Business case study by applying Systems Analysis and Design concepts, principles, processes, and techniques

Full Answer Section

Applying Systems Analysis and Design (SAD) Concepts:

1. Problem Definition and Feasibility Study:

   • Problem: Inefficient and unreliable food delivery operations leading to customer dissatisfaction and increased costs.
   • Feasibility:
     • Technical: Existing technologies (GPS, mobile apps, databases) can support the development of "Streamline Delivery."
     • Economic: Cost-benefit analysis shows potential for increased revenue and reduced operational costs outweighing development expenses.
     • Operational: The system can be integrated into existing restaurant workflows.
     • Schedule: A realistic timeline is established for development and deployment.

2. Requirements Gathering and Analysis:

   • Techniques:
     • Interviews with restaurant managers, delivery drivers, and customers.
     • Surveys to gather customer feedback.
     • Analyzing existing delivery data and customer complaints.
   • Requirements:
     • Real-time tracking of delivery drivers.
     • Automated route optimization.
     • Integration with the POS system for order management.
     • Mobile app for drivers with order details and navigation.
     • Customer app for order tracking and feedback.
     • Automated notifications for order status updates.
     • Secure payment processing.

3. System Design:

   • Architecture:
     • Cloud-based system for scalability and reliability.
     • Mobile apps for drivers and customers.
     • Database for order management, driver information, and customer data.
     • API integration with the POS system.
   • User Interface (UI) Design:
     • Intuitive and user-friendly mobile apps.
     • Clear and concise order tracking interface.
   • Database Design:
     • Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD) to model data relationships.
     • Relational database schema.
   • Security Design:
     • Authentication and authorization mechanisms.
     • Data encryption.
     • Secure payment gateway integration.

Life Cycle Deliverables:

1. Vision Document:

   • Purpose: To outline the project's goals, scope, and benefits.
   • Content:
     • Problem statement.
     • Project objectives.
     • Target users.
     • Key features.
     • Benefits to the organization.
     • High level budget and timeline.

2. Software Requirements Specification (SRS):

   • Purpose: To define the detailed functional and non-functional requirements of the system.
   • Content:
     • Use cases.
     • Functional requirements (e.g., track driver location, optimize routes).
     • Non-functional requirements (e.g., performance, security, usability).
     • Data requirements.
     • Interface requirements.

3. System Design Document (SDD):

   • Purpose: To describe the architectural design, database design, and UI design of the system.
   • Content:
     • System architecture diagram.
     • Database schema.
     • UI mockups.
     • API specifications.
     • Security design details.

Models Using Structured Analysis and Design (SAD):

1. Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs):
   • Purpose: To model the flow of data through the system.
   • Example:
     • Level 0 DFD: Shows the overall system context (customers, restaurants, drivers, delivery system).
     • Level 1 DFD: Breaks down the "Delivery System" process into sub-processes (order placement, route optimization, driver tracking, delivery confirmation).
2. Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs):
   • Purpose: To model the relationships between entities in the database.
   • Example:
     • Entities: Customers, Orders, Drivers, Restaurants, Locations.
     • Relationships: Customers place Orders, Orders are assigned to Drivers, Drivers deliver Orders to Customers, Orders belong to Restaurants.
3. Use Case Diagrams:
   • Purpose: To model the interactions between users and the system.
   • Example:
     • Actors: Customer, Driver, Restaurant Manager.
     • Use Cases: Place Order, Track Order, Accept Order, Optimize Route, Confirm Delivery.
4. Structure Charts:
   • Purpose: To model the hierarchical structure of program modules.
   • Used to show the control and calling relationships between program modules.

Industry-Driven Techniques:

• Agile Development: Iterative development with frequent releases and feedback loops.
• DevOps: Automation of software development and deployment processes.
• Cloud Computing: Leveraging cloud platforms for scalability and cost-effectiveness.
• API-First Design: Designing APIs before implementing the system.
• Mobile-First Approach: Prioritizing mobile app development.
• Security Best Practices: Implementing secure coding practices and security testing.

By applying these SAD concepts and industry techniques, Local Eats can develop a robust and efficient delivery management system that enhances customer satisfaction and improves operational efficiency.

Sample Answer

Business Case Study: "Streamline Delivery" - A Local Restaurant Chain

"Local Eats," a regional restaurant chain with 15 locations, is experiencing significant challenges with its food delivery operations. They rely on a combination of in-house delivery drivers and third-party delivery services. Customers frequently complain about late deliveries, incorrect orders, and cold food. The current system lacks real-time tracking, efficient route optimization, and seamless integration with their point-of-sale (POS) system. This results in customer dissatisfaction, increased operational costs, and lost revenue. Local Eats wants to develop a dedicated, integrated delivery management system called "Streamline Delivery" to address these issues and enhance its customer experience.