IS Analsysis
According to Using MIS textbook, “hardware consists of electronic components and related gadgetry that input, process, output, and store data according to instructions encoded in computer programs or software”(Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p. 118). The processes that we are studying is inventory processes.Some hardware associates used in direct fulfillment centers at Home Depot are DELL personal and desktop computers, printers, cisco desk phones, smartphones, projectors, and projection screens.
The hardware effectively supports the company's needs but should keep up with evolving technologies to ensure equal access for all employees. Additionally, smartphones and personal computers enable supervisors to access information from anywhere globally. As the smartphone also acts as a router, without it, supervisors would be unable to access the worksite or enforce rules.
Software is sets of instructions or programs that enable a computer system to perform specific tasks or functions. Software is the reduced size of mobile devices that requires the invention of new, innovative interfaces. It includes applications, utilities and operating systems that work together. Home Depot uses Windows as its operating system. They decided on Windows since its more mainstream. Other operating systems Home Depot uses would be Nutanix and Zebras devices. Zebras devices are technologies to power in store POS systems and self-checkouts and are very helpful since there's so many items in the store. Nutanix also supports the supply chain, retail operations and delivers more than 98% of the company's datacenter virtual workloads.
An application software is "defined as performing a service or function".Some application programs are general purpose, such as Microsoft Excel or Word. Horizontal-market application is defined as “software provides capabilities common across all organizations and industries”. Vertical-market applications are “software serves the needs of a specific industry”.(Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p. 136). Home Depot DFC warehouse uses both horizontal and vertical applications. For the horizontal application Home Depot tends to use Microsoft Word, excel, and powerpoint.Furthermore, it uses warehouse management system software- Manhattan Associates. The software is effective and these applications assist employees in performing their tasks efficiently in the DFC.
According to the textbook the term open source “means that the source code of the program is available to the public”(Kroenke & Boyle, 2021, p. 138).
Virtualization is defined as the process by which one physical computer hosts many different virtual (not literal) computers within it. According to Using MIS textbook, there exist three types of virtualization: PC, Desktop, and Server virtualization.Home Depot's virtualization practices, we don't have specific details on the types they use in the warehouse. However, given its size as a cooperative, it's likely utilized across multiple departments. In particular, every department on the Home Depot DFC can use PC virtualization to address technical issues, and keep tracking the work flow on the floor, especially since some associates use computers with different operating systems to complete their daily tasks. Those in procurement using Windows and Microsoft edge business products. This highlights the necessity for PC virtualization to enhance efficiency and flexibility within departments. Additionally, Home Depot might use server virtualization to merge multiple servers into a single physical server, optimizing resource usage and ultimately cutting down on hardware expenses.
We're not aware of the exact open-source software that Home Depot uses; however, it's probable that they utilize it to ensure stability and enhance security. As the Using MIS textbook claims that this means that the source code of the program is available to the public. The warehouse dont have an open source that is available to the public. Associate once they clock out they are no longer able to log in or navigate through the warehouse information. However, they are only allowed to navigate in the workforce and workday apps nothing else.Any information within the warehouse is highly confidential and remains restricted outside of work environments.
Home Depot uses both web-based and native applications. Web applications are made to operate inside of any computer browser such applications run inside a browser such as Firefox, Chrome, Opera, or Edge. Native applications are developed using serious, heavy-duty, professional programming languages. macOS and iOS applications are constructed using Objective-C or the Swift programming language (Using MIS textbook ).The web-based application includes Home Depot's website as well as and its other banners' websites. The native applications are the Home Depot Workforce Management, The Home Depot App, The Home Depot Measurement Services App,The Home Depot Pro App, for mobile devices that provide users with convenient ways to shop, manage orders, and access helpful tools and resources
New types of technologies that are emerging include artificial intelligence, cloud computing, extended reality (virtual, augmented and mixed), blockchain and much more. Currently HomeDepot uses artificial intelligence, cloud, blockchain and alternative reality to enhance operational efficiency and offer products. An example of how Home Depot uses new technology such as blockchain, is that they've collaborated with IBM to integrate it into their operations. The technology provides real-time visibility into shipments and receipts, a secure unchangeable record of transactions and ensuring integrity data.
