CMGTCB 554 IT Infrastructure International Plastics Systems Management Plan
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International Plastics Inc. Systems Management Plan
Competency 3 - Assessment
University of Phoenix
IT Infrastructure/CMGTCB 554
Ongart (peng) Ratchaworapong 5/27/2023
Grade: MA
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International Plastics Inc. Systems Management Plan
In today's business world, companies need to continuously improve their operations to stay competitive and meet the ever-changing demands of their customers. Upgrading the IT infrastructure and implementing new or upgrading existing business systems can be crucial to achieving this goal. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is a software solution that integrates various business functions such as finance, sales, inventory, and supply chain management (SCM), and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) into a single system, allowing businesses to streamline their processes
and improve overall efficiency.
Incorporating Systems Management
In order to ensure that International Plastics Inc. can operate smoothly and efficiently, the company must incorporate various systems into its IT infrastructure. To achieve operational efficiency, the company must understand the current operating business and identify data silos that allows the business units to leverage common data to support business growth. The business units maintain their own sets of data and rely on other business units to provide additional information to help make business
decisions. This has caused delays and process inefficiencies. The diagram Figure 1
shows how the company can improve business processes with improved IT infrastructure. Figure 1 Operational Efficiency Workflow - Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (Chap 9)
Central Database
Sales & Marketing
Human Resources
Manufacturing & Production
Finance & Accounting
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Enterprise Resource Planning
The Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system plays a crucial role in this regard as it is designed to integrate a range of different business functions, including finance, inventory, and human resource management (Figure 2). By doing so, the ERP system can provide a comprehensive overview of the company's operations, which can be used to streamline processes and improve performance across
the board. Using a central data source helps break data silos and helps prevent duplicating business efforts.
Similarly, the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is another key component of International Plastics Inc.'s IT infrastructure. This system manages customer interactions, leads, and sales and is designed to ensure that every customer interaction is as smooth and efficient as possible. The CRM system can help International Plastics Inc. build stronger customer relationships while improving its overall sales performance by providing a centralized platform for managing customer data.
Leveraging the capabilities of a CRM system can help the company gain insights into customer behavior through analytics, help the supply chain identify changes in demand, and business unit Figure 2 Centralized Data Model - Management Information Systems (Chap 9.1)
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maintain financial control through ERP. Figure 3 shows the relationship of a CRM with other business processes. Figure 3 CRM Functions
Supply Chain Management
The Supply Chain Management (SCM) system is yet another critical system that International Plastics Inc. must incorporate into its IT infrastructure. This system optimizes the company's supply chain processes, including procurement, logistics, and inventory management. The complexity of a global supply chain needs real-time data and information about the lifecycle in Figure 4
to make informed business decisions and mitigate inaccuracies and inefficiencies. The SCM system can help the company reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance its overall competitiveness in the global marketplace. CRM
Sales & Marketing
SCM
Analysis Reporting
Service
Relation Management
ERP and Finance
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Figure 4 SCM Lifecycle
Merging IT Business Systems
When upgrading the current business environment to a modern one, web servers may also be required to enable web-based functionalities like customer portals or mobile apps. These web servers allow convenient access to ERP features and enhance user experience.
Placing the ERP and associated data behind the business's hardware firewall on one of the servers is crucial to ensure the security and integrity of the ERP system and its data. This approach offers centralized software management capabilities and serves as a protective measure against potential software breaches. By implementing a hardware firewall, the business can establish a secure environment for managing the ERP system and prevent unauthorized access or malicious activities.
Furthermore, centralizing the ERP system and its data storage enhances efficiency and streamline operations. This feature simplifies managing and maintaining the software, ensuring consistency in applying updates and patches throughout the system. A centralized system makes it easier to backup and
data recovery, significantly reducing the chances of losing or corrupting important information.
Supply Chain
Management
Suppliers
Procurement
Manaufacturing
Products
Inventory
Distribution
Logistics
Retail
Customers
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Incorporating the company's data storage or cloud data into the ERP system, web servers, and hardware firewalls facilitates smooth and secure access to the necessary resources. This integration optimizes the functionality of the ERP system and ensures the availability and reliability of critical data, enabling International Plastics Inc. to operate efficiently and make informed business decisions.
Finally, the data management system handles all of the company's data, including storage, retrieval, and analysis. This system ensures that International Plastics Inc. can make informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information. Whether analyzing sales data to identify trends or monitoring inventory levels to ensure the company is well-stocked, the data management system is an essential component of International Plastics Inc.'s IT infrastructure.
Features and Capabilities When choosing system management applications, it is important to identify features and capabilities to meet the demands of the business. Six features and capabilities to help achieve business goals and outcomes.
