technology, infrastructure, emerging Proceedings of the 2005 Southern Association of Information Systems Conference 303 Overview Infrastructure, data and proprietary e-commerce software elements are the foundation of UPS 9s e-commerce success.<br><br> These tools work together to support its e-commerce strategy, which in turn supports the company 9s business strategy. The company 9s ongoing investment and research in emerging technologies gives UPS its competitive advantage according to Tom Creech, North Florida District E-commerce Manager. cUPS is always interested in current and emerging technologies that can assist our business and improve our efficiency d he continued.<br><br> The company has won several awards for its application and innovativeness in e-commerce technology. InternetWeek 9s lists UPS in its 2004 top 100 companies. Infoworld ranked UPS #7 in its annual Infoworld 100, which represents the organizations with the greatest IT achievements (www.ups.com).<br><br> UPS was analyzed for its effectiveness in using the information technology systems to achieve tangible business benefits. This papers analysis of the infrastructure, data and proprietary e-commerce tools is discussed below. The analysis is followed by a discussion of emerging technologies that UPS is integrating in to its e-commerce strategy.<br><br> Macro IT Infrastructure The general network infrastructure of UPS is shown in appendix A. The company has 2 data centers: the Ramap Ridge data center in Mahwah, New Jersey and the Windward data center in Atlanta, Georgia. The company uses 14 mainframes, 2,820 Mid-range computers, 120,000 PCs, 6,100 servers, and 80,000 wireless handheld Data Information Acquisition Device (DIADs); while its global telecommunications network has 2,445 network sites.<br><br> The UPS website helps the company achieve many of its goals, first as a communication medium to individual customers and business clients then as a business portal to support e-commerce information exchange. The website receives an average of 115 million hits per business day and online tracking requests average 9.1 million inquiries per business day (www.ups.com). The Internet allows UPS to serve its customers in a more effective and efficient manner.<br><br> Mainframes are connected to the Direct Access Storage Devices (DASD), which currently has a storage capacity of 470 terabytes. Furthermore, the capacity of the information exchange speed of the mainframe networks is 23,607 Million Instructions per Second (MIPS). The company 9s 2,820 Mid-range computers are strategically located at UPS 9s major hubs around the world (www.ups.com).<br><br> UPS rolled out its self-developed handheld Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD) in 1990. The DIAD is the wireless handheld device that UPS drivers use to capture customer signatures, scan bar code tracking information, and transmit delivery-status information in real time directly to UPS 9s global network using a digital cellular connection (McDougall, 2004). The DIAD is able to process customer packages, time card reporting, and conduct time and motion studies to help improve the efficiency of the company (Ulfelder, 2002).<br><br> The device can transmit date to the UPS Mahwah data center three different ways: via an internal packet radio, a cellular modem in the truck and an internal acoustical couple r as used in an ordinary telephone line. The DIAD has triple communications redundancy that ensures real-time tracking in every environment (Rosencrance, 2001). The DIAD functions in concert with the company 9s 120,000 PCs, which is integral to capture data.<br><br> On a larger scale, the data captured by these handheld devices are transmitted to one of the two data centers in Mahwah or Atlanta. The core network between the two data centers is quite complex and extensive to be able to exchange data. The network includes private links between all of the UPS facilities, interfaces to the internet, both wired and wireless local are a networks (LANS), and connections to customers that range from dial-up to public X.25 to dedicated lease lines as separate areas of control and responsibility within the overall network plan (Franklin, 2003).<br><br> Businesses can be tied directly to the Global Network of UPS so when a business orders a particular product it kicks off an automated fulfillment and shipping process that relies on the direct link between that business 9s computer system and the UPS data center in Mahwah, NJ (Rosencrance, 2001). The scope of the UPS IT infrastructure to capture, storage, and retrieve data allow the company to maintain its competitive edge in the shipping industry. Proceedings of the 2005 Southern Association of Information Systems Conference 304 Databases According to UPS, the company operates the largest DB2 relational database in the world (www.ups.com).<br><br> The DB2 is an open source database developed by IBM. The Ramap Ridge data center in Mahwah NJ is used for essentially all of computing needs for UPS while Atlanta 9s Windward data center covers all of the shipping needs. (www.ups.com).<br><br> Either database center is self-sufficient and is designed to provide redundancy to backup the other site. The company 9s database size is 18.41 terabytes which is sufficiently capable to manage all information involved in tracking packages and documents UPS delivers daily, plus all the other functions needed by UPS (www.ups.com). The databases are not just gigantic they are also high-speed state of the industry, capable of reading 0.387 terabytes per hour (www.ups.com).<br><br> Exact information on how UPS manages its DB2 was not available for this analysis. A typical setup would take advantage of DB2 ability to enable both direct access to data and batch processing. The system would be devised of Mainframe computer hosting databases and midrange servers hosting sub-databases that acts as a communication tool between users and data stored on the mainframes.<br><br> This setup would also ensure data security ensure outside parties would not have direct access to the main database. Another characteristic of DB2 is its ability to support nested tables, where data is arranged in rows and columns as in a spreadsheet. The ability to support nested tables allows DB2 to minimize indexing and maximize formatted efficiency (Bloor, 2004).