NMIMS Global Access School for Continuing Education (NGA-SCE)

Course: Information Systems for Managers

Answer 1:

Introduction
ERP software is strategically designed to model and automate many of a company's basic
processes. It established an effective link from the top to the bottom of a company's
hierarchy, with the goal of integrating information across the company; for instance, a
communication channel is established between the finance department and the shop floor for
information sharing. This application allows for the complete removal of complex and costly
links between computer networks that were never meant to interact with one another. It also
established a continuous and error-free flow of information within the organisation.
Concept and application
Given
According to the question, Suthar Timber Merchants sales representatives were using a
manual price sheet and should call the supplier for the most recent price, which would be a
time-consuming process. In turn, the supplier utilises a manual price sheet that is updated
daily. Because the company often does not have the latest pricing information on hand, the
supplier must frequently call back Suthar's sales reps. In short, the company must streamline
all functions in order to save time and automate all processes. In this case, ERP software
could be very useful because it can help to integrate all business functions, allowing the
company to save time and enhance customer satisfaction.
The Advantages of Implementing an ERP System in Suthar Timber Merchants
Business Integration: The first and most important benefit is the encouragement of
integration. The automatic data updating (automatic data exchange among applications) that
is possible between the related business components is the reason why ERP packages are
considered integrated. Because traditional company information systems were designed to
optimise independent business functions within business units, they were almost all lacking
in terms of information communication and integration that extended beyond the different
business functions.
Flexibility: The flexibility of ERP software is the second advantage. Different languages,
currencies, accounting standards, and so on can all be covered by a single system, and
functions that systematically manage a company's multiple locations can be packaged and
implemented automatically. This flexibility is necessary for dealing with company
globalisation and system unification, and we can say that it has significant benefits not just
for development and maintenance, but also for management.
Better customer service: ERP systems will assist you in quickly and effectively serving your
customers, with faster response times, on-time delivery, and continued to improve order
accuracy.
Automated tasks: Your activities will be done automatically with the help of ERP software,
allowing you to save time and dedicate it to more productive activities. In this case, the
company can use ERP to have all price-related information on a real-time basis that sales
representatives can use to increase their work productivity.
Use of Latest Technology: The fourth advantage was the use of latest IT developments. ERP
vendors quickly realised that in order to grow and sustain that growth, they required to
embrace the latest IT developments.
The drawbacks of implementing ERP software/systems that should be avoided
Costly affair: ERP software is quite expensive, especially when customised to your needs, so
proper planning consideration and budgeting are required. Third-party software add-ins,
implementation costs, maintenance costs, training costs, and so on are all potential costs.
Resistance to change: If you start deciding to use ERP software, you will need complete
support from your employees, and they'll be the end users who will be using it for various
functions. But even so, many employees are more likely to use old systems and perform most
of the tasks manually. In this scenario, they commonly resist change, which is a main cause
of ERP implementation failure.
Lack of proper training: This transformation is difficult for many employees to accept. If
employees are not trained properly ahead of time, the systems will fail. In this case, if the
company wants to implement ERP, it should communicate the decision to all employees and
provide proper training to them so that they do not encounter any issues later and can use it
effectively.
Complex data conversion: Data storage and accessibility are critical for any organisation,
and it should be stored securely so that it can be connected when needed. Once you've
decided to go with ERP, you'll need to transform all of your data from manual to automatic
mode. There are several data conversion methods available; choose the one that would seem
to be the most appropriate.
Conclusion
Finally, it can be made clear that Suthar Timber Merchants should implement ERP
software/systems to improve their current situation; it'll also benefit them in a variety of ways
such as real-time data, better customer service, automated tasks, and so on. They could use
system to get real-time pricing information and use it in the future. There are some
disadvantages of ERP implementation that I have noted above that should be addressed by
the company so that there is no failure, and the company reaps full benefits from the
execution. When purchasing an ERP system, the company needs to decide an experienced
vendor who can provide a good deal as well as after-sales support. It is also essential that
employees are happy with the decision and are trained before they actually start using the
software.

