Strengths and Weaknesses of Existing DOS-Based POS Terminals Used by Zara
The current report serves the purpose of analyzing strengths and weaknesses of existing DOS-based POS terminals used by Zara and providing recommendations as to whether an upgrade is necessary.
Methods of analysis include decision tree and SWOT-matrix, cost analysis, risk assessment, along with expert opinions summary from IT-consultants in retail industry.
Even though the old POS terminals are easy to install and stable to operate, they impose limitations on data interchange capabilities, thus rendering it impossible to keep track of inventory in a store itself and the adjacent stores likewise. This results in inability to track shortages proactively on the store level and forces the store manager to follow lengthy phone calling process in order to locate inventory in nearby stores. As a result, inventory transfers have to be delegated to the corporate level, where the “big picture” is clearer, thus causing delays and losing sales opportunities. It has also been determined that plug-and-play solutions are available for modern POS terminals, diminishing the advantage of the old system being installed in a matter of minutes.
My decision is to port the existing software to a Linux-based platform adding network related enhancements. The following recommendations are being given to support this decision:
- Use Linux-based platform due to low cost of the OS itself and better connectivity to Oracle DB
- Use web-based “thin client”, which does not require any installation in North America, Europe and Japan. Use plug and play heavy client for all other locations
- Outsource DB-client interchange processing to external provider using cloud technology to reduce operating costs
The deliverables will include faster inter-store inventory location/transfers, more accurate inventory data, faster data interchange between corporate center and the store network, significant time reduction in processing customer returns. POS terminal EOL risk will be eliminated,
Methods of analysis include decision tree and SWOT-matrix, cost analysis, risk assessment, along with expert opinions summary from IT-consultants in retail industry.
Even though the old POS terminals are easy to install and stable to operate, they impose limitations on data interchange capabilities, thus rendering it impossible to keep track of inventory in a store itself and the adjacent stores likewise. This results in inability to track shortages proactively on the store level and forces the store manager to follow lengthy phone calling process in order to locate inventory in nearby stores. As a result, inventory transfers have to be delegated to the corporate level, where the “big picture” is clearer, thus causing delays and losing sales opportunities. It has also been determined that plug-and-play solutions are available for modern POS terminals, diminishing the advantage of the old system being installed in a matter of minutes.
My decision is to port the existing software to a Linux-based platform adding network related enhancements. The following recommendations are being given to support this decision:
- Use Linux-based platform due to low cost of the OS itself and better connectivity to Oracle DB
- Use web-based “thin client”, which does not require any installation in North America, Europe and Japan. Use plug and play heavy client for all other locations
- Outsource DB-client interchange processing to external provider using cloud technology to reduce operating costs
The deliverables will include faster inter-store inventory location/transfers, more accurate inventory data, faster data interchange between corporate center and the store network, significant time reduction in processing customer returns. POS terminal EOL risk will be eliminated,