Structured Sales Process
(Segun)
A structured business process is a standardized process that takes place day-to-day in order to complete operations that the business needs to be done. The structure process that will be analyzed is the sales system, specifically the register process. There are two processes in the sales process that are part of the structured process. The first process is the sale and the second is the return process. The scope of this process is a workgroup scope. This is because the information is communicated between the register and the customer. Shown below is the ShopRite sale and return process.
The sale process is not the best at its current state. There are still some chances of error and thievery that can take place in the sale process of ShopRite. A prezi.com presentation expresses several parts of the ShopRite process. This includes the requirement to ask for coupons, a PricePlus Card, and if there is anything on the bottom of the shopping cart. Shoprite does have an app but they do not promote it. If more customers knew about the app, it would take away the need for cashiers to ask if a customer had a coupon and put the power in the hands of the customer. Additionally, if the PricePlus card was added to the Shoprite app, it would be convenient to the customers due to everyone having a phone, and preferring that over carrying an additional card. For the prevention of theft of items, a camera can be placed at the bottom of the register so that the cashier can view if there are items placed at the bottom of the cart. Structure Process Information Systems (Segun)
As previously mentioned, the POS is the main system that allows for sales and returns to be placed and processed for ShopRite. However, if ShopRite were to add the app to the sales system it would make the system run more efficiently. The five components of information systems are hardware, software, data, people, and procedure. For the application, the software would be the app, and the hardware would be the cell phone. For the cash register, the software would be the POS system, and the hardware would be the Dell computer system. The people that will be using the app will be customers of Shoprite. The procedure would be the steps needed for the customer to buy and receive the products. Lastly, the data would be the analytics collected through the POS system and the ShopRite app.
Enterprise Application Solutions (Mikayla)
Around 1990, organizations began to see the advantages associated with utilizing an enterprise application and looked for suppliers who were willing to create pre-designed software, database designs, and standardized business processes. Since, buying the already created process would save the organization more money and time, than if they were to try and build a process themselves. Eventually, three standard forms began to appear, CRM, ERP, and EAI.
A customer relationship management system, or CRM, is a “suite of applications, a database, and set of inherent processes for managing all the interactions with the customer, from lead generation to customer service” (Kroenke, 2021, p.308). The application is meant to have a component that follows each stage of the customer life cycle and “makes the organization customer-centric” (Kroenke, 2021, p.308).
Following CRM, an enterprise application integration system, or EAI also combats many data issues. The EAI system is a suite of software applications that connect your current systems through layers of software so that communicating and sharing data becomes easier. This is one of the easier applications for organizations to install because your employee isn’t required to learn new software functions. EAI also becomes a bridge for most companies to integrate an even more effective, but complex, software called ERP. 
Enterprise Resource Planning, ERP, “is a suite of applications called modules, a database, and a set of inherent processes for consolidating business operations into a single, consistent, computing platform” (Kroenke, 2021, p.309). Their main purpose is the integration of all data for an organization. Although the application has many benefits it's one of the hardest applications to move into as employees need thorough training and initial configuration of the application is needed when the organization first installs it. The major vendors of ERP systems include SAP, Microsoft, and Oracle. Shoprite utilizes this application to properly communicate its data throughout its organization and they use SAPs software designs. ShopRite’s use of ERP will be further discussed in the next section.
Are There Information Silos? (Mikayla)
Information silos occur when data is isolated in separate information systems, which can lead to data duplication, a lack of integrated information, increased expenses, and other issues. In ShopRite’s case, they have been able to avoid this issue by utilizing ERP software throughout their checkout processes. Around 2008, ShopRite’s parent company, Wakefern, installed all new IBM operating systems ranging from the SurePOS 700 POS terminals, pictured below, to the IBM 4690 operating system. When this was done, ERP software was installed into all of ShopRite's checkout processes, as it is software used by almost all IBM structures. The new information systems created better communication among files in all departments, by bringing all data into one computing platform.
As of right now, there are no reported issues with the information systems in the checkout process, and the supermarket chain is even putting it upon itself to upgrade its technology before any problems arise. The company is working on creating and implementing artificial intelligence into its stores to further efficiency and effectiveness. One of those systems is new self-checkout carts that scan items as they are dropped into the basket and make the checkout process take less than two minutes.
No silos being found in the checkout process doesn’t eliminate information silos from the ShopRite sale process altogether, however. The ShopRite app, which is a second information system utilized by the ShopRite sales process, is known for the inventory information silos. Online shoppers are never notified if an item that they place into their cart is out of stock. In fact, they usually do not find out that the item was not available until their groceries are delivered to them and the product is nowhere to be found. This issue has to be coming from some silo that keeps inventory information stored separately from the ShopRite app. To fix this problem, Shoprite should somehow combine their app with an ERP inventory management system, like Cin7 or ShipBob. Keeping up with new technology and efficiently using it to fix current issues would let ShopRite create an advantage for itself in the marketplace.
Inter-Enterprise Information Systems (Mikayla) An inter-enterprise information system supports one or more processes, occurring in two or more independent organizations. Any problems that occur in this form affect each organization involved and solutions have to be created in “meetings, contracts, or by litigation” (Kroenke, 2021, p.301). It is not reported anywhere that ShopRite utilizes one of these systems, but there is a chance that they have one somewhere in their supply chain management. If they do not, they should implement one because having one of those systems in place increases the efficiency of their process and minimizes any confusion that could erupt from duplicated or non-updated data.
A customer relationship management system, or CRM, is a “suite of applications, a database, and set of inherent processes for managing all the interactions with the customer, from lead generation to customer service” (Kroenke, 2021, p.308). The application is meant to have a component that follows each stage of the customer life cycle and “makes the organization customer-centric” (Kroenke, 2021, p.308).
Following CRM, an enterprise application integration system, or EAI also combats many data issues. The EAI system is a suite of software applications that connect your current systems through layers of software so that communicating and sharing data becomes easier. This is one of the easier applications for organizations to install because your employee isn’t required to learn new software functions. EAI also becomes a bridge for most companies to integrate an even more effective, but complex, software called ERP.
No silos being found in the checkout process doesn’t eliminate information silos from the ShopRite sale process altogether, however. The ShopRite app, which is a second information system utilized by the ShopRite sales process, is known for the inventory information silos. Online shoppers are never notified if an item that they place into their cart is out of stock. In fact, they usually do not find out that the item was not available until their groceries are delivered to them and the product is nowhere to be found. This issue has to be coming from some silo that keeps inventory information stored separately from the ShopRite app. To fix this problem, Shoprite should somehow combine their app with an ERP inventory management system, like Cin7 or ShipBob. Keeping up with new technology and efficiently using it to fix current issues would let ShopRite create an advantage for itself in the marketplace.
Inter-Enterprise Information Systems (Mikayla)
An inter-enterprise information system supports one or more processes, occurring in two or more independent organizations. Any problems that occur in this form affect each organization involved and solutions have to be created in “meetings, contracts, or by litigation” (Kroenke, 2021, p.301). It is not reported anywhere that ShopRite utilizes one of these systems, but there is a chance that they have one somewhere in their supply chain management. If they do not, they should implement one because having one of those systems in place increases the efficiency of their process and minimizes any confusion that could erupt from duplicated or non-updated data.Structured Process Analysis
Hardware and Software (Segun)
Hardware is the device that runs software and programs. The hardware that Shoprite uses includes Dell computers, self-checkout systems, security cameras, and card scanners. Besides the Dell computer itself, the other devices are called the internist of things. The self-checkout is an addition that Shoprite has that allows customers to pay for items without the need for cashiers. The issue that occurred with the implementation of the self-checkout systems is the increased possibility of theft. Recently I noticed that there have been cameras implemented on top of the system. These cameras indicate whether a customer has properly scanned an item or not. Additionally, the packing areas are weighted to make sure that the customers place the correct items on top of the area. Even with all these additions Shoprite workers in addition to security are needed to ensure that customers aren't hiding products under their carts. The self-checkout system should and could definitely be improved.
CPU is used for processing inputs and outputs, and storing data. The self-checkout system that Shorpite uses is the National Cash Register FastLane SelfServe Checkout R6L, it uses a DDR3 with the option of having 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB. The system runs an Intel Q87 Express Chipset, an Intel Core i3 processor, and a 120GB SSD drive. The DDR3 cost $22.99 for 2 8GB ram processors. The 120GB SSD cost between $10-$20. 
The operating system the NCR machine uses is Windows 10. The software that the system uses is Windows POSReady 2009. The application is vertical since it does not provide a benefit to the majority of the population and is only beneficial to businesses such as retail and grocery stores. The software is effective in following the structured process of purchasing and payment. The software is not able to handle returns. Returns still need to be processed with an employee.
