Cedrick Bernard S.
Corpuz
BSIT 2C
SAD - Activity 2
1. Assume you are designing a retail point-of-sale (POS) system for your company.
What are the typical system interfaces of a point-of-sale system that need to be taken
into designing the POS system?
A retail point-of-sale (POS) system's design must take into account a number of
system interfaces in order to guarantee smooth operation and component integration.
The user interface is a common interface that helps cashiers work with the system
effectively. Hardware interfaces are used to connect peripherals like cash drawers,
credit/debit cards, and mobile payments. Payment interfaces are used to facilitate
transactions with various payment methods like cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile
payments. Inventory management systems are integrated to manage product
information and update stock levels. Finally, reporting interfaces are used to generate
insights into sales performance, inventory turnover, and other business metrics. In order
to improve the functionality of the POS system, APIs (Application Programming
Interfaces) could also be required for integrating with third-party services or apps, such
accounting software or loyalty programs.
2. Middleware is frequently used in systems Integration projects when different
information systems are tied together to exchange data via system-to-system interfaces.
Briefly define middleware, explain its benefits, and provide an example.
Middleware is like a translator or mediator between different computer systems
that helps them communicate and share information smoothly. Its main job is to make
sure that various software applications, which may speak different languages or use
different technologies, can understand each other and work together effectively. The
benefits of middleware include enabling interoperability between systems, meaning they
can talk to each other without issues; it also helps in scaling up systems as needed,
adapting to changes in technology and business requirements without causing
disruptions. For example, Apache Kafka is a popular middleware tool used by
companies like LinkedIn and Netflix to manage and process large amounts of data
streaming between different applications and systems, ensuring seamless
communication and integration.
3. In identifying and documenting business requirements, systems analysts need to
be able to distinguish between laws, policies, and procedures. Why is this important?
Distinguishing between laws, policies, and procedures is crucial for systems
analysts because it helps ensure that the developed systems comply with legal
regulations, organizational guidelines, and operational protocols. Laws are like rules set
by the government that everyone must follow, so systems need to adhere to them to
avoid legal trouble. Policies are more like rules set by the organization itself to guide
behavior and decisions, ensuring consistency and alignment with company goals.
Procedures are step-by-step instructions for doing specific tasks, making sure that work
gets done efficiently and correctly. By understanding and documenting these
distinctions, analysts can ensure that the system meets all necessary requirements and
operates smoothly within the legal and organizational frameworks.
4. Select a medium to large organization. The organization can be in the public or
private sector, and it can be one with which you are personally familiar or one for which
information is readily available.
1. Describe the organization you have selected (type of organization, mission,
products or services, annual sales or revenues, etc.).
Alfa Mart is a retail chain operating primarily in Indonesia and the
Philippines. Its mission is to provide convenient access to everyday essentials,
groceries, household items, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) to
customers across various demographics.
2. Select one of the major information systems the organization uses and/or is
developing, and describe it.
One major information system used by Alfa Mart is its Enterprise
Resource Planning (ERP) system. This system integrates various business
functions such as inventory management, supply chain management, sales
tracking, and financial management.
3. In the organization you selected, who would typically be the owner of this
system?
The owner of the ERP system at Alfa Mart would typically be the Chief
Information Officer (CIO) or the head of the IT department.
4. Describe, from the viewpoint of the owner, the h1formation produced by this
system.
From the perspective of the owner, the ERP system produces
comprehensive data and reports on sales performance, inventory levels, supply
chain efficiency, financial transactions, and overall business operations.
5. If the organization initiated a project to replace or modify this system, how might
the system owner define the scope and vision of the project within the context of
the organization you selected
If Alfa Mart initiated a project to replace or modify the ERP system, the
system owner might define the scope and vision by aligning it with the
organization's strategic objectives. This could involve improving operational
efficiency, scalability, and integration with emerging technologies while ensuring
compliance with regulatory requirements.
6. Who are the typical users of this system?
Typical users of the ERP system include store managers, inventory
managers, finance staff, and senior executives.
7. Describe, from the perspective of the user, the information produced by this
system.
From the perspective of the user, the ERP system provides access to real-
time data and reports on inventory availability, sales trends, financial
performance, and operational metrics. Users rely on this information to make
informed decisions and optimize business processes.
8. What is an essential difference in how system owners and users view the
Information produced by the system?
The essential difference in how system owners and users view the
information produced by the system lies in their objectives and responsibilities.
Owners focus on strategic alignment, efficiency, and governance, while users
prioritize operational effectiveness, decision-making support, and task execution.
