Sr-Rm-001

* Service Request SR-rm-001Project Proposal Paper * The IT Blazers—T-GNC—(Team B): * Charles C. Udeh * George Brown * Natalie Howard * Thipadith Rattanavilay * CIS/205 * February 24, 2011 * Dr. Marianne Greenfield * University of Phoenix Table of Contents 1 Current Situation 3 2 Solution 3 2.1 Objectives 3 2.2 Approach 3 2.3 Benefits 3 3 Implementation Plan 3 3.1 Methodology 3 3.2 Schedule 3 3.3 Resources 3 3.4 Qualifications 3 4 Costs 3 5 Conclusion 3 Appendix A: Examples of Appendices 3 3 Riordan Manufacturing is a global plastics manufacturer employing 550 people with projected annual earnings of $46 million. The company is wholly owned by Riordan Industries, a Fortune 1000 enterprise with revenues in excess of $1 billion. Its products include plastic beverage containers produced at its plant in Albany, Georgia, custom plastic parts produced at its plant in Pontiac, Michigan, and plastic fan parts produced at its facilities in Hangzhou, China. The company's research and development is done at the corporate headquarters in San Jose. Riordan's major customers are automotive parts manufacturers, aircraft manufacturers, the Department of Defense, beverage makers and bottlers, and appliance manufacturers. Current Situation Riordan Manufacturing operation system—Inventory Management and Control—needs improvement to, improve many of the problems linked with data file environments. Therefore, minimizing data redundancy, data isolation, and Solution The proposed information System software is made up of many control programs, including the operating system, communications software and database manager. It does also consist of three types of programs; the system management program, system support program, and system development program. Objectives This proposal is divided into three parts: Hardware Networking, Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) tracking system installation Client/Vendor Accounting Inventory Management (CVAIM) database installation Approach A service request has been submitted to Team B (G.N.C.T) by Hugh McCauley, COO of Riordan Manufacturing to create and develop a new infrastructure that would improve the inventory and manufacturing process. G.N.C.T wants to introduce the new Advantage System that will keep track of raw material usage for all departments and the amount of raw material being ordered and shipped out. Riordan is looking to upgrade to a more state of the art and sophisticated database that would be more efficient to the company and easy to use for the employees. We have found that there is a need for improvement in order to maintain current validation of all raw materials coming in and going out of the factory. The upgrade will be implemented and ran by the IT personnel in all four plants of operation. Benefits Riordan Manufacturing’s inventory system necessitates a fine-tuned process of thorough organization and strong communication. However, the process involves clerks and supervisors who record orders and conduct checkpoint auditing with the use of order forms and segregated database systems. Therefore, this process is comprised of excess steps that our firm finds to be auxiliary. We feel that both time and human resources can be saved and used more efficiently. We also believe that data flow must be streamlined in a consolidated system. By solving this problem, the inventory workflow will prove to be effective and expedient. Furthermore, labor will be reduced in all departments. Improving these areas will empower Riordan Manufacturing to receive more orders and control them. Operations at all locations will also be able to communicate and report more effectively Hardware networking is important in a corporation. It is use to communicate with the same companies that are located in different states in the US and overseas. Riordan has a hardware networking system that is difficult to manage and will cost if anything malfunction. Our plan is to reform their networking system and remove their redundant systems. A Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) tracking system is a utilization of logistical system upgrades that improves your inventory and manufacturing process, by adding global positioning technology to your management tools. An RFID is 18-digit number transmitted only when specific frequencies of radio energy broadcasted at the unit. The unit then uses this energy to broadcast its number and then picked up by the source. The source is some device, a computer terminal, a personal data device, a virtual clipboard or any hand held device. Then the source connected to the database of information on parts and inventory. This gives better feedback of operations by monitoring the physical location of inventory as it passes between operations centers and through various changes in its assembly, maintenance or recall. Client/Vendor Accounting Inventory Management (CVAIM) database holds the corresponding inventory data. The Global Positioning (GPS) data as coordinates to the CVAIM database, updates whenever it passes by a source either in the field or in the office . Implementation Plan Riordan hardware networking system is redundant and should be simplified to make it easier to manage and save the companies money just in case one