Information Systems - Customer Operated Point Sale System vs Mobile Phone Communication Systems - Essay Example

Information Systems Complexities in the modern business environment have made information systems to become essential assets. An information system is therefore, essential in the maintenance of an up-to date organizational structure and accurate processing of information. Information systems have also become essential tools for competition in the business environment. Cooperation networks, end-process control, and product customization are some of the fields that require application of an information system (Greiner, 2003). Business requirements and needs for information systems increase simultaneously. Speedy development in information technology has come in as an appropriate substitute for the increasing needs. This development encompasses communication technology, wide range of data processing and management systems and frameworks for enterprise and e-business system. This paper will therefore focus on a customer-operated point of sale system (POS) and mobile phone communication system. The paper will give a precise description for each information system concerning its application and key features. Customer Operated Point Sale System The abbreviations POS stands for point of sale, this term is common in retail outlets or stores that have automated their transactions. The system can also be applied in business environments that involve actual sales (Greiner, 2003). In order for a POS system to perform effectively, it requires appropriate software and hardware. The main components of a POS system include electronic cash register, receipt printers, barcode readers, display screen, scanners, display pole and touch screens. The systems are widely applied in many organization and businesses, which include casinos, hotels, stadiums, retail stores, gas stations, and personal service businesses. Input and output of a POS system depend on the function of the system. This indicates that there is a wide range of software and hardware depending on the different usage of a POS system. A checkout system is an example of a POS system. This system has display screens, data input devices such as keyboards, electronic cash register, photocell and conveyer belts as its major components or hardware. The system is common in large retail shops outlets such as the Wal-Mart Supermarket. This system enhances accuracy and efficiency in transactions within the store. The customer initiates the process by placing the goods they intend to purchase from the supermarket on the conveyor belt leading to the cashier (Moeller, 2009). The conveyer belts have photocells that monitor the movement of the selected items. Once the items reach the cashier, the conveyor belt automatically stops. The cashier then scans the serial numbers of each item on the scanner that is connected to the checkout system. Once the item is scanned, the system indicates its details and eliminates the item from the list of items in the store. The store attendant also uses the system to compute the total and the required change. The display screen connected to the system indicates the quantity of a given item and the price per item. The system also indicates taxes and other deductions that the authorities execute though such transactions. Credit card processing systems, point sale system and management systems are other classifications of POS systems. The credit card system accepts credit cards and other types of accepted pre-pay cards as a form of payments. A management system on the other hand, gives out management decisions depending on input instructions or data. Input of data or instruction is a major requirement of an information system. Input involves both the input devices and people. Input devices are components or hardware used to put data or instructions into the information system. Barcode readers, keyboards, touch screens, magnetic code reader, mouse, scanners, and credit card readers are the main input devices applied in the POS system. These devices are used to send the required data or instruction into the information system. Data or information process follows input of data or instructions into the information system. A POS system integrates popular software and services in its processes. Such software includes accounting programs and management software. The process begins by input of data or instructions. Barcode information and serial numbers are some of the common input instructions. Once the instruction is put into the system, the system responds to it according to the function of the information system or the required process. Such functions would be computing the total cost, giving out receipt or computing tax revenues. Instructions on the other hand would include any specified instructions or information given to the information system. The checkout system will calculate the total cost of the purchased items and any other charges made on the purchased items. The system will also indicate specific information on every item such as price, quantity bought, and the general description of the items (OLeary, 2008). This information is displayed on display screens attached to the checkout system or printed out as a receipt at the end of the transaction. The output devices for this system include display screens, monitors, printers, and audio devices. These devices link the attendant and the customer with the information system. Application of POS system is common in most modern business. Application of such systems enhances accuracy and efficiency in business transactions and operations. By promoting accuracy and efficiency in business transactions and operations, the system enhance the quality of customer services provided by the business. With the modern developments in technology, businesses have acquired automated systems that rely on networks. Such systems can operate without attendant or people to monitor transactions (Slack, & Chambers, 2008). The systems are also compatible with popular credit cards. This automated system can continuously provide the services of the business on a 24-hour basis and they can be located on strategic locations. Applying such system will therefore enable a company to compete favorably through increased sales