Strategic Information system for business and enterprise - Assignment

Strategic Information
system for business
and enterprise

Table of Contents
Introduction...................................................................................................................... 1
Business Requirements................................................................................................... 1
Key business processes..............................................................................................1
Major control risks for processes of business. ............................................................3
Systems Requirements....................................................................................................4
Probable ERP functionalities and features which must be considered by firm to attain
objectives and reduce control risks..............................................................................4
Software Selection .......................................................................................................... 6
ERP vendors and their products..................................................................................6
Vendor Selection .............................................................................................................7
Contrast and compare features of two ERP software packages..................................7
Most suitable vendor as well as software package for Gracious industries.................9
Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 10
References..................................................................................................................... 12

Introduction
Systems that are being formulated with respect to corporate business initiatives
are referred to as strategic information systems. They are being utilised for giving higher
competitive edge to firm. It assists firm within allocation, storage, processing and
moving information as well data for developing (Ahlemann and et. al, 2012). Basically,
SIM (strategic information systems) is formulated as a response to business initiatives
for having competitive edge. This renders association among demands of firm as well
as recent technologies. This report is based on Gracious Industries which is a private
firm and is delivering their services from last 40 years. They are responsible for
supplying electronic parts to other organisations which comprises of supermarket and
hardware stores. It contains key business processes and major control risks for them. In
addition to this, system requirements have been analysed with respect to ERP features
and selection of software is done. At last, comparison has been made among
functionalities as well as recommendation is given on the basis of that.
Business Requirements
Key business processes
The set of activities or an individual activity that is liable for accomplishment of
specified organisational goals is referred to as business process. Basically, it denotes
the series of steps that are being carried out by group of stakeholders or employees for
attainment of concrete goals. This is a aggregation of associated tasks that identify
their end within delivery of service to customers (Cassidy, 2016). Key or core business
processes are the set of processes, functions as well as capabilities which will lead to
furnish value formulated by firm. There are various processes which assists firm to
render their services, they are: marketing, sales, design & manufacturing, technology
used, services, operations and financial intermediation. With respect to Gracious
Industries client on boarding process and content marketing processes are crucial as
they deals with supply of electronic products. They have been explicated below:
Content marketing processes: It is a hectic process until it is organised
appropriately. On the basis of strategies that are being formulated by Gracious
Industries, the workflow can be decided. For an instance:
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 The content writer is liable for making a draft which comprises of descriptions of
any electronic part that has to be illustrated within the article (Cassidy, 2016).
 The editor or management of Gracious Industries will cross check the article to
ensure that it is appropriate and meaningful. Now the designer will be
responsible for creation of custom images and they are being sent to content
writers.
 If any comments are made then writer have to fix them as well as add
customised images. The SEO is liable for making sure that suitable practices are
being adopted.
 The marketing team of Gracious Industries can make use of emails as well as
advertising to ensure that they are reached to maximum number of businesses.
Client on boarding process: This is very important aspect for Gracious
Industries as they are suppliers, it is necessary to ensure that clients who come within
their firm are satisfied with options they are being provided with. For this, it is crucial for
management of Gracious Industries that when new clients visits them, they have to
show professionalism, expertise as well as courtesy (Galliers and Leidner, 2014). It can
be carried out as:
 Meeting must be scheduled so that clients business can be understood, how
they work and what are their requirements needs to be acknowledged.
 Assets & goals must be accessed like what are the exact requirements of client
and what they are looking for from Gracious Industries.
 Key performance indicators (KPI, is a measurable value which demonstrate
ways in which how effectively firm is attaining objectives of their clients), this
denotes that client expects there must be specified measures by which progress
can be acknowledged so that results can be attained.
 Accordingly action plan will be formulated with respect to what team will be doing
to bring those electronic parts within specified time frame (Lakhdiss and
Bounabat, 2012).
 Now pitch the client with respect to strategies, if they give the order continue with
this.
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The key processes of Gracious Industries have been illustrated above and are
being explicated with the assistance of example. These two are important as aspects
as content marketing process will assist Gracious Industries to make businesses aware
about services that are being delivered by them and client on boarding process will lead
them to formulate strategies with respect to clients who visit them them.
Major control risks for processes of business.
Global market is rapidly evolving as high competition prevails within the market.
But for being competitive certain challenges are also faced by them which acts as a risk
within maintaining their existent customer base (Lambert and Davidson, 2013). The
processes of Gracious Industries have been illustrated above but there are certain risks
associated with them. They are provided beneath:
Risks with Client on boarding process: It is requirement of Gracious Industries
to know, acknowledge as well as satisfy needs of their customers by client on boarding
process. The risks associated with this are:
 Quality of data: It is the major contributor which can hamper seamless on
boarding of clients by business. Gracious Industries have their data in silos
which makes it critical to sort records and process them when they are present
on different platforms. The unavailability of data on central location makes on
boarding of clients difficult.
 Business & operation processes: Rigid process of Gracious Industries can
have a pessimistic impact on on boarding clients. The way the customers are
being handled as well as information is delivered creates a huge impact on them
(Laudon and Laudon, 2016). This denotes that there is need to alter the ways in
which services are being delivered so that customers can be made rather than
creating a negative impact related with their services.
 Client experience: The significance of customer satisfaction is not emphasized
but when they posses sense with respect to that there are other options
available with them. The flow of on boarding process must be seamless and it
cannot be attained by know your customer (KYC) processes.
 Non-adoption of robust digital KYC solutions: Mobile operators requires IT
KYC software for facilitating Client Life cycle Management from when a
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customer will opt for strategic information management throughout until they are
their customers.
Risks with Content marketing processes: It is an important aspect for driving
the clients towards their services (Leonard and Higson, 2014). But certain challenges
that are being faced by Gracious Industries are mentioned below:
 Increased Competition: As there exists enhanced competition within the
market, there rivals will also be advertising about services that are furnished by
them. This means that there is intense competition for grabbing attention of
customers. This leads content writer of Gracious Industries to have enhanced
content which might need money, time or might be both.
 Risk Aversion: Content marketers mostly tends to stick with what is working for
them. If a specific form of post resonates with audiences of Gracious Industries
then they often utilise the same method for next and goes on the same scale.
The reason for this might be that they want to provide their readers with identical
content which seems valuable, actionable and useful (Pearlson, Saunders and
Galletta, 2016). The other reason can be that they might be addicted to page-
views. But the identical pattern leads to boredom and clients may shift to others.
 Focusing too broadly: The mistake that is made by writers is that focus is on
broad area and attaining a balance with respect to editorial focus becomes
challenge for firms. Focus must be on single aspect rather than broader area but
through this also expansion of readership can be down the road.
It is important for Gracious Industries to acknowledge these challenges within
market to ensure that they remain competitive within the marketplace. It is important
that by automation of client on boarding processes certain challenges can be swallowed
that are being faced by Gracious Industries.
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Systems Requirements
Probable ERP functionalities and features which must be considered by firm to attain
objectives and reduce control risks.
The process that is being utilised by firms for managing as well as integration of
crucial aspects of business is referred to enterprise resource planning. This denotes
efficient utilisation of people, software and hardware to enhance profit as well as
productivity by which business processes can be simplified (Saraf and et. al, 2013). It
comprises of single or software applications which smoothly distributes data among two
or more departments within organisation. The ERP solutions assist business to be
centrally managed while rendering their services independently. Their advantages
comprises of enhanced data reliability, communication and interoperability of data by
the usage of single database. In addition to this, it also improvises quality of decision
that will be taken by Gracious Industries. For an instance, a customised order move
from sales to inventory control then towards invoicing to manufacturing and at last
finance. By making use of ERP continuous as well as efficient series of events which
allows individuals for tracking orders.
The aim of ERP software is to enhance effectiveness, promotion of culture as
well as streamline all the processes by creation of collaboration within the firm ( Scheer,
2012). This leads to minimisation of cost and provides intense productivity that will
create a improved bottom line. The features and functionalities of ERP has been
illustrated below:
 Increased efficiency: Business processes such as marketing, inventory,
production and sales are merged within single platform. It becomes easier for
collection as well as accessing data around the organisation as well as
streamline it across the cross-departmental workflows. For an instance Gracious
Industries can use ERP software for automation of everyday tasks such as
generation of reports by entering appropriate data. Through this repetitions can
be removed by which teams can work on their core activities.
 Intensified data security: ERP solutions comes in with restrictions as well as
firewalls for guarding against data breaches. When there exists central data
warehouse (technique for collection as well as management of data from diverse
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sources for rendering meaningful insights into business) then access points can
be monitored as well as security is concentrated. In addition to this, flexibility will
be given to admin for locking up sensitive data so that specific information can be
limited for their access.
 Accurate forecasts: It assists within prediction of shaping strategies, this
becomes mandatory for firms to have a real frame. By the usage of ERP
reporting tools, Gracious Industries can utilise analytics and data filters for
separating data from inconsistencies. Enhanced ERP solutions make use of
business intelligence tools by utilising machine learning along with predictive
algorithm which assists within deep dig in big data (Schneider and Spieth, 2013).
Firms with critical data sources can have leverage from hidden insights by
gaining competitive edge within market.
 Operational flexibility: SaaS (Software as a service) ERP provides a means for
enhancing operational flexibility which assists within integration of existent apps
within system for having streamlined workflow. In addition to this, more modules
can be added when business grows so that there is no need to replace it with
new system or software.
 Minimise operational cost: The ERP cuts down the costs when processes are
being streamlined as well as when key metrics are monitored in an appropriate
manner which will assists to find out delays, breakdowns and disruptions (What
is ERP Software? Analysis of Features, Types, Benefits, Pricing, 2019).
Distribution or sales is vulnerable to these factors but by making use of ERP
Gracious Industries can work with all the units closely with a real time data
through which problems can be resolved quickly.
From above, it is clear that by making use of ERP software Gracious Industries
can have enhanced results as they renders huge benefits. But with respect to risks
associated with Content marketing processes and client on boarding process can also
be minimised. As the data was present within different locations, but by having it within
a central location the process of on boarding may becoming smoother as details or
quotations can be illustrated easily to their customers which will minimise the time
duration of both customers and employees. In case of content marketing they can find
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out what they have done till date and what has fascinated their customers more,
accordingly they can plan their data and formulate their strategies (Serova, 2012). This
will enable them to minimise risks associated with their processes.
Software Selection
ERP vendors and their products
Within the market, there exist wide range of vendors that are liable providing
ERP solutions to organisations. The three major ERP vendors who provides enhanced
features and can be utilised by Gracious Industries are being mentioned below:
 Oracle: It is a multinational firm based out in America and deals within computer
technologies. They are headquartered in California. In terms of revenue in 2018,
it was third largest software company. They deals with selling database software
& technologies, enterprise software products and cloud engineered systems.
They are liable for developing as well as building of tools for development of
database and systems for enterprise resource planning, middle-tier, customer
relationship, human capital as well as supply chain management software.
Oracle ERP Cloud which is a tech giant and renders end-to-end SaaS suite for
building up enterprise operations. It delivers comprehensive solutions for
delivering built-in standards and suite comprises of 7 software modules for
automation of core business processes which aims at simplification as well as
offering scalability for project planning, product life cycle, financials, procurement,
compliance, governance, risk management and various others (ORACLE ERP
REVIEW, 2019). It will provide Gracious Industries with dependable applications
for enhancing productivity, operating cost and control. In addition to this, it furnish
linked approach with support for cloud technology by which better environment
can be provided with marketing, financial, sales, consulting and many other
services.
 Microsoft: This is an American multinational firm that is responsible for
developing, manufacturing, supporting, selling as well as furnishing licenses for
personal computers, consumer electronics along with other services. They are
known for their products such as Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer, Microsoft
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Office Suite and various others. They also provides their customers with ERP
solutions like Microsoft Dynamics GP which assists small and medium
businesses to operate their operations in an efficient manner, finance, supply
chain and various others. They are designed to provide businesses with a
smarter option to work at a faster pace as well as formulate decisions on the
evidence basis.
 SAP: It is a German multinational software firm which enables enterprise
software for management of customer relations as well as business operations.
They have around 4,25,000 customers. They renders complete suite ERP
platform that is responsible for providing robust access to analytical apps, key
data and tools which are designed for simplification of business processes that
enables firms to have competitive edge within the market (Vom Brocke and
Rosemann, 2014).
Vendor Selection
Contrast and compare features of two ERP software packages.
The vendors who provides enterprise resource planning software have been
mentioned above. This section covers comparison as well as contrast among the
software products that are being delivered by them. It is illustrated below:
Vendors Software Package Software Package
Oracle NetSuite: It is a scalable and
complete cloud ERP solution that is
responsible for automation of back
and front office processes in such a
way that Gracious Industries can
have a customizable view of KPI's
and reports in their role (NetSuite
ERP Review, 2019). This assists
within accounting, fixed asset,
payment management,
manufacturing, invoicing and
SCM: They renders enhanced
accumulation of supply chain
management systems which are
secure, fast, innovative and flexible
to acknowledge requirements of
present market environment. This is
liable for integration of
comprehensive demands & supply
planning, unified logistics, key
material sourcing, product
development and many more
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inventory control & warehouse
management.
(Oracle SCM REVIEW, 2019). It can
assist Gracious Industries within
SCM Analytics, procurement,
maintenance, logistics, inventory
management cloud, supply chain
product master, product life cycle
management cloud and various
others.
Microsof
t
Dynamics 365: It is a customer
relations management tool that is
based on cloud services which
combines CR as well as ERP
solutions within a single cloud based
platform. It also provides customised
applications Flow and PowerApps.
This assists within workflow engine
which executes with third party apps
and development of mobile
applications respectively. It enables to
work even without internet (Microsoft
Dynamics 365 REVIEW, 2019). This
furnish customer insights, activity
sorting control, Cortana integration,
Power BI, server-to-server
authentication, web API
enhancements and Sitemap designer
for apps. In addition to this, they
renders personalised workspace
which assists within quick completion
of tasks. Along with this, by opting for
Microsoft Dynamics 365, Gracious
Dynamics NAV: It is extremely
adaptable to meet the specified
requirements of industry. This can
be utilised within project
management, business intelligence,
reporting, operations, manufacturing,
accounting, supply chain & finance
management (Microsoft Dynamics
NAV REVIEW, 2019). It is liable for
supporting supply chain
management as well as its
distribution and warehouse
management features are also
provided by this. In addition to this, it
renders e-commerce, mobile
services, point of sale, sales &
marketing, business intelligence and
analytics, advanced forecasting,
service management, human
resources, payroll and many others.
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Industries can have personalised
workspace which will assist them
within quick completion of specified
tasks.
SAP CRM: It is a engagement and
customer relationship platform that is
liable for enhancing capabilities as
well as enables to render
personalised & smooth customer
experiences across different
channels. This will lead Gracious
Industries to improvise marketing &
sales for discovering new insights that
are liable for covering huge social and
customer information (SAP CRM
REVIEW, 2019). It provides lead
management, contact history, sales
report, time tracking, email marketing
and management of contacts,
documents, partner & pipeline.
HANA: This cloud platform renders
in-memory PaaS (Platform as a
Service) and is scalable for firms of
different sizes (SAP HANA Cloud
Platform REVIEW, 2019). It furnish
basis for business data needs as
well as eliminates hurdles
associated with inflexible and time
consuming software as a service
solutions. The features provided by
this comprises of database services,
app development, data access,
analytical processing, administration
and security.
Most suitable vendor as well as software package for Gracious industries.
Gracious Industries can opt for services that are being rendered by Microsoft and
package is Dynamics 365. The reason behind this is elaborated below:
 It will assist within creation of collection of apps related with flow of business
processes as well as furnish enhanced functionality along with flexibility. Users
like Gracious Industries can create apps by making use of drag as well as drop
options.
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 Relationship insights tool acts as a valuable resource but it is provided online
only (Galliers and Leidner, 2014). It will assist within tracking as well as recording
of of user interactions and communication among customers.
 Enhanced search features are being provided which will assist them to find out
matches for key phrases or words depending on their relevance. This aids within
saving of valuable time which is consumed on carrying out searches.
 In addition to all this, Dynamics 365 provides Gracious Industries with additional
workspace, colours, layouts, work task flows, editable grids and tracking. This will
lead to creation of mobile friendly experience for their users.
 Data can be synced automatically after connections are re-established which will
be eliminating double entry of data. This is liable for optimisation of scheduling of
resources that can be carried out by programming solutions for automatic
schedule of various items on regular instances.
 It assists within definition of accessing permission within modular business
applications as well as they assists within designing of sitemap for applications
(Vom Brocke and Rosemann, 2014).
Apart from all these features illustrated above integration is also provided with
Microsoft platforms and products. By combination of customer relationship
management and analytics, an incredible efficacious tool is provided which is received
within real time. Along with this, visualisation can be carried out as well as personal
assistance will be provided along with reliability, functionality and security.
Conclusion
From above it can be concluded that, strategic information system is defined as a
system that is liable for managing information as well as assists within formulation of
strategic decision making. It assists within alternating strategies of enterprises. This
involves key processes of firm, they are: client on boarding process and content
marketing processes. In addition to this, there are certain challenges related with this for
resolving this enterprise resource planning can be utilised. They will render huge
benefits to firm depending upon software they have opted for.
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References
Books & Journals
Ahlemann, F. and et. al, 2012. Strategic enterprise architecture management:
challenges, best practices, and future developments. Springer Science &
Business Media.
Cassidy, A., 2016. A practical guide to information systems strategic planning.
Auerbach Publications.
Cassidy, A., 2016. A practical guide to planning for E-business success: how to E-
enable your enterprise. CRC Press.
Galliers, R. D. and Leidner, D. E., 2014. Strategic information management: challenges
and strategies in managing information systems. Routledge.
Lakhdiss, M. and Bounabat, B., 2012. A new content framework and metamodel for
Enterprise Architecture and IS Strategic Planning. International Journal of
Computer Science Issues (IJCSI), 9(2), pp.253-8.
Lambert, S. C. and Davidson, R. A., 2013. Applications of the business model in studies
of enterprise success, innovation and classification: An analysis of empirical
research from 1996 to 2010. European management journal, 31(6), pp.668-681.
Laudon, K. C. and Laudon, J. P., 2016. Management information system. Pearson
Education India.
Leonard, J. and Higson, H., 2014. A strategic activity model of Enterprise System
implementation and use: Scaffolding fluidity. The Journal of Strategic
Information Systems, 23(1), pp.62-86.
Pearlson, K. E., Saunders, C. S. and Galletta, D. F., 2016. Managing and using
information systems, binder ready version: a strategic approach. John Wiley &
Sons.
Saraf, N. and et. al, 2013. How does organisational absorptive capacity matter in the
assimilation of enterprise information systems?. Information systems
journal, 23(3), pp.245-267.
Scheer, A. W., 2012. ARIS—business process modeling. Springer Science & Business
Media.
Schneider, S. and Spieth, P., 2013. Business model innovation: Towards an integrated
future research agenda. International Journal of Innovation
Management, 17(01), p.1340001.
Serova, E., 2012. Enterprise information systems of new generation. Electronic Journal
of Information Systems Evaluation, 15(1), p.116.
Van Grembergen, W. ed., 2012. Business strategy and applications in enterprise IT
governance. IGI Global.
Vom Brocke, J. and Rosemann, M. eds., 2014. Handbook on business process
management 2: Strategic alignment, governance, people and culture. Springer.
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