Project Analysis - Yang

 

Structured and dynamic processes

1.Hardware

    Hardware refers to all the physical components of a computer system, including computers, servers, storage devices, and network hardware.
Servers: The company uses rack-mounted servers to store and manage repair orders, customer information, and other data.
Computers and Workstations: The office and garage use desktop computers and laptops, while technicians use workstations to record repair data and track operations.
Storage Devices: The company uses Solid State Drives (SSD) for primary storage to ensure fast data access, while Hard Disk Drives (HDD) are used for backup and archiving.
Network Equipment: Includes routers, switches, and firewalls to ensure stable internal and external network connections.

2. What CPUs Are Used? What Types of Storage Are Used, and How Much Storage is There?
  • SSD: These drives are used for fast data access, storing critical operational data such as customer orders, repair histories, and real-time operational information. SSDs are particularly valuable in ensuring quick access to high-demand data.
  • HDD: These are primarily used for backup and archival storage. While they offer larger storage capacity at a lower cost, HDDs are slower in terms of data access compared to SSDs, making them suitable for long-term storage rather than immediate operational needs.
3. What Software Is Used? What Operating Systems Are in Place to Support the Processes? What Are the Applications Used? Are They Effective?
  • Vertical Applications: R.O. Writer is used for managing repair orders, customer information, suppliers, and inventory. It is a specialized tool critical for the repair management and sales processes. Podium is used for customer communication, including appointment scheduling, service reminders, automated messaging, and customer feedback management.
  • Horizontal Applications: The company utilizes Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace for general office productivity, document creation, email communication, and team collaboration. These tools help improve efficiency in day-to-day administrative tasks.
  • Customized Applications: Frank’s Auto Repair also uses a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to track customer repair histories and preferences. Additionally, a financial management software is employed to manage accounting, track revenue, expenses, and profits.
4. What is Virtualization? What Are the Three Types of Virtualization? Does Your Company Use Virtualization? Could It Benefit From Using It?
  • Server Virtualization: Divides physical servers into multiple virtual machines, enabling more efficient use of resources and greater flexibility in managing workloads.
  • Storage Virtualization: Combines multiple physical storage devices into a single virtual storage pool, improving storage management and flexibility.
  • Network Virtualization: Abstracts physical network resources to provide enhanced flexibility, security, and scalability in managing network infrastructure.
5. Does the Company Use Open-Source Software? Are the Applications Web-Based or Local?
  • Web-Based Applications: These include Google Workspace, which is used for cloud-based office productivity (documents, spreadsheets, email), and Podium, a web-based customer engagement tool that facilitates online appointment scheduling and customer communication.
  • Local Applications: R.O. Writer, an application installed locally on company servers, is used for managing repair orders, customer information, and inventory. While local applications like R.O. Writer are critical to specific business functions, incorporating more web-based applications could improve overall flexibility and integration, allowing employees to access data remotely and improve collaboration.
6. What New Technologies Are Available? Can Your Company Use One or More of Them? How Can They Be Applied?
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI can analyze customer behavior and predict future service needs. For example, it can recommend regular maintenance or diagnostic services based on a customer's repair history. AI can also automate various administrative tasks, reducing human error and improving operational efficiency.
  • Blockchain: Blockchain technology could improve transparency and security in the supply chain, ensuring that parts ordered and delivered are tracked and verified at each stage, preventing fraud and improving accountability.
  • 5G Technology: The advent of 5G technology could enable real-time data transmission, allowing for more accurate and timely diagnostics. For example, technicians could remotely access a vehicle's data in real time to perform diagnostics and provide faster service.
  • AI could be integrated into customer-facing platforms to recommend services and predict future maintenance needs based on data patterns.
  • Blockchain could be employed to create a secure and transparent supply chain for parts and payments.
  • 5G could support real-time remote diagnostics, enabling technicians to receive live data from vehicles and conduct diagnostics remotely, improving accuracy and efficiency.
7. Does the Company Have a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Policy? What Is It? Does the Company Use MDM (Mobile Device Management) Software? Should It Use It?

Frank's Auto Repair has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy, which allows employees to use their personal devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops for work purposes. However, the company requires that these devices meet certain security standards to ensure that company data remains secure.

To manage these devices, the company uses MDM (Mobile Device Management) software such as AirWatch. This software helps the company configure devices, manage applications, enforce security policies, and encrypt data, thus minimizing the risk of data breaches or loss.

MDM software is essential for managing mobile devices, particularly as the workforce becomes more mobile and remote. The company should continue using and possibly expand its use of MDM software to ensure that sensitive data is protected, especially as remote work and mobile device use increase.

Conclusion

Effectiveness: The current hardware setup is generally sufficient for daily operations. However, as the volume of customer data grows, storage and computing capacity may become strained. Therefore, upgrading workstations and storage devices is recommended to improve system processing speed and stability.

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