1. Why do point-of-sale systems process business activities more effectively? Can the information be tracked manually in an effective manner? Why or why not? What types of questions could be answered effectively? How could the information be used to better manage the business?
2. Why do small business owners avoid the use of information technology?
3. Consider the types of information systems discussed in the chapter. What other systems could interact with the POS system as it processed a sale?
FedEx is an organization that never sleeps. The foundation of its business is “fast,” and every minute counts. Each business day, the company’s more than 300,000 team members handle an average of 9 million packages, usingover 663 aircraft and 90,000 motorized vehicles. During the holiday season, its operations experience significantly increased package volumes and high customer expectations. The company, which generated $37 billion in revenue in 2012, serves more than 220 countries and territories. Customers use FedEx because they want reliable delivery in a compressed timeframe. When anything disrupts the timely and safe delivery of those packages, FedEx’s customer service reps are likely to receive a call from a customer.