UPS-Universal Parcel service
(1) What are the inputs, processing, and outputs of UPS’s package tracking system?
Inputs:
The most important input of UPS’s package tracking system is scannable bar coded label attached to the parcel. This scannable label contains detailed information about the package information (weight of the package, content of the package), customer signature, pickup information, delivery information, time-card information, current location and billing and customer clearance documentation.
Processing:
Before the package is even picked up, the data from the scannable bar coded label is transmitted to one of UPS’s computer centers in Mahwah at New Jersey, or Alpharetta at Georgia and sent to the distribution center nearest its final destination. Dispatchers at this center download the data from the label and use special software to create the most efficient delivery route for each driver that considers traffic, the weather and the location of each stop. A handheld computer called a Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD), enables UPS drivers to download their day’s route. The DIAD also automatically captures customers’ signatures as well as pickup and delivery information. Package tracking information is then transmitted to UPS’s computer network for storage and processing. At various points along the route from sender to receiver, bar code devices are used to scan shipping information on the package label and feed data about the progress of the package into the central computer. All the data that has transmitted to the central computer is also reorganized, so that it can be tracked by customer account, date, driver, and other criteria.
Output:
The output includes pickup and delivery time, location while en route and package recipient. The output also includes various reports, such as all packages for a specific account or a specific driver or route, as well as summary reports for management.
(2) What technologies are used?
Technologies
Inputs:
The most important input of UPS’s package tracking system is scannable bar coded label attached to the parcel. This scannable label contains detailed information about the package information (weight of the package, content of the package), customer signature, pickup information, delivery information, time-card information, current location and billing and customer clearance documentation.
Processing:
Before the package is even picked up, the data from the scannable bar coded label is transmitted to one of UPS’s computer centers in Mahwah at New Jersey, or Alpharetta at Georgia and sent to the distribution center nearest its final destination. Dispatchers at this center download the data from the label and use special software to create the most efficient delivery route for each driver that considers traffic, the weather and the location of each stop. A handheld computer called a Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD), enables UPS drivers to download their day’s route. The DIAD also automatically captures customers’ signatures as well as pickup and delivery information. Package tracking information is then transmitted to UPS’s computer network for storage and processing. At various points along the route from sender to receiver, bar code devices are used to scan shipping information on the package label and feed data about the progress of the package into the central computer. All the data that has transmitted to the central computer is also reorganized, so that it can be tracked by customer account, date, driver, and other criteria.
Output:
The output includes pickup and delivery time, location while en route and package recipient. The output also includes various reports, such as all packages for a specific account or a specific driver or route, as well as summary reports for management.
(2) What technologies are used?
Technologies