Analysis

Analysis

In an age where technology is at the forefront of everything we do, companies have capitalized on technology to make their companies operate more efficiently.  Rising fuel costs, environmental awareness and other factors have forced shipping companies like UPS to change the way they run their businesses.  By using technology, UPS has saved itself millions of dollars annually and with the evolution of their technology, will continue to save money.  The Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD) transmits delivery information and virtually eliminates the use of paper between UPS and the customer.  The DIAD helps UPS's sustainability efforts and is continually being updated to improve these efforts.  Another way UPS is looking to achieve sustainability is through the use of its most recent technology, On-Road Integrated Optimization and Navigation (ORION).  ORION will improve the routes drivers use to deliver packages and reduce fuel costs.  Undoubtedly, UPS will develop new technology to try and maintain a competitive advantage.

                                                       
                                                                       DIAD in use

Collaboration

Collaboration is necessary in every organization, and UPS uses technology to help its employees collaborate.  UPS capitalizes on the low cost of using telephones and computers to help employees collaborate.  Telephone calls, spreadsheets, documents and e-mails are exchanged daily to help not only the employees within one location, but worldwide.  Feedback must be given to the sender as to whether or not the message was received.  Delivery changes can be impacted dramatically and if all parties do not collaborate, UPS could lose business.  Drivers on the road use the DIAD to collaborate with dispatchers who receive the delivery information.  The dispatchers can also alert the drivers where to deliver by using the DIAD and if the message is not received or is given incorrectly, UPS could once again lose business.  Not only do these processes require feedback, but the use of the technology requires feedback as well.  The parties using the technology need to note any deficiencies or things that can be improved on to make sure the technology is being optimized.  Iteration is seen through the constant repetition of these processes.  By using the technology every day, the employees understand how it works and what is expected of them when they use it.

                                                       

Information Silos

Information silos are becoming a thing of the past due to the increase in technology.  Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) helps UPS integrate its technology and let all parts of the organization know what is going on at all times.  UPS has even taking advantage of the cloud, and has used the cloud to store, and backup most of its data. The cloud is very important to break through information silos because now customers and employees can have access to the data they need via the cloud and can be ensured that the information they provide is safe and secure.

                              

Information Systems (IS)

Information Systems (IS) is made up from five components: computer hardware, software, data, procedures, and people. When used effectively Information Systems takes raw data and turns it into useful information for the company. 

Computer Hardware

The hardware currently used at UPS are desktops, servers, laptops, mainframes, network hardware/infrastructure and Delivery Information Acquisition Devices (DIADs). 

Software

UPS currently uses Windows, Linux, and Structured Query Language (SQL) for their software programs. 

Data 

Customer information and order information are the primary sources of data that are stored in the information systems. 

Procedures

The way packages are delivered requires a set of procedures that rely on information systems.  The barcodes on each package need to have the correct information on them; if they do not then UPS employees go into their databases to figure out where the package is supposed to be delivered to.  After the barcodes are scanned by inside employees, the information is relayed to the DIAD which lets the driver know where to deliver the package.  All systems need to be in sync for deliveries to be made.

People

People are the most important part of the Information System and to UPS as a whole. In any service industry customer service is a must and that's why we rely on great workers to represent our company to the best of their ability. UPS has over 213,000 employees who each play a vital role in our day to day operations, without these great people are business would be nothing. UPS achieved great success and is seen as the world leader in the industry because of the competence of each and everyone of our employees. 




Social Media

UPS owns and manages their own Facebook account. The Facebook page highlights key events such as our latest goal of planting 2 million trees all over the world. Our Facebook page also highlights our latest new innovations from new vehicles and new ways of shipping green. We strive in having a good public relations with our customers and our community.

UPS also has its own Twitter page. The tweets are similar to the Facebook posts, but Twitter reaches out to different viewers so it helps us create more awareness and reach other markets.



(This is the current project being advertised on both pages)

Through the use of social media UPS tries to remain as close to the community as humanly possible. We take great pride in reaching out and listening to our community. "Like" us on Facebook or "follow" us on Twitter for our latest news and trends.