UPS's use of Web-based tools that allow customers to embed UPS functions such as tracking and cost calculations into their own Web sites was an information systems solution used to achieve customer intimacy.

Captures raw data from organization or external environment

Converts raw data into meaningful form

Transfers processed information to people or activities that use it

Output returned to appropriate members of organization to help evaluate or correct input stage

integrated data processing throughout the firm

transaction process reporting

employees with online access to historical records

middle management functions

end users

developers

system analyst

first users

computing power will eventually level off

transistors decrease in size 50% every two years

data storage costs decrease by 50% every 18 months

computing power doubles every 18 months

supplying online access over networks to storage devices and storage area network

managing combinations of applications, networks, systems, storage, and security as well as providing Web site and systems performance monitoring to subscribers over the Internet

self-contained services that communicate with each other to create a working software application

hosting and managing access to software applications delivered over the Internet to clients on a subscription basis

taking inventory

providing package status reports to customers

the decision to use automation

in – house package tracking software

Computer chip

Small retailer

Airline

Solar energy

Automotive

Marketing effectiveness

Focusing on market niche

Strengthening supplier intimacy

Developing synergies

Low-cost leadership

Strengthen ties to its customers

Focus on market niche

Achieve low-cost leadership

Simplify the industry value chain

Develop synergies

Professional

Divisionalized

Multidivisional

Ad hoc

Machine