<br><br> DB2 9s DataJoiner allows joining data from different sources, which enhances sharing and manipulation of data by customers and UPS (Bloor, 2004). The information stored in the DB2 database together with information from other corporate functions is stored in the data warehouse, which has capacity of 7,618 terabytes, one of the largest Oracle databases in the world (www.ups.com). The amount of data that may be retrieved and processed on a daily basis from the data warehouse is up to 30,000 terabytes (www.ups.com).<br><br> UPS uses this computing power connected with its developed software to offer a variety of supply chain management services to other companies. UPS developed Quantum View software is a web-enabled application that allows for multiple users to access relevant information of the packages (www.ups.com). This application can also provide hourly updates about package information as well as track packages sent by multiple vendors.<br><br> Additionally, Quantum View instantaneously provides complete billing information to business customers. DaimlerChrysler is one of the UPS success stories involving the supply chain management team utilizing the UPS database and its Quantum View software. The UPS team was able to reengineer DaimlerChrysler spare parts delivery system, which provided significant performance improvement.<br><br> DaimlerChrysler now uses UPS to ship and track its parts from its national distribution centers via UPS 9s consolidation centers that sort parts by dealership and then ship it to designated dealerships (www.ups.com). Ikor, a company based in Costa Rica is a similar success story. The company was shipping almost 3,000 units per week and were in dire need for a logistics upgrade to improve it 9s logistically performance.<br><br> Ikor capitalized on UPS by using its suppl y chain management group and the UPS Trade Direct Cross Border software that consolidates orders, routs them for transport and expedites customer clearance through customs, saving Ikor and their customers time and money (Malykhina, 2004). Paul Lesniak, chairman and CEO of Ikor said, cHaving a single point of contact for all its logistic needs made a world of difference to Ikor d (Malykhina, 2004). This outsourcing has enabled Ikor to focus on its core business and not on logistics, leaving that to UPS and its technological supply chain team.<br><br> UPS E-commerce UPS Online Tools In April 6 1999, UPS extended its aggressive deployment of innovative electronic commerce solutions by deploying its Online Tools. E-commerce customers and systems integrators can use UPS Online Tools to seamlessly link their intranets and Internet websites with UPS. These systems would allow the customer to improve customer service by lowering costs and keeping its own customers focused on their e-commerce website.<br><br> Enhanced Tracking - This powerful tool that lets shippers and their customer 9s track their shipments right from the shipper 9s E-commerce site using a reference (e.g., a Purchase Order number). Embedding UPS tracking functionality into a Web site improves customer service from the company 9s aspect. The customer is able to ascertain where its package is in the shipment process, thereby providing better customer service, and thus supporting the strategic initiative of UPS (UPS E-commerce Site).<br><br> Proceedings of the 2005 Southern Association of Information Systems Conference 305 UPS Signature Tracking SM - This tool allows registered customers to track packages and receive the most complete proof of delivery available. Customers will receive the digitized signature of the person who signed for the delivery, the full delivery address, C.O.D amount collected, and the reference number associated with the delivery - all the elements needed to create an official proof of delivery to present to their customers to expedite payments. This system can also improve cash flows due to shorter billing cycles while allowing better customer service and information to clients of UPS 9s business customers.<br><br> Proof of delivery is known instantly, and therefore payment can be received sooner (UPS E- commerce Site). UPS OnLine Tools 3 OnLine Tools are easy to integrate and are available in both HTML and XML formats which can be downloaded from the UPS website. Specifically, offering the tools in an XML standard will make it faster and easier for UPS customers to integrate shipping functionality into their own systems, and will provide them with more flexibility and mass customization by using the capabilities of technology (UPS E-commerce Site).<br><br> For instance, users can add delivery confirmation into an invoice without opening an additional billing application. UPS Shipping Solutions UPS 9s core business is package delivery the company has developed additional online tools customers use to access all information on their packages in real-time. Such tools compliment and are additions to the UPS Online Tools package discussed earlier.<br><br> UPS WorldShip 3 WorldShip is proprietary software that allows shippers to manage all shipping activities from their own PC. From creating a label, generating export information, and validating address information, WorldShip can get the customer to cmanage their journey from origin to destination- and back again if necessary! d (UPS E-commerce Site). UPS CampusShip - CampusShip is similar to WorldShip but is a secure Web-based shipping system that enables multiple users within an organization to ship UPS packages and letters from any computer with Internet access, as well as perform other shipping-related tasks.<br><br> This web-based tool that can be used anywhere in the organization that requires minimal training and maintenance (UPS E-commerce Site). Emerging Technologies The UPS e-commerce model is propelled by is continued investment in operational efficiencies. Gains in efficiencies can be directly attributed to the development and deployment of the latest technology.<br><br> UPS has a robust technology research and development department that helps support its strategic operating goals. Several emerging technologies are shaping the operational future of UPS. These are discussed here.