Case study: UPS competes globally with information technology

What are the inputs, processing, and outputs of UPS's package tracking system?

- Inputs: scannable barcoded labels attached to each package which contains detailed info about the sender,
destination, pickup, delivery, current location, and when it will arrive.

- Processing: all info is transmitted to central computer the distributed again. The routing softwarecalled ORION to
find the most efficient routes. Adding the DIAD software system which is a handheld computer called Delivery
Information Acquisition Device that helps drivers with their everyday delivery (showing the delivery route, changing
schedules, include all costumers and packages details, and capture costumers’ signatures)

- Outputs: UPS app and website allows customers to track packages, calculate shipping rates, check delivery routes,
print labels, determine time in transit and schedule a pickup. Tools provided by UPS such as Cisco systems.

What technologies are used by UPS? How are these technologies related to UPS's business strategy?

- Scannable barcoded labels that include detailed info about the packages and customers

- ORION is a software that creates the best route to deliver the packages - DIAD is the handheld computer called
Delivery Information Acquisition Device

- OMS is a web-base post sales Order Management System that manages service orders and inventory for critical
parts fulfillment such as high-tech electronics, aerospace, medical equipment, and any other company’s critical
shipment.

- UPS app, website, and Cisco Systems

- These technologies are related to UPS's business strategy as they support their motto “best service and lowest
rates”. They provide the best service by using the above technology to reach the optimal efficiency and maximize
customer’s satisfaction by allowing easy access to their services.

What strategic business objectives do UPS's information systems address?

- The UPS’s strategic business objectives address the best customer service and low-cost rates, the package tracking
system and other technologies mentioned in the previous question is used in order to maintain these objectives. UPS
invest over 1 billion dollars every year on customer service to maximize their customers satisfaction. Moreover, the
aim of investing in all above technologies is to minimize the cost by increasing their efficacy to achieve their motto
“best service and lowest rates”.

What would happen if UPS/s information systems were not available?

- If UPS Information Systems were not implemented, simply the company might go bankrupt as it cannot compete or
keep up with other competitors due to lack of technology. However, if it survives without the information systems it
will have time consuming processes and it would be very costly for the company to operate which means that the
company will fail to achieve their own motto “best service and lowest rates”. Eventually declaring bankruptcy for
their inability to survive in a market full of technology.