system (windows 8) with Office365. This will provide the staff with the best platform to deal with clients and manage their affairs well. The employees should be equipped with tools and software that gives optimal success and workflow. IT will be enhanced by creating website for the company to inform people of the services the company offers and how they can make orders online and pay for them. It will also provide platform for customers’ feedback that will enhance efficiency by correcting where the management has performed poorly. There will be automation of services with staff working and customers ordering and paying for their services. There are security concerns where the company should enlist in security providing software to guard its sensitive information. During development of the IT software and cloud hosting, the company will select the best hosting company for the provision of the IT services. Accounting will be enhanced by the use of AccountEdge that will manage expense accounts, preparation of employee and employer tax forms, and payrolls among other functions.
The enterprise integration of the new information system
The enterprise integration needs to have functions for all sections of staff. For instance, management and staff should have upgraded computers working with the Windows 8 that’s has Office365, equipped mobile stations for sales representatives (computers) and upgraded warehouses that have computerized systems to monitor and control production. Customer service and sales should be integrated online. Saleforce’s program needs to be implemented to help streamline all customer service issues while tracking sales representatives’ progress. Integration should also include BambooHR service provider to boost HR functions that include hiring & firing, tracking, editing & approving time off requests, and generating weekly, quarterly and annual reports. The HR integrated software enables self-servicing for employees, presentation of personal information and staff gaining access to digital information. Integration of stakeholders’ information is critical as it allows easy monitoring of the progress in operations and sales.
Company's plan for utilization of cloud storage
Hsu (2013) observes that many organizations are meeting storage challenges where their data is managed, represented and secured. Many organizations fear that their data and information will be leaked to third parties hence compromising their security. Functions like quota management, access management and user monitoring rise questions on security and freedom of the company on the cloud storage facilities.
The company is advised to seek cloud storage for its files and data where its customers can access its services at remote areas and transact businesses. Online sales can be done and information passed through cloud platform. There are other benefits of cloud storage like adequate storage facilities, easy replication of data, easy access of information and protection of inf...