Answer 2:

Introduction:
Cloud technology –
The word cloud computing was inspired by the cloud symbol, which is frequently used in
flowcharts and diagrams to represent the Internet. A cloud service is usually distinguished
hosting by three distinctive properties. It is sold on demand, "typically by the minute or the
hour; it is elastic — a user can have as much or as little of a service as they want at any given
time; and the service is appropriate strategies by the provider" (the consumer needs nothing
but a personal computer and an Internet access). Significant advancements in virtualization
and distributed computing, as well as improved Internet access and a weak economy, have
fueled interest in cloud computing.
The concept and its application
In terms of computer system and communication technology, the Cloud enables on-demand
delivery of resources such as computing and storage to customers. Rather than being a new
technology in and of itself, the cloud is a new business model constructed around new
technologies such as server virtualization that utilise economies of scale and multi-tenancy to
lower the cost of using information technology resources. Data storage is a common
application of cloud computing. Instead of the dedicated servers used in traditional networked
data storage, data is stored on multiple third-party servers with cloud storage.
Benefits of Using Cloud Computing in Hospitals
Electronic records: One of the most effective benefits of cloud storage in the healthcare
industry is that it makes archiving including using patient records and medical images much
easier. Because the records are in electronic format, those who are simple to use and locate at
any time. We can easily and frequently keep them. Cloud storage is the best option in the
healthcare industry, where there are a large number of records. The new approach to data will
increase the availability, storage capacity, and security.
Streamlined collaboration: Many experts maintain that cloud computing makes it easier to
collaborate and provide care as a team. The cloud speeds up and improves communication at
a distance by using mobile devices, video conferencing, and applications designed
specifically for health care organisations. Patients receive the expertise they require when
they entail it. Rural care and disaster response become more realistic. With the growth of the
Internet, there was no longer any reason to confine group collaboration to a single enterprise's
network environment. Users from various locations within a corporation and from different
organizations wanted to collaborate on projects that crossed company and geographic
boundaries.
Savings on data storage: Big data has become an overwhelming challenge for many
healthcare institutions, and the cloud empowers providers to save money by reducing in-
house storage requirements. The data is also more accessible from a variety of places, and
even if something happens on-site, the data is still preserved.
Advanced Clinical Research: The cloud enables a wide range of high-powered data
solutions to power up the research process. Big data used to be far too massive for smaller
computers to handle, but thanks to the advanced computing power of the cloud, using these
massive data sets for progress has become a reality. It becomes easier and less expensive to
develop new drugs as a result, and it especially opens it up intriguing possibilities in DNA
sequencing.
Telemedicine Capabilities: The use of cloud storage, high-tech devices, and mobile
technology has made providing health care from a distance a reality. Consultations, tele-
surgeries, and monitoring patients without having them come in it are a few examples.
Doctors' use of mobile devices
Real time communication: The very first way mobile devices will assist doctors is in real-
time communication with patients. Doctors can use mobile devices to communicate with
patients and examine patients by using the camera on the mobile device. It will save both the
doctor and the patient time, and doctors will be able to follow up with patients later on.
Mobile devices will also be useful for bringing together experts from various fields to consult
on a variety of issues. This can assist patients in receiving better medical care.
Better patient management: Doctors can effectively manage their patients if they use
mobile devices to treat them. Doctors can monitor their patients' health using various devices
and suggest additional steps or medication as needed. They can also issue prescriptions
digitally, and devices can be used to remotely contact the patient in real-time and inquire
about their current whereabouts and treatments, to provide doctors with more information.
Good accuracy: When compared to keeping records manually, it is always beneficial to have
them digitally stored so that they can be accessed at any time and from any location. Mobile
devices assist doctors in maintaining records of their patients' past health records,
medications prescribed, and other details, among other things. Digitized documents decrease
the number of errors that could be caused by handwritten notes.