Features and Capabilities
Composability
The ability of an ERP to combine modular components to create a more comprehensive, complex system. It allows flexibility and
scalability that can be easily adapted to meet changing business needs. integrate and work seamlessly with other software applications and tools used by a business to allow seamless data exchange and ensure information is up-to-date and accurate across all systems
Core Customer Experience The fundamental aspect of core customer experience is how users interact with and perceive the system. Hyperautomation
Focusing on automation technology enhances and boosts staff productivity. Internal users and employees will benefit from streamlined capabilities through machine learning and acritical intelligence.
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Integration
Ability to connect the system to work seamlessly with other software applications and tools used by a business to allow seamless data exchange and ensure information is up-to-date and accurate across all systems. It helps eliminate data silos, reduce duplication, streamline business processes, and provides standardization and consistency.
Shared Data Services
Allow different business units to access and use the same data, ensuring consistency and accuracy. It eliminates the need for multiple data silos and reduces the risk of data inconsistencies or duplications.
Modeling and Analytics
Used to gain real-time insights into patterns, trends, and correlations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and help make
informed business decisions.
How Software Applications Utilize the IT Infrastructure
A robust and reliable IT infrastructure is crucial to ensure the smooth operation of software applications. This infrastructure encompasses a range of hardware and software resources essential for the efficient functioning of software applications. For instance, the ERP system heavily relies on the IT infrastructure to manage financial transactions, inventory, and human resources effectively. Likewise, the CRM system requires managing customer interactions and sales leads, while the SCM system uses it
for procurement, logistics, and inventory processes. Additionally, the data management system relies heavily on the IT infrastructure to ensure secure and efficient data storage, retrieval, and analysis. A resilient IT infrastructure is the backbone for software applications, enabling them to function optimally
and fulfill their intended goals.
Utilizing Business Intelligence (BI) software can significantly enhance the capabilities of the ERP system. Integrating BI tools with the ERP allows the business to generate comprehensive reports and gain valuable insights into operational patterns and trends. This data-driven approach enables effective operations management by providing real-time visibility into key performance indicators
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(KPIs) and metrics. With well-defined KPIs, the business can monitor the ERP system's success, identify improvement areas, and make data-backed decisions to optimize business processes. Leveraging
BI software enhances the ability to identify patterns, anticipate market trends, and adapt quickly to changing customer demands.
Implementing BI software alongside the ERP system enables the company to generate valuable insights, produce reports, and identify patterns that can aid in managing operations effectively.
Business Intelligence software integrates with the ERP system to extract and analyze data from various modules and departments. It provides powerful analytical capabilities that allow users to create custom reports, perform data mining, and visualize data meaningfully. By leveraging BI tools, the business can better understand its processes, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
One of the key benefits of utilizing BI software is the ability to generate comprehensive reports. These reports can encompass various business operations aspects, such as sales performance, inventory management, production efficiency, and customer satisfaction. With access to real-time and accurate information, management can quickly identify areas that require attention and take proactive measures to address any issues.
Additionally, BI software enables the establishment of metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to gauge the success and effectiveness of the ERP system. These metrics can be tailored to specific needs and goals, allowing the business to track its performance over time and assess whether it is meeting its objectives. Examples of KPIs may include order fulfillment rates, on-time delivery performance, inventory turnover, customer retention rates, and overall profitability.
Furthermore, BI tools facilitate data visualization, presenting information as charts, graphs, and dashboards. Visual representations of data make it easier for users to grasp complex information quickly
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and identify patterns or outliers. This visual approach enhances the decision-making process by providing intuitive insights into business performance and highlighting areas of improvement.
By leveraging BI software alongside the ERP system, the business can harness the full potential of its data. The company can gain valuable insights, optimize its operations, and drive informed decision-making, improving efficiency, competitive advantage, and overall performance.
In order to create an efficient and effective IT infrastructure, it is crucial for the company to select a solution that is up to date with the latest technological advancements. This may entail enhancing
the existing on-premises data center, transitioning to a cloud-based platform, or combining both options to create a hybrid solution. By adopting these measures, the company can ensure that the infrastructure has the necessary capacities to address the demands of modern computing.
Ethical and Regulatory Concerns
To implement a new enterprise system at International Plastics Inc., it is crucial to create a management plan that considers ethical and regulatory considerations. One of the ethical concerns is the privacy of customer information. The CRM system will gather and save sensitive customer data, requiring protection against unauthorized access or disclosure. Another ethical concern is data security. Our data management system is responsible for storing sensitive company information. We must safeguard this data from cyber-attacks and other security breaches.
