1. Question 1: List the business processes displayed in the video.
FedEx is a logistical service company specialized in transportation, e-commerce and business services. The success of FedEx lies on an efficient information system. The business process is as follows: A FedEx employee picks up the customer’s box and scans it so FedEx recognizes it. Now the product is registered and traceable. The product is then taken to a sorting center where it is classified according to its destination. The package is put on a belt where it is measured and a price tag is determined. In the next step, the packages are put into containers. These containers are loaded in aircrafts directed by a control tower. When the plane arrives at destination the packages are sorted again using the same process as previously but for more detailed geographic locations. In the final step, packages are delivered directly to the customer, and the customer is asked for a signature.
The business process is very efficient because Fed Ex is able to take care of the entire cycle of operations.
Question 2: List the types of information systems shown in the video. Can you describe how systems that were not shown might be used at FedEx?
• Management Information System (MIS): FedEx scans the packages to determine the length, the weight, the height and the volume and thus how much they will charge the customers.
• Decision Support Systems (DSS) which combine data and mathematical or analytical models (What if analysis, sensitivity analysis or dimensional analysis like OLAP for instance) for the semi-structured decisions and unstructured decision making. They are made by the business analysts and “super users”. They help giving information not provided. These systems also help senior management and executives to stick with performance information. An example of analysis can be the balanced scorecard method who emphasizes results/ Goals/Initiatives