Answer 3a:

Introduction
Since there is no official definition or meaning of smart city, it can mean different things to
different people relying on their understanding and thinking. A smart city in India may not
qualify for this title in another country because it is also dependent on the city's level of
development, willingness to change and reform, resources, and aspirations. A smart city
would have a different meaning in India than it would in, say, Europe. Some points, in my
personal view, should be included in a smart city definition, such as developed infrastructure,
best services available to all, cleanliness, good use of technological advancements, and so on.
The concept and its application
Smart cities' essential components:
To become smart, a city should intelligently manage its various resources such as water,
energy, and other natural resources, as well as intelligently manage transportation,
infrastructure, and so on, in order to boost investment, trade, jobs, the economy, education,
and living standards, among other things. The foundation for such expansion should be such
that it is long-term. Cities should be equipped to manage existing capacity, resources, and
infrastructure in an intelligent manner. A smart city project consists of the following
components:
Smart transportation system: Traffic is one of the most significant issues in any city, large
or small, and before converting any city into a smart city, a smart transportation system must
be developed to effectively manage traffic. To manage the transportation system, sensors and
cameras should be installed at all major city signals. Smart transportation systems will aid in
better traffic management, resulting in fewer traffic jams in cities and people saving time
while travelling, among many other advantages.
Smart waste management: Smart waste management systems are found in all smart cities.
Every city generates a lot of waste on a daily basis, which is why they require smart waste
management systems to keep the city clean. Endpoints (sensors), gateways, IoT platforms,
and web and mobile applications are the most popular and feasible smart waste management
solutions. A sensor is attached to a dumpster to measure the level of fill. Gateways act as a
link between the IoT platform and the sensor, mailing data from the sensor to the cloud.
Smart water management: Water is the most valuable resource on the entire globe, and also
because we can't live without it, it's critical that we use it wisely and don't waste it. Many
Indian villages and small cities face a permanent water crisis, however if you reside in a
smart city, you expect smart management of available water resources. In a smart city, you
will find effective methods of conserving water, storing rainwater for various purposes,
decrease the cost of water, and so on.

Answer 3b:

Better governance: Better governance will exist in smart cities, resulting in a positive
relationship between citizens and government. Increased availability of digital services in
communities makes smart cities more attractive to residents and helps promote a connected
citizen experience.
Safer place: Smart cities will also have effective surveillance systems all over the place,
making it much easier to manage the city and track all activities. People will be able to
continue living in safer communities underneath this scenario.
Better environment: With the rise of greenhouse gases, debris in our oceans, and trash in
our streets, smart cities are fighting back to reduce environmental damage. Cities are getting
new tools to reduce its environmental impact, such as energy-efficient buildings, air quality
sensors, and renewable energy sources. Smart cities will have better environmental and
pollution control systems in place, trying to make it a better place to live for the citizens.
Improved transportation: To make the city smart, the government should effectively
manage the transportation system. Intelligent traffic signals, for example, maximise traffic
flow, reducing congestion during peak travel times. Other smart transportation technologies,
such as smart parking management, facilitate municipalities to start generating additional
revenue.
Challenges in managing smart cities
Without a doubt, we all need and want smart cities, but this is not an easy task. Major
investments are required to smarten the city and realize the rewards mentioned above. It is
true that CCTV cameras can benefit immensely citizens and the government, but installing
these cameras in every corner of the city is incredibly difficult. This will necessitate a
significant investment in terms of both money and time. The government will need good
planning and budgeting for this, and then it will be able to go about developing and
smartening a city.
When a city is smart, all the data needed will be available on the internet; however, there is a
risk of data breach, manipulation, and so on that cannot be easily avoided. Several civil rights
activists and researchers are worried about invasions of privacy as a result of aggressive data
collection. According to one study, by 2022, more than 1 trillion sensors could be managed to
install. All smart sensors are currently powered by batteries. As a result, rechargeable
batteries production must increase to keep pace with the rapid implementation of IoT
(Internet of Things) devices.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that smart cities are a good idea, but there are other factors that must be
considered, or the desired advantages will not be obtained.