<br><br> DIAD IV UPS is planning a quantum leap in the DIAD capability, specifically installing GPS satellite tracking systems in the DIAD IV to monitor and analyze the routes to reduce costs of transporting the packages and to provide better customer service. If a customer calls with a last-minute change of address, the package could be rerouted in transit using a geospatial application that would help the driver find the most efficient route to the new location (Gruman, 2004). The Delivery Information Acquisition Device Generation 4 (DIAD IV) represents a significant step forward for UPS Technologies.<br><br> The DIAD IV builds on the success of its predecessors, but it has whole new platform and design. The development of the DIAD IV will cost UPS $22 million and will be produced by Symbol Technologies Inc. It is expected that over 70,000 will be deployed to delivery drivers worldwide (Brewin, 2003).<br><br> The DIAD IV is built on a lightweight platform that has a large color screen, alphanumeric keypad and softkeys. The unit is smaller than the Motorola built DIAD III, carries more features and can operate in more technology environments. The new DIAD IV runs Microsoft.Net on a Windows CE operating system and has 128 megabytes of memory.<br><br> The system 9s connectivity options include the familiar General Packet Radio Service and dial-up access that were used in past models as well as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA, cellular) radio for metropolitan communications and WLAN using native 802.11b for transmitting in UPS distribution centers. The new model will also include short-range Bluetooth and Infrared communications for interfacing with customer systems (Bednarz, 2004). The DIAD IV is reportedly the first handheld computer to communicate on three network protocols: Bluetooth, cellular-radio, and infrared, outpacing rival FedEx, and will ensure that the device will be able to communicate wherever it is (UPS press release, 2003).<br><br> The DIAD IV will also include Global Positioning Systems (GPS) functionality. The GPS feature will allow the device to suggest routes and will track the driver 9s movements. Drivers also receive visual and audible alerts for special pickups and traffic reports, record their time and attendance and can load specia l Proceedings of the 2005 Southern Association of Information Systems Conference 306 parking instructions, security procedures and customer contact information that can be reviewed by other drivers before visiting a particular customer location (Interview with Tom Creech, 2004).<br><br> Bar code scanners and the signature capture process are used by the older and newer models, but new features like receipt printers and credit card readers are expected to be in the roll-out only in the DIAD IV (UPS press release, 2003). The new model also incorporates data security and driver safety features as well. It is expected that the new DIAD IV will yield gains in information and billing accuracies, pick-up and delivery timeliness, and route planning thus reducing fuel costs and improving customer service and driver courtesy measures.<br><br> Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) at UPS began in 1985. Although the technology is not new to the firm, its use is just now beginning to be fully implemented. RFID, which uses special frequency scanners to cread d miniature radio transmitters that are imbedded in objects, is the latest in inventory tracking and supply chain management methods on the market.<br><br> UPS is working with Alien Technology Corp. and Symbol Technologies Inc. to develop ways to use RFID in its package shipping business (Malykhina, 2004).<br><br> The technology is widely expected to replace the bar code technologies that nearly all of today 9s package shipping firms use. RFID systems in use today use a mixture of passive tags energized by a local reader/scanner and active tags that contain their own battery that operating on Class 0 (125-KHz) or Class 1 (13.56-MHz) frequencies. Older RF tags have substantial ROM (read only memory) memory limitations, but new tags can hold 30 times more information than older tags, which is enough ROM memory to hold a package 9s complete shipping information (Brewin, 2002).<br><br> UPS is experimenting with these technologies at its Atlanta distribution centers according to David Barnes, Vice President of IS at UPS in Atlanta (Bednarz, 2004). The firm envisions a day when each package can be tracked using RFID, but the firm has good reason to hold off on these plans. Industry has not fully adopted this technology given that RFID labels are much more costly than a paper bar code labels; they can range from $.40 to over a dollar per tag (Roberti, 2004).<br><br> Currently UPS has utilizes tags for its pallet s. These tags are more durable, usually three years, than bar codes and do not require line-of-sight as bar code reading. Another reason that RFID is still in pilot stages at UPS and many other firms is that there are no agreed-upon standards or development roadmaps.<br><br> As a leading user of RFID, UPS has joined the Strategic Enterprise Fund, an industry standards group working to develop best practices and standards for use of RF technologies. Frequencies used in RF over air protocol range from low frequency, which is used for long distances to ultra high frequency (UHF Gen 2 as it is called), which is still under development (Brewin, 2002). Additionally, the current RFID tags cannot provide sequence nor exact location information which is two features that UPS needs to accurately queue and properly load its delivery trucks and airplanes.<br><br> UPS does use pallets and cartons tagged with RFID labels. UPS has developed a way to track individual packages as they move through its Atlanta warehouse by recording which pallet it is on while tracking the pallet. RFID tags do register information much more quickly than bar codes because they can be polled simultaneously rather than sequentially.<br><br> UPS is also piloting the use of RF tags at UPS truck corrals and fueling depots. WLAN and Bluetooth UPS is investing in its network at its corporate offices and 2000 plus distribution centers. The firm is using a wireless loca l area network (WLAN) based on native 802.11b and Microsoft CE powered wireless devices.<br><br> UPS is partnering with Symbol Technologies Inc., