Junk Van CAse
1-888-JUNK-VAN Case
The problem presented in the 1-888-JUNK-VAN case involves the founder of the company Marcus Kingo trying to choose on the best information technology tool that would reduce order entry errors and allow his business to grow.
The root problem is Information errors and inefficiencies, which are impacting operations, reputation with customers, and increasing costs. Mr. Kingo’s goal to wanting to grow his business into a franchise, he needed to find a way to streamline the information correctly and to make the entire process smoother.
The context of the problem is looking at the inefficiencies that are apparent within JUNK VAN’s current virtual business model. Currently, the business runs in a very structured manner with two call center operators, one data clerk, three drivers, and three helps. The customer’s requests or jobs came in through phone and from that point information would be inputted into a custom-built MS-Works database. Onwards, information would be e-mailed to the morning and evening operators and then to the drivers. Mr. Kingo wants to maintain this virtual business and eventually move into franchising and growing. Before that can happen, he would like to have a central database and remove the manual process of e-mailing internal information.
The possible alternatives include : Microsoft Access Database, Custom Application, Google Docs, Platform as a Service, Software as a Service, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System.
For Microsoft Access, the program can upload on multiple computers and on a centralized server. The fees per computer would be $179. Customer Application would be around four weeks and $2,000 upfront. Maintenance would be $60/hour and no estimate on how many hours needed. Google Docs would be free for up to 10 users and small business can cost $5/month to $50/year. Software as a service can cost around $300-600 per month, which is dependent on storage and users, needed. ERP system for a small company can be
The problem presented in the 1-888-JUNK-VAN case involves the founder of the company Marcus Kingo trying to choose on the best information technology tool that would reduce order entry errors and allow his business to grow.
The root problem is Information errors and inefficiencies, which are impacting operations, reputation with customers, and increasing costs. Mr. Kingo’s goal to wanting to grow his business into a franchise, he needed to find a way to streamline the information correctly and to make the entire process smoother.
The context of the problem is looking at the inefficiencies that are apparent within JUNK VAN’s current virtual business model. Currently, the business runs in a very structured manner with two call center operators, one data clerk, three drivers, and three helps. The customer’s requests or jobs came in through phone and from that point information would be inputted into a custom-built MS-Works database. Onwards, information would be e-mailed to the morning and evening operators and then to the drivers. Mr. Kingo wants to maintain this virtual business and eventually move into franchising and growing. Before that can happen, he would like to have a central database and remove the manual process of e-mailing internal information.
The possible alternatives include : Microsoft Access Database, Custom Application, Google Docs, Platform as a Service, Software as a Service, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System.
For Microsoft Access, the program can upload on multiple computers and on a centralized server. The fees per computer would be $179. Customer Application would be around four weeks and $2,000 upfront. Maintenance would be $60/hour and no estimate on how many hours needed. Google Docs would be free for up to 10 users and small business can cost $5/month to $50/year. Software as a service can cost around $300-600 per month, which is dependent on storage and users, needed. ERP system for a small company can be