and high quality customer services. Source: http://www.talgara-epos.co.uk/retail-point-of-sales-system-advanced-logistics.asp Mobile Phone Communication Systems A communication system can be described as a collection of individuals or communicating parties, communication networks, data terminal equipment, and transmission system. Apparatus of a communication system work together to achieve a common function and they are compatible. A mobile phone is a common example of a communication system that has wide application in modern businesses and individual communications. A cell phone or a mobile phone is a gadget that people use to make or receive audio calls within a certain geographical location. The device is used within a region that is covered by a mobile operator or that has cellular network. Modern mobile phones support a variety of services beyond the ordinary making and receiving of calls. Such services include text messages, MMS services, internet access, and email services (Slack, & Chambers, 2008). Modern handsets are also enhanced with short-range communication systems that do not rely on networks. Such systems include infrared and Bluetooth, they are used to connect the mobile phone with other wireless devices such as mobile phones, laptops, PC, and other compatible devices. Mobile phones have undergone a dynamic evolution from the initial handsets that weighed almost one kilogram to the modern portable handsets. Through this evolutions and developments, mobile phones have acquired up-to-date feature that enhance interactions between the users and the wider environment. In this case, the environment depends on the user of the mobile phone and the usage. Businessperson will consider business transactions, customers, suppliers, service providers and other business partners as their environment (Shaw, 1999). Interaction between a mobile phone user and the environment depend on how the device is used in each of the particular case. The interaction can be between two users or between users. Communication can involve one message sender and one receiver or one message sender and many receivers. Most mobile phone operators also provide internet services to their subscribers that have also contributed to the interaction between the system and the wider environment. Audio communication is the key purpose of mobile phone. Most interactions between the system and the environment occur through audio communication. Most mobile communication requires immediate response due to their agency. In such case, the mobile phone users need to be informed of an incoming call. The system responds by producing an alert for an incoming call on the handset of the receiver. On the other hand, the person making the call is also informed on the response of the receiver through a dial tone. The caller receives an immediate alert and they can respond appropriately. Mobile phone systems also provide MMS and SMS services, these services can in one-to-one communication, or one-to-many form of communication. In this form of communication, the message sender types the intended message into the handset through typing device (keypad). The device then transforms the message into electronic codes, which are relayed to the message receiver. Once the message is sent, the receiver receives a notification through the receiving handset. Such notifications are realized as ringing tone and or vibration. The availability of internet services and handsets with 3G capabilities has enabled mobile phone users to access the internet through their handsets. Internet access enables mobile phone users to interact with the global environment. The proposed 5G networks will also improve internet accessibility for mobile phone users by increasing their download and upload speeds. Internet enabled mobile phones enable users to access information from the worldwide web. Users can also upload information on more interactive websites such as blogs, wikis, and the social networks. The mobile phone communication system acts as a link for information between the user and the World Wide Web. The mobile network provides connectivity between the users and the translation facilities that link them to the World Wide Web. Internet connectivity has also increased the functions of mobile phones and connectivity between users. Money transfers, mobile banking, and cash payments are some of the modern enhancements in mobile phones. For mobile user to make such transactions, the mobile operator requires them to have an account. The users load money into such accounts and use it to settle various transactions. This indicates that the mobile phone system interacts with the wider environment through user accounts. Mobile phone service providers have an accounting system that monitors transactions made by users. The system gives the cash balance after every transaction and immediate detail concerning the transaction. Mobile phone communication system Source: http://oem.bmj.com/content/68/9/686.full Conclusion Information systems are vital in the modern business environment. Information system can either involve simple or complicated processes. A mobile phone is a simple information system that is used in day-to-day business activity while a POS involves procedures that are more complicated. A POS system is applied in customer service and business transactions to enhance accuracy, accountability and efficiency. A POS system relies on popular software such as accounting programs to complete its processes. A mobile phone system on the other hand links the end users through the cellular networks and telecom installations. This linkage provides a platform through which the information system interacts with the wider environment. References Shaw, J. (1999). A cognitive categorization model for the study of intercultural management. Academy of Management Review, 15(4), 626-645. Greiner, E. (2003). Evolution and revolution as organizations grow. Harvard Business Review. July-August, 37-47 Moeller, R. (2009). Brink’s modern internal auditing: A common body of knowledge. New York: John Wiley & Sons. OLeary, T. (2008). Computing Essentials Introductory 2008. New York: McGraw-Hill. Slack, N. & Chambers, S. (2008). Operations Management. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Read More