IS Analysis

1. Hardware refers to electronic components and related gadgets that input, process, output, store, and communicate data according to the instructions encoded in computer programs or software. Lowe’s uses computers and POS systems to support our process. They are very effective but can be improved in some minor ways.

2. Most computers of Lowe’s use Intel Core i5 or i7. Most types of storage are Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and 512G.

3. Software is the set of data or programs used to operate the computer and complete the task given, the instructions for computers. One of the five fundamental components of an information system. Lowe’s uses Linux as its primary operating system.

4. Application software is the type of computer program that performs a specific function. Some customized application software Lowe’s uses are Kronos and Workday. Kronos is used for employees to clock in and out of shifts while being able to see pay periods and upcoming work schedules. The Workday application is used for employees to complete daily questions and additional training. This software is effective because it allows employees and managers to stay connected on what areas need to be improved upon.

5. Virtualization is the process by which one computer hosts the appearance of many computers. the host operating system runs one or more operating systems as applications. The 3 types of Virtualizations are PC, server, and desktop. Lowe’s uses server and desktop virtualization, It uses these virtualizations to access the other desktop remotely and run the other databases on virtual servers with one server.

6. Lowe’s uses open source software. It's mostly web based with a few native applications that fulfill what is not on the web based application. Linux is the open source software Lowe’s for their checkout.

7. The new technologies include autonomous cars, loT-laden homes, Artificial Intelligence, and 3D printing. Lowe’s uses a new technology called Project Unlock, which makes the electronics only work after the RFID is scanned at checkout.

8. A Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy is a statement concerning employees’ permissions and responsibilities when they use their own devices for organizational business. Our company does not have a bring your own device policy, because they provide all employees with zebra programmed phones. The Zebra phones do things such as locate products, check orders, and update inventory. They currently don't use MDM software because of the existing Zebra phones. Adding this type of software seems like an unnecessary addition.

9. A database is a self-describing collection of integrated records. List data involves multiple themes. It consists of tables, each containing rows and columns. The data is organized in a way that allows for relationships between different pieces of information.

  A spreadsheet is a list of data in a single theme. Uses a grid of cells arranged in rows and columns to organize and manipulate data.

10. Files: Products catalog files (contains information about all products available in Lowe’s inventory.)

It will include the product name—the name of products, product ID—unique identifier of each product, Category—to which the product belongs, supplier ID—identifier of the supplier, Price—the cost of the product, and stock quantity—how many products stored in the inventory.

Metadata: Contains information about all products available in Lowe's inventory.

 

11. Database Management System (DBMS) A program for creating, processing, and administering a database. A DBMS is a large and complex program that is licensed like an operating system. Microsoft Access and Oracle Database are examples of DBMS products. (We asked the manager, but she is not  sure what DBMS is used)

12. Database application is a collection of forms, reports, queries, and application programs that facilitate users’ processing of a database.

  The application resides on the users’ computers and the DBMS and database reside on a server computer. A network is used to transmit traffic back and forth between the users’ computers and the DBMS server computer.

  Forms: view data, insert new, update existing, and delete data.

  Reports are used to structure the presentation of data using strong, grouping, filtering, and other operations.

  Queries help search based on data values provided by the users.

13. NoSQL DBMS. NewSQL DBMS. In-memory DBMS.

Lowe's uses a NoSQL database to process real-time inventory data for a large number of transactions to record inventory numbers. Lowe’s leverages graph databases to analyze relationships in customer data for targeted marketing or personalized recommendations. Evaluate and reflect. Our company can use these new technologies, especially a multi-cloud database because they can relate to the other Lowe’s stores in the area together with data. NoSQL databases are a class of database management systems whose data model, scalability, and flexibility differ from traditional relational databases. NewSQL databases represent a class of database management systems designed to provide the benefits of traditional relational databases and NoSQL databases while addressing some of the limitations associated with both. In-memory DBMS approach allows for significantly faster data access and retrieval compared to disk-based databases.

14. -LAN stands for local area network, in which computers are connected at a single physical site.

Lowe’s has a LAN to facilitate communication and data transfer within its corporate offices and stores. A LAN setup includes components, routers, switches, servers, and various network devices.

15. The internet functions as a worldwide system of linked computers and devices, communicating through standardized protocols.

Lowe's connects to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). They have a dedicated connection, through fiber optics or other high-speed technologies, to ensure reliable and fast internet access.

The domain name is www.lowes.com

16. A protocol establishes rules for smooth data exchange between network devices, ensuring seamless interaction among different systems. Some important protocols：TCP, IP, HTTP, SMTP. The protocol used in Lowe’s is HTTP.

17. Cloud is the elastic leasing of pooled computer resources over the Internet.

Because it has elastic and pooled advantages, which automatically adjusts for unpredictable demand and limit the financial risks, it also shares the same physical hardware.

18. Yes, Lowe’s is currently transforming to use a cloud based service through the Google Cloud.

Lowe's transition to using cloud-based services through Google Cloud is to Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Its focus is on leveraging the virtualized computing resources, storage, and network infrastructure provided by Google Cloud, there is no explicit mention of application development and management.

19. A problem with the company network is that there is a network open to the public. Hackers could easily get into any of the devices connected to that wifi because of the lack of security. We could use what we learned in this unit to improve technical safeguards like encryption of the data and increase the firewalls. To improve the data safeguards like increasing backup and recovery. To improve the human safeguards, like training and education for the employees.