The inputs include package information, customer signature, pickup, delivery, time-card data, current location (while en route), and billing and customer clearance documentation. The data are transmitted to a central computer and stored for retrieval. Data are also reorganized so that they can be tracked by customer account, date, driver, and other criteria such as the consolidation of orders for efficient final delivery of packages. The outputs include pickup and delivery times, location while en route, and package recipient. The outputs also include various reports, such as all packages for a specific account or a specific driver or route, as well as summary reports for management.
2- What technologies are used by UPS? How are these technologies related to UPS’s business strategy?
UPS has used the dispatchers in computer center to download the label data and use special software to create the most efficient delivery route for each driver that consider traffic, weather condition and the location of each step. By using the software, UPS estimate it save 3 million fewer gallon of fuel of every year. This technology related to UPS’s business strategy which is best services and lowest rates.
Also, to accomplish business strategy which UPS want to increase cost savings and safety, UPS are train driver to use “340 Methods” to optimize the performance of every task from lifting and loading boxes to selecting a package from a shelf in the truck.
UPS has also used handheld computer called Delivery Information Acquisition Device DIAD which can access wireless cell phone network. Drivers can know their task by handheld, the DIAD has a function which is automatically captures customers signatures
3- What strategic business objectives do UPS’s information systems address?
The strategic