Albassami’s job is not feasible without IT

What systems are described here? What valuable information do they provide?

The systems are described in this case study are:

·         Database Management System

The system is based on clustered Dell servers running Windows 2003 and connected to over 270 Windows XP clients. This system used as the backbone of Sybase Adaptive server, whereas clients use SQL anywhere. Every branch has the most recent version of the client list, trucks’ availability, and new shipping contracts so that any customer is able to deal with any branch at any time.

·         Shipping Information System

The system is to maintain all the sender information such as the sent car, the truck number, the sender and receiving branches, and it also sends an SMS message to the client acknowledging the arrival of the car. The system also records the client’s data, and holds maintenance information. Linking the data of vehicle maintenance centres with the transportation service helps to enhance company performance and achieve better customer service. The system also enable standard reports to be provided to top management and head sectors about the productivity of each branch, resulting in accurate identification of needs for different regions and thus proper budget allocation. In addition, the system allowed a better audit on all drivers’ behaviour by using the output of the vehicles’ tracking information.

What value did the IT/IS investments add to Albassami?

By investing in IT/IS, the values added are:

·         Enhance company performance.

·         Achieve better customer services.

·         Helps top management make faster decision and reduce error in decision making by using accurate data provided by the system.

·         Proper performance and monitoring resulted in adequate employees’ appraisals and consequently loyal staff.

·         Knowledge extracted from central database has enabled the management team to make sound investment and operational decision and therefore help the business maintain its success leadership in Kingdom.

How did implementing the Shipping Information System address the business needs and information requirements of Albassami?

Implementing the shipping information system address the business needs and information requirements of Albassami is the recipient branch will create a receipt entry on the system upon arrival of the truck and then and Short Messaging Service communication (SMS) is created and sent to the customer, who will then go to the destination branch to receive the car.

In addition, Albassami maintains all the sender information such as the sent car, the truck number, the sender and receiving branches, and it also sends an SMS to the client acknowledging the arrival of the car. The system also records the client’s data, and holds maintenance information. Linking the data of vehicle maintenance centres with the transportation service helps to enhance company performance and achieve better customer service.

The system also enables standard reports to be provided to top management and head sectors about the productivity of each branch, resulting in accurate identification of needs for different regions and thus proper budget allocation. In addition, the system allowed a better audit on all drivers’ behaviour by using the output of the vehicles tracking information. Proper performance monitoring resulted in adequate employee’s appraisals and consequently loyal staff.