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chapter 6 case study
Case Study: 6 – Wal-Mart

Case Study: Data Communications at Wal-Mart

Case Study: Data Communications At Wal-Mart?
There are many things Wal-Mart has done to improve its data communications systems for suppliers. Their chief improvement was the implementation of the sales and inventory data to their suppliers. Suppliers could log in and gain access to all of the sales and inventory data to more efficiently stock Wal-Mart with their products. A key component of data security was also implemented with the vendor data site to prevent vendors from accessing each other’s data and compromising proprietary information (Viskovich, 2008, p. 1).
There are many types of communication applications used by Wal-Mart to help them maintain their rank in the top of the retail business. The most typical types used by Wal-Mart are their automated distribution system, their computerized routing systems and the electronic data interchange (EDI) (Bidgoli, 2013, p.126). These are all used to synonymously create an efficient process for Wal-Mart to succeed at remaining one of the top competitive retailers in the world.
Along with communication applications, there are also applications of wireless technology used by Wal-Mart helping them to be successful. One of the wireless applications is used to assist the operations of the warehouse management system (WMS). Another wireless application utilized by Wal-Mart controls and monitors the forklifts and industrial vehicles usage which move merchandise through the distribution centers (Bidgoli, 2013, p.126).
There are many features and capabilities of the Vehicle Management system (VMS) which is the latest application of data communications for Wal-Mart. The VMS has the ability to send two way text messages to assist management in being more effective in the material handling of resources to the most appropriate destinations. The VMS also works effectively with Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) systems.



References: Bidgoli, H. (2013). MIS 3. s.l.: Cengage learning. O 'Connor, M. C. (2008, February 26). Wal-Mart Using RFID to Monitor Vehicles at Its DCs - RFID Journal. Retrieved September 25, 2013, from http://www.rfidjournal.com/articles/view?3941 Viskovich, J. (2008, February 25). How Wal-Mart really works. Retrieved September 26, 2013, from http://www.helium.com/items/888341-how-wal-mart-really-works

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