A new technology that Home Depot could potentially integrate are digital payment methods, this may be used while customers purchase items in-store and online. Currently, Home Depot does not accept digital payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay anymore due to their partnership with PayPal. Digital payment methods have become very popular and statistics state that 65% of US adults use a digital payment method at least once a month. Overall, Home Depot is usually implementing new technology frequently but by implementing a digital payment method would allow customers to easily purchase items by the simplicity of their smartphone device and make the customers shopping experience much more easier..
For the information system we are planning to study in our project, an example of files is the “Order History,” this file contains crucial information about each order on the Home Depot DFC breaking down these files can be found: order ID, customer ID, order date, total amount, and status. Metadata is data that describes data (Using MIS textbook).
Example of metadata
File Name: OrderHistory.csv
File Size: 8.7 MB
Last Updated: April 17, 2024
File Format: CSV (Comma Separated Values)
Data Source: Home Depot's Order Management System
Description: Contains detailed records of all orders processed by Home Depot, including order dates, customer IDs, total amounts, and order statuses.
According to Using MIS textbook, (DBMS) Database Management System is defined as “a program used to create, process, and administer a database”. Home Depot currently uses Google Cloud BigQuery as their program to administer their database. It follows ANSI SQL standard and allows the user to create, delete and update data as much as they need to. Google BigQuery is a cloud based architecture and provides exceptional performance, because it is able to auto-scale up and down and it also efficiently provides data analysis. The Home Depot currently uses BigQuery to create detailed sales forecasts, resupplying inventory and maintaining performing scorecards. As well, BigQuery has a fixed-rate monthly model that helps Home Depot stay within their ‘budget’ and do not have to worry about any variable costs. After Home Depot using BigQuery, data analysts are able to run much more complex workloads then they were able to before. As well, engineers have also adapted BigQuery to monitor, analyze and utilize application performance data in real-time throughout the stores and warehouse, which has been exceptionally great for Home Depot since the store continues to grow.
Below is an image of the progress BigQuery has done for Home Depot:
Figure 5-10 shows how the components of a database application system make data management more efficient. According to Using MIS Textbook, database application “is a collection of forms, reports, queries, and application programs that serve as an intermediary between users and database data”. Forms, queries, reports, and application programs are examples of database applications. Users of databases can add, edit, and remove data via forms. Filtering, grouping, and sorting are just a few of the processes made available by reports. When a user seeks information from the database, a query is a tool used to retrieve the information. Features of application programs include handling unique cases, maintaining data consistency, and providing security. Database applications reorganize data in the database to make it easier to update and more informative.
Currently, some of the new technologies for databases are NoSQL and SQL. Both database technologies are meant to store a high capacity of data whether it be for an unstructured document, key value, graph and wide column stores. NoSQL stores many types of data in its native format and allows the data model to be defined and adapted as you go. The SQL databases which store collections of tables and organize structured sets of data in a tabular columns-and-rows format; which is similar to a spreadsheet. Home Depot currently works with Google Cloud which is a fully managed NoSQL which is a great advancement for Home Depot because Cloud Datastore is designed to be easy to use, scalable, and reliable. Since Home Depot is constantly growing, the Cloud Datastore fits perfectly with them because they offer a high performance with availability as needed. An example on how HomeDepot is using Google Cloud NoSQL is by creating separate projects and can ensure that different teams aren’t interfering with one another and that the protected data isn't being accessed by just anyone.
A LAN is a group of computers linked within one location, typically spanning a relatively short distance, like within half a mile. What sets it apart is that all these computers are situated on premises owned or even managed by the organization. This ownership enables the organization. This means that this ownership enables the organization to lay out cables strategically ensuring seamless connectivity among the computers. Some of the components would be Cabling or Wireless Infrastructure since LANs can be connected using wired Ethernet cables or wireless technologies such as Wifi etc.. They also use NetWork Switches which help connect to multiple devices within the LAN, allowing them to communicate with each other. Another component would be Routers since they are responsible for routing data between networks and also have Network Protocols. Home Depot does have a LAN since they operate numerous retail locations and distribution centers. They also have corporate offices which all require local network infrastructure to support Home depots operations.