Adopting guidelines, such as the ISC (2) Code of Ethics, can provide professional standards and operational policies. The ISC(2) Code of Ethics provides a set of principles and standards that guide professionals in information security and cybersecurity. Adhering to this code ensures that the business "acts honorably, honestly, justly, responsibly" and follows legal requirements.
Ethical concerns related to the ERP system are data entry and access. Certain personnel within the company will have access to sensitive information from multiple departments. Misuse of this
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information, intentional or accidental, can pose a significant risk to the business. To mitigate this risk, employees must sign non-disclosure agreements outlining their responsibilities for handling sensitive data. These agreements serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining confidentiality and preventing unauthorized disclosure of information.
Another ethical concern is the unauthorized manipulation of data. As the ERP system holds critical business data, it is essential to establish strict access controls and implement measures to prevent
unauthorized modifications or tampering. Data integrity and accuracy are paramount to ensure the ERP system provides reliable information for decision-making processes.
In addition to ethical considerations, regulatory requirements must be adhered to when implementing and using an ERP system. Depending on the industry and geographical location of the business, specific data protection and privacy laws may need to be followed. For instance, regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States impose obligations on companies regarding collecting, storing,
and handling personal data.
The business can demonstrate its commitment to responsible and lawful behavior. This protects the
business's reputation and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations, fostering trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders.
List and Rank Regulatory Risks and Concerns
Risk ranking is a crucial aspect of systems management planning. The business should assess and prioritize risks by considering the likelihood and impact of potential events. A risk equation evaluation that multiplies the probability of an event occurring by its potential impact can help prioritize the effects.
By conducting a thorough risk assessment, the company can identify high-risk areas and allocate resources accordingly to mitigate those risks. For example, risks associated with data breaches, system
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failures, or non-compliance with regulatory requirements should be given priority. Implementing robust security measures, disaster recovery plans, and regular system audits can minimize risks and ensure the efficient operation of the systems in place.
By assessing and ranking risks, the business can proactively address potential issues and minimize their impact on business operations. Risk ranking is typically determined by multiplying the likelihood of an event occurring by its potential impact. This approach allows the business to prioritize efforts and allocate resources effectively. By identifying and understanding the risks to the business's systems and IT infrastructure, they can take appropriate actions to mitigate those risks and safeguard its operations.
Incorporating systems management involves implementing comprehensive strategies and practices to manage the business's IT systems effectively. This includes monitoring system performance, conducting regular backups, implementing security measures, and ensuring system reliability and availability.
An essential aspect of systems management is conducting risk assessments. This involves identifying potential vulnerabilities, threats, and weaknesses in the business's IT infrastructure. By evaluating the likelihood and potential impact of these risks, the company can prioritize them based on their severity and take proactive steps to address them.
Once risks are identified and prioritized, they can implement risk mitigation measures. This may include implementing robust security protocols, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption methods, to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches. Regular system updates and patches should also be applied to address any known vulnerabilities.
Additionally, the business should establish proper data backup and recovery procedures to ensure business continuity in the event of a system failure or data loss. This involves regularly backing up critical data and testing the restoration process to verify its effectiveness.
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Furthermore, having incident response plans in place to address and manage potential disruptions or security incidents promptly. These plans outline the steps to be taken in the event of a breach, system failure, or other critical events, ensuring a coordinated and efficient response.
By incorporating systems management and risk ranking into their operations, the business can identify and mitigate potential threats before they escalate into significant issues. This proactive approach helps ensure their IT systems' stability and reliability, safeguard sensitive data, and maintain uninterrupted business operations. Ultimately, it contributes to the company's overall success and competitiveness in the market.
Systems Management Plan Justification
Implementing a comprehensive system management plan for International Plastics Inc. is essential for improving business performance. The company can achieve increased efficiency, improved collaboration, and better decision-making by incorporating various systems, including ERP, CRM, SCM, and data management. A well-designed system management plan can streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve productivity.
ERP systems can help International Plastics Inc. manage its various business processes, including inventory management, finance, and human resources. By integrating these processes into a single system, the company can achieve increased efficiency and better decision-making. Additionally, CRM systems can help the company manage customer relationships and improve customer satisfaction. The company can gain valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences by leveraging data collected
through these systems, enabling more targeted marketing and sales efforts.
A comprehensive SCM system can help the company manage its supply chain and logistics operations, reducing lead times and improving delivery times. This can increase customer satisfaction, improve supplier relationships, and reduce costs. Finally, data management systems can help the
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company collect and analyze data, providing insights into various aspects of the business, from sales and
marketing to production and supply chain management.