of the hardware breaks down. In this proposal, we will come up with a downsized network, and the network will have virtual private network (VPN) software, used to secure the network. With a 100 base T backbone from a fiber optics to the office connection, a web and email server will be located at the corporate headquarters as well as the CVAIM database and the controller server for our proprietary RFID. The hardware networking system will be successful once we send out customer surveys, and the respond with satisfied comments. The aim of the CVAIM integration is to provide workflow expedience and reduce time and human resource expenses. With the help of our firm, Riordan Manufacturing will possess all the benefits previously listed. Riordan Manufacturing will possess a solid and efficient technology system that will tremendously improve user capabilities in data management. To accomplish this, we will develop a new electronic data management system, integrate an ecommerce website, and implement a training program. In these initiatives, we will set up complete system access, provide automated inventory tracking capabilities, and outfit automatic data forwarding processes, and offer vender and client access to their own accounts and order status. The result of these systems will be enhanced data accessibility and more effective inventory management control. This proposal also suggests introduction of RFID tracking system to monitor parts and inventory of Riordan Manufacturing. The use of RFID could improve production efficiencies, provide real-time inventory update with GPS, to improve shipping and receiving efficiencies, enhanced product security and helps analyze organizational behavior. This proposal outlines implementation of RFID system. This proposal suggests pricing for implementation and gives initial estimate on RFID systems. Our firm intends to reduce time and human resource expenses by enhancing data accessibility and strengthening management control. We intend to open opportunities for efficiency and a streamlined workflow. While the previous section was primarily strategic, this section focuses on tactics and execution. Your goal is to build the client's confidence that you can deliver the desired solution and benefits as promised.] Methodology Devise a simple hardware networking system that operates without a high degree of specialized technical knowledge and have the same security without costing too much. Install four servers for the corporate office and each server will be setup with a T3 line. Develop a primary electronic data management strategy that offers access to multiple departments from all operation locations with headquarters. Integrate an electronic commerce website through which clients can place orders and manage company accounts. Implement a training program for the electronic data management software. Our firm will not extract data from current databases, or input data into the new database system. Schedule The VPN software under a reliable system shall provide a reliable security system with VPN software. The first server shall exist for the RFID tracking system. The second server shall be used for web and email. Each computer will have a unique address. Only users that are setup will be able to communicate. CVAIM shall allow networked access. Each user has a unique identification number. The software will exist on a dedicated application server. Users shall access the software through the server. CVAIM shall work in with client orders placed on the website. Order data conforms to QuickBooks Enterprise software format. Sales orders are forwarded to the inventory factory. Client accounts automatically update. CVAIM shall work in conjunction with our proposed RFID technology for inventory tracking purposes. Raw materials packages, manufacturing inventory packages, and final product inventory packages statuses updated from RFID system, to the CVAIM system automatically during checkpoint departure and arrival. The status in the CVAIM system will include location of packages, quantity auditing, outbound location, and time elapsed from order submittal time. CVAIM shall provide clients and vendors with account access. Clients and vendors will possess secure access to account records, as well as tracking information on orders made. We will provide Training for CVAIM software for appropriate employees. We will provide materials to supplement the reference material and training videos. RFID shall have networked access. Each item has a microchip that broadcasts a unique identification number. The RFID access software will exist on a dedicated application server. Client/Vendor Accounting Inventory Management (CVAIM) database shall hold corresponding inventory data. Silly Nerds shall install user-defined number of RFID taggers. Silly Nerds shall install user-defined number of RFID readers. Silly Nerds shall train appropriate Riordian employees in the use of the RFID system. The database management system shall utilize QuickBooks Enterprise software with inventory and vendor plug-ins. The software shall be the primary accounting and inventory tracking software. All software shall be licensed. Resources The hardware networking, CVAIM systems implementation, and the RFID system installation will take place in all four corporate offices. Outputs RFID installation shall consist of two parts: Physical installation of readers and taggers. RFID control software shall be installed onto server at corporate headquarters, as well as configuring permissions for CVAIM push/pull systems. In order to successfully integrate the CVAIM system, employees must undergo operations training. We also require that Riordan Manufacturing IT undergo troubleshooting training. When our reports have been collected and analyzed, we will provide a comprehensive report. This information will disseminate trends and an overall comparison from the current system to the new system. To measure the success of the CVAIM and RFID system, our firm will maintain a log of the shipping records. We will also maintain a log of the product package order-to-receipt time cycle. After one month of use, we will provide a survey to record user experience with the CVAIM system. Surveys will be provided to both Riordan Manufacturing employees and clients. Client surveys will be prompted on the website immediately after orders are placed. Surveys will ask users to compare prior systems use to new systems use. These reports will supply us with ample information to measure the success of the CVAIM system. Once the RFID system is in place, software will identify broadcast information as GPS coordinates and add them to the CVAIM database system. We will provide materials to supplement the RFID system: user manuals, instructional videos and quick-use operation instruction. Once all tests are passed, we will give Riordan Manufacturing notification that the CVAIM system and RFID system is ready for use. Qualifications [This is an opportunity to tell why your organization is uniquely qualified to deliver the solution as promised. Some considerations include: (1) your company’s track record in successfully implementing similar solutions; (2) formal industry or quality certifications such as ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and Six Sigma; and (3) individual certifications of key staff. Include only enough information to validate your capabilities. Use an appendix if you want to highlight your qualifications.] Costs RFID tracking system Installation: Minimum1 reader per operations center: $4,000.00 RFID Labelers 2 per operations center: $4,000.00 Software licensing: $3,000.00 Training: 20 employees @ $200 hr. CVAIM Integration Software License: $300,000.00 Plug-in licenses: $100,000.00 Labor: $100,000.00 Hardware Networking: $13,500 T3 Line: $3000 per location VPN Software:$1500 Conclusion [Major Risks Some risks that might happen are viruses that develop in the system over time, and the system crashing. The major risks of integrating the CVAIM system involve security, server connectivity, and basic technological malfunctions. We understand that in any technologically dependent system, these risks may pose a threat to the welfare of Riordan Manufacturing’s database and operations. However, we find that continuing with the current inventory and data management system will only cause the company to accrue unnecessary costs and use of human resources. If the CVAIM system is not integrated into the current operations, then the company may continue or start to face data duplication, missed delivery deadlines and profit loss. Minimizing Risks To minimize the threat of a security breech or unauthorized access to company records, we propose to implement measures that will enhance security for all operations locations. During the testing phase of the project, we plan to set up anti-virus protection, secure networks, and necessary precautions to prevent security risks. To minimize server connectivity issues, we plan to incorporate high quality servers and backup systems in the event of a malfunction or unforeseen technical problems. RFID only broadcasts an 18-digit number all other information accessed through CVAIM database system. * Appendix A: Examples of Appendices Raw Materials Receiving: 1. Raw Materials are received in each plant 2. Supervisor views the document and incoming orders 3. Movers unload Raw materials 4. Inventoried Raw materials in data base (office pc) 5. Process Materials Manufacturing with Inventory: 1. Raw materials 2. Sub-assemblies takes Raw materials out of inventory 3. Manufacturing teams builds products 4. Products are entered in the system 5. Process order for more Raw materials Final Product Shipping (paperless): 1. Order request are given (paperless) via Email, Internet, and Website, etc. 2. Sales are entered into the system with shipping and billing information via database 3. Information are process 4. Orders are packaged and shipped 5. Order request are loaded into the truck specified by each order 6. Inventory Supervisor updates the inventory system data based on the shipping documents. References Stair & Reynolds. (2006). Fundamentals of Information Systems. U.S.A.: Thomson Course Technology. University of Phoenix, (2011). Service Request SR-rm-001 Processes Evaluation. Retrieved February 24, 2011, from: phoenix.edu RFID Journal,(2009). RFID System Components and Costs. Retrieved February 24, 2011, from: RFID journal, http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/view/1336/1/129 *