According to Using MIS textbook, the Internet is “a network of networks” and “connects LANs, WANs, and other internets”. The way Home Depot connects to the internet was not accessible to us; however Home Depot could possibly depend on Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to establish and handle internet connections for their offices, retail sites, distribution facilities, and among other places of operation. As well as using it to ensure that each of their locations has dependable, fast internet access to support their websites, customer support, and business operations. Some potential ISPs that can be utilized for businesses are Level 3 Communications, Verizon, AT&T and Cogent Communications. The domain name is Homedepot.com.
According to the Using MIS textbook, the Cloud could be defined as “the elastic leasing of pooled computing resources over the internet”. In other words, instead of being a physical entity, the cloud is a massive global network of separated servers that are connected to one another and designed to function as a unified environment. With that, companies can avoid buying and maintaining a physical infrastructure by utilizing cloud computing. This removes the expenses for buying, storing, or maintaining any hardware and software, making it more cost effective. It gives companies the scalability and flexibility to concentrate on business operations via cloud computing. Companies may simply scale up or down the resources and storage to meet demands, eliminating again the need for investment in physical infrastructures. Since it gives companies the scalability and flexibility to concentrate their attention on business operations, the cloud is vital. Lastly, Cloud services can facilitate remote work and collaboration by allowing users to access their data and applications from any location with an internet connection, making it more accessible anywhere anytime.
SaaS is defined as “ Software as a service requires little investment in the hardware and software system components. The SaaS vendor administers and manages the cloud servers and makes the software available.” (Kroenke and Boyle, 2021, p. 229).
For example some of the SaaS products that eHermes may use are Google Drive, Google Mail, Microsoft 365 and more.
With PaaS it is defined as “ PaaS, eHermes hardware leases hardware and operating systems in the cloud from the cloud vendor. For example it can lease EC2 ( Elastic Cloud 2, a PaaS product offered by Amazon), and Amazon will Pre Install either Linux or Windows Server on the cloud Hardware.” (Kroenke and Boyle, 2021, p, 230).
Lastly Definition for IaaS in the text states, "IaaS provides basic hardware in the cloud. Some companies acquire servers this way and then load operating systems onto them. Doing so requires considerable technical expertise and management.” (Kroenke and Boyle, 2021, p. 230).
Home Depot does use a cloud based service as its information. Home Depot uses Software as a Service. (SaaS) They use Software as a Service for authentication, customer tracking, cyber security, advertisements and email services. Home Depots uses this since it helps users provide ready to use applications and google for everyday use. The SaaS model helps users access the software through the Web Browser and application and eliminates the need to install and manage the software locally on their device which helps and is beneficial for Home depot.
A problem with Home Depot’s network could be poor network connectivity. Home Depot's operations can be negatively impacted by poor connectivity in many ways such as its online platform. Poor connectivity may result in slow website performance, unsuccessful transactions, and an unsatisfactory online shopping experience for customers, which may reduce income and sales. Customers can get annoyed when attempting to use their mobile app due to poor connectivity, which could result in poor customer service and an unpleasant experience. Recommendation could be to invest in an effective network infrastructure that includes reliable network routers, and fast internet connections.
Another problem could be the network’s size and complexity. Managing and maintaining a huge network that spans over several locations becomes more challenging. Ensuring consistent performance, security, and trustworthiness throughout the network can be difficult due to its complexity. Also not to mention the increased cost of keeping the network up to date and the continuation of expansion. A recommendation could be to utilize the cloud services, by automating repetitive tasks, workflows, and procedures which minimize the amount of physical effort needed to maintain networks and ensure consistency throughout the infrastructure. Pay-as-you-go pricing models for cloud services enable Home Depot to only pay for the resources and services they actually utilize, which decreases and saves costs.
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