Incorporating these systems into a single infrastructure can be challenging, but the benefits are significant. Improved efficiency, reduced costs, and better decision-making can help International Plastics Inc. remain competitive in a rapidly changing business environment. The company should use the newest technologies and adopt best practices for continuous growth and success.
Developing a comprehensive system management plan is essential for improving business performance, streamlining operations, and reducing costs. Implementing various systems, including ERP, CRM, SCM, and data management, can help International Plastics Inc. achieve these goals. The benefits of a well-designed system management plan are significant and can help the company remain competitive in a rapidly changing business environment.
Systems Management Trends
The current trends in Enterprise Software, including ERP, CRM, and SCM systems, are focused on
integrating these various modules into a cohesive and unified system. Using middleware and cloud services can achieve integration. The business can improve efficiency and collaboration by streamlining the flow of information across departments. However, the implementation, maintenance, and security of such integrated systems remain challenges the business must address. It is essential to carefully weigh different solutions, considering scalability, customization options, and integration capabilities. By selecting a system that aligns with the business's specific needs, it can harness the power of enterprise software and stay competitive in the market.
These enterprise software solutions are crucial in streamlining business processes and improving organizational efficiency.
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A significant trend in Enterprise Software is the integration of multiple enterprise modules into a single system. Traditionally, ERP, CRM, and SCM systems operated as separate entities, each serving a specific business function. However, there has been a shift towards integrating these modules into a unified system. This integration aims to eliminate data silos, improve data visibility, and enable seamless communication and collaboration across different departments.
Middleware and cloud services are often employed to facilitate this integration. Middleware acts as
a bridge between different software systems, allowing data and information to flow seamlessly between them. Cloud services provide a scalable and flexible infrastructure for hosting these integrated enterprise
solutions, reducing the reliance on on-premises hardware, and enabling remote access to data and applications.
Integration offers a range of benefits, but it also presents some obstacles that require attention. While the trend toward integration provides numerous benefits, the business must address the challenges. Implementation and maintenance of an integrated enterprise system require careful planning,
coordination, and expertise. The business must consider data mapping, system customization, and user training to ensure successful integration.
Security is another critical consideration when implementing enterprise software solutions. With the increasing reliance on cloud services and interconnected systems, protecting sensitive data and preventing unauthorized access becomes crucial. Robust security measures, including encryption, access
controls, and regular system audits, must be in place to safeguard information and mitigate the risk of data breaches.
When evaluating enterprise software solutions, the business must weigh the different options. When considering a new enterprise system, it is essential to consider several factors, including cost, scalability, customization options, user experience, and compatibility with existing systems. Choosing a
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solution that aligns with the specific needs and goals is necessary, ensuring that it can effectively support and enhance its business processes.
By understanding current Enterprise Software trends, the business can make informed decisions regarding implementing and optimizing its ERP, CRM, and SCM systems. This will enable the business to leverage technological advancements, improve operational efficiency, enhance customer relationships, and strengthen its supply chain management, ultimately leading to a competitive advantage in the market.
Security Concerns
Security concerns become more critical as the company adopts new systems and technologies. Ensuring strong security measures are in place is crucial for the company to effectively address cybersecurity threats such as malware, phishing attacks, and data breaches.
To mitigate cybersecurity risks, the company must have a comprehensive security plan. This plan should include data encryption, network segmentation, and access controls. Ongoing regular security assessments and conducting testing to identify and address vulnerabilities in the system.
Another security concern is the privacy of customer data. The company must protect customer data
from unauthorized access or disclosure with CRM and data management systems. The business must comply when collecting and storing customer data.
Finally, there is a concern about the use of AI and ML technologies. These technologies rely on vast amounts of data, and there is a risk that this data could be compromised. To mitigate this risk, the company must ensure that the data collected and stored is secure and that access controls are in place to restrict unauthorized access. Additionally, AI and ML algorithms must be transparent, and the decision-
making processes must be explained to avoid potential bias and discrimination.
Conclusion
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Developing a system management plan for International Plastics Inc. to incorporate various systems, such as ERP, CRM, SCM, and data management, is crucial for enhancing business performance and staying competitive in today's dynamic marketplace. By integrating these systems into the company's IT infrastructure, International Plastics Inc. can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and make more informed decisions.
In conclusion, International Plastics Inc. must develop and implement a comprehensive system management plan, considering the incorporation of various systems, addressing ethical and regulatory concerns, justifying the plan's benefits, and adopting current trends while ensuring data security. By doing so, the company can unlock its full potential, achieve improved business performance, and thrive in today's competitive landscape.
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References
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Pratt, M. (2023, 03 28). Top 10 enterprise technology trends for 2023
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