Problem Statement
You have been hired to create an information system and website for a retail store.
The current problem has arisen through the continued growth of the store. It has grown to a point where operations have become cumbersome and difficult to manage. The following specific problems were identified or verified in the preliminary study:
1. There are several independent "flat files" tracking the inventory of the company.
2. Many times inventory has already been sold or rented, resulting in credibility issues with the clients.
3. Time delays are frequent due to the amount of time required to determine if an item is in stock sold/rented".
4. Customer tracking is difficult under the present system.
5. Flat files are presently being used for several functions for which they were not originally designed.
6. They have no internet presence.
Scope of the Project
After extensive interviews with management and employees of the company, we have determined that the scope of the projects should include the following:
1. Expedite the processing of the orders from inventory (removal of sold/rented video tapes.
2. Develop a common database that will reduce the time currently spent in repetitive tasks of updating files in multiple locations.
3. Provide instantaneous up-dates to the company wide system of data management.
4. Utilize the current hardware and software platforms in an effort to keep the expense of the new system at the lowest level feasible.
5. System will provide a marketing interface, used primarily to track customers and their orders.
The primary user of the system will be the management, Sales agents, and support staff. At the present time there is little electronic interface between the companies branch locations. Through the use of improved systems it is anticipated that all departments will benefit.
Constraints
The system should be fully functional in the shortest amount of time possible, the feasibility analysis will further define the timeline for the project.
The system must be developed using the current hardware. Additional hardware may be purchased should it become necessary and within the scope of the project. Anticipated additional hardware may include modems, additional phone lines, a server system, and/or other peripherals.