CPU is used for processing inputs and outputs, and storing data. The self-checkout system that Shorpite uses is the National Cash Register FastLane SelfServe Checkout R6L, it uses a DDR3 with the option of having 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB. The system runs an Intel Q87 Express Chipset, an Intel Core i3 processor, and a 120GB SSD drive. The DDR3 cost $22.99 for 2 8GB ram processors. The 120GB SSD cost between $10-$20.
Virtualization (Segun)
Three types of virtualization are PC, server, and desktop. PC virtualization is when a personal computer hosts several different operating systems. Server virtualization is when a server computer hosts one or more server computers. While desktop virtualization is when a server hosts many versions of a desktop operating system. Shoprite does not use virtualization software. Virtualization would not be helpful to Shoprite due to the fact it would be simpler for the staff to share and use one operating system between a single device.
Closed-Source Software and Mobile Device Management (Mikayla)
Open-source software occurs when the “source code of the program is available to the public” (Kroenke, 2021). Typically, this type of software is created by the collaborative effort of software developers that volunteer to develop the aspects of the program. As mentioned earlier, the software utilized by ShopRite’s NCR machines is Windows POSReady 2009, and it is considered a closed-source project due to the fact that its code is not available to the public. Microsoft does allow approved and qualified enterprises and partners to license the program through their Shared Source Initiative. But the extent to which the partners can change the code is limited to debugging and auditing purposes.
Beyond that, the program is considered a native application since it is “designed to work on a particular operating system” (Kroenke, 2021). Windows POSReady 2009 was created to function only through the Windows 10 operating system. Utilizing this type of application gives ShopRite the benefit of a high-quality application with advanced security.
For the structured sales process specifically, there are no opportunities for employees to “BYOD,” or bring their own device. All machines used to create a functional sales procedure are provided by the company and do not leave the organization’s walls. But employees are allowed to bring their own mobile devices for personal use on the job. Because of this, the company does need some form of lenient BYOD policy which covers “employees’ permissions and responsibilities when using their own devices.” ShopRite provides access to its wireless network to all mobile devices. This policy creates low functionality for employees and doesn’t give the organization much control. But the organization can see what mobile traffic each employee is using which helps the company know how often employees are using their devices during work.
In ShopRite’s case, mobile devices are only used for personal use, so no MDM software is utilized. If there was one in place the software would “update, backup and restore mobile devices, wipe employer software and data from devices… and report usage” (Kroenke, 2021). Since no mobile devices are used for organizational business, I do not believe it is necessary to install MDM software into ShopRite’s policy. It would just be a pointless additional cost for the organization.
In ShopRite’s case, mobile devices are only used for personal use, so no MDM software is utilized. If there was one in place the software would “update, backup and restore mobile devices, wipe employer software and data from devices… and report usage” (Kroenke, 2021). Since no mobile devices are used for organizational business, I do not believe it is necessary to install MDM software into ShopRite’s policy. It would just be a pointless additional cost for the organization.
Opportunities for New Technology (Mikayla)
Some types of new technologies include digital reality devices, autonomous vehicles, industrial robots, 3D printing, and FinTech. Our team believes that autonomous vehicles, industrial robots, and FinTech could be used during ShopRite’s sales processes. Starting with self-driving vehicles, ShopRite could add these into the delivery process for their online grocery shopping. By having the option of online sales and delivery, ShopRite gives their customers the convenience of not having to leave their homes and waste time in a grocery store. And if they add autonomous vehicles, the delivery process could be easier, cheaper, and safer for them.ShopRite could also develop industrial robots to reduce human error in their checkout process. Industrial robots are “machines that are programmed to sense the environment, make decisions, and perform tasks automatically’ (Kroenke, 2021). This isn’t the most far-out idea as it is already expected for “336,000 cashier jobs to no longer be necessary by 2030 due to a combination of technology and automation” (Caporal, 2022). ShopRite does utilize some robots, in the form of self-checkout lanes, but industrial robots are more advanced than just a simple self-scanner. This change would come at a cost to anyone who would be losing their job, but it could add a huge advantage for ShopRite. If there were to be only automated checkouts, then the risk of cash handling mistakes, and truly any form of human error, could be reduced to almost zero.
Finally, ShopRite could add more FinTech, or financial technology, options to what they accept as payments. FinTech is any “information technology that is designed to provide automated financial services” (Kroenke, 2021). This includes any digital wallets and cryptocurrencies, “digital-only currencies that use cryptographic protections to manage and record secure transactions” (Kroenke, 2021). ShopRite already accepts payments through digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet. And with the abrupt expansion of cryptocurrencies in the past few years it’s only a matter of time before they also become an accepted form of payment at all grocery stores.
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