BAHRIA UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD
2/17/2015
Management
Information System.
Assignment no.1
Name
: SAAD AHMED KHAN
Enrollment no. : 01-235142-066
Course
: BS(IT)
Submitted to
Class
: Sir HAMAYUN ZAHEER
: BS(IT)-2B
What are the advantages and disadvantages
of using handheld devices?
Advantages of handheld devices: Handheld devices are very comfortable for mobilization due to
their small size and light wait.
 They are always ready to use without taking time on switching the
device on unlike Pc’s and laptop which require couple of minutes
to boot.
 Handheld devices are comparatively much cheaper than the
desktop and laptop.
 One can manage his personal information, he can organize his
work life as well as entertain himself by using variety of
applications using one handheld device.
 Technology advancements and add-ons will keep you current
whenever you are in coverage area.
 Handheld devices are capable of connecting to one another. This
ability allows user to share files, photo or other data directly
through their devices.
Disadvantages of handheld devices:-
 Handheld devices are not designed for rough use. They are
much delicate. Most of these devices can be easily affected
by water or humidity and extreme climatic temperature can
also harm them.
 Viruses enhance the damage of data loss or damage of
contents and easily infect the programs.
 According to Marc Mancini in the book “Time Management,”
handheld devices are not always the most effective answer
to business solutions. Paper-based organizers are more
viable option since these devices (handheld) are difficult to
use, data entry is awkward, they are slow novice users find
then unnecessarily complex.
 Handheld devices have smaller key boards for data entry as
compared to Pc’s.
 While the size of handheld computers is an advantage is
portability, it can be a disadvantage, too. There is more risk
to forgotten or stolen.
 If the battery runs out the settings are lost. You really need
to keep backing up.
 It has small display screen, very less memory and limited
features compared to a desktop computer system or laptop.
What features are needed in a mobile to
make it a business solution?

INTERNET:Internet is one of the basic need of today’s world and it has
done great in business solutions. One can check his/her mail
anywhere he/she wants to, virtual meetings can be arranged
through video conferencing with your co-workers and there
are as many uses of internet in business solutions as want.
Internet can be connected in a mobile through “Wifi” or
network connection that enables fast internet i-e; 3G/4G. In
short internet has drastically reduced costs of operating on
global scale.

Applications:Mobile applications are very useful for businesses
solutions for example if an organization develops
software and work is distributed among workers,
mobile applications such as Microsoft visual studio
allows every worker to work freely mobile unlike old
ways where you must come to office to accomplish
any task.
What business functions can be performed
by using handhelds alone? How have other
companies utilized handhelds?
There are many uses of mobile devices or handhelds to operate your
business like to close sales; to source the right repair staff; to deliver
goods and services to customers; to manage inventory and supply levels;
take payments outside the office; and much more. One of the newest
trend is mobile websites. These sites are designed to work optimally
with mobile phones- that means larger buttons, larger text, and narrow
pages.
How have other companies utilized handhelds? Well; here is an example
of a company called Square which allows you to swipe credit cards using
an attachment for your smartphone. It’s another unique way to use a
mobile device.For more we have an example of UPS tracking system
they have utilized handhelds in every department of their work which
made them quite unique and help them to get precise output.
Using a combination of an inventory software application, and barcode
scanner app or add-on for your mobile device, you can scan or check
inventory on site or while mobile. NEOReader is a universal scanner app
which claims to be able to scan and read all kinds of barcodes. There’s
also a barcode scanner for android by XZing.
What are the inputs, processing, and
outputs of UPS’s package tracking system?
Inputs: Package Information
 Customer Information
 Destination
 Current Location of the parcels
Process: The data are transmitted to a central computer and stored for retrieval. Data are
also organized so that they can be tracked by customer.
Output: Smart Labels
 Signatures of Receiver
 Proof of delivery
 Receipts
What technologies are used by UPS? How
are these technologies related to UPS’s
business strategy?
Technologies used by UPS:




DIAD (Delivery Information Acquisition Device)
Barcode scanning systems
Smart Labels
Wired and Wireless Communication Network (GPRS, CDMA)
Desktop and Central Storage
“Best Services and Lowest Rates”
Because of the advance integration of UPS’s technology. It can provide
services cheaper and more efficiently. That technology solves problems
like logistics and supply chain management, freight forwarding, customs
brokerage, mail services.in this way these technologies are related to
UPS’s business strategy.
What problems do UPS’s information
systems solve? What would happen if these
systems were not available?
UPS information system provides solution for different categories of
customers.
Individuals Customers:




Easy Access to Shipping and Tracking
Everything You Need to Ship and Track, Online
Receive Packages Your Way
Access UPS When and Where You Need To
Get Your UPS Bill Faster vi)Returns Made Simple
Business Clients:






Save Time and Money
Manage Shipping Online
Receive Packages at Your Convenience
Access UPS Where and When You Need To
Get Paid Faster
View and Pay Your Invoice
Excess resources like call center and others.
Shipping and Receiving Managers:



Leverage UPS Technology to Manage Shipping and Returns
Take Control of Your Receiving Process
Access UPS When and Where You Need To
Receive Your Invoice Electronically From UPS
If UPS’s Information Systems were not available:



Operational costs could be higher.
Millions of gallons of fuel could be burnt.
Millions of miles could be driven.
UPS’s would not be able to track their parcels and deliver them efficiently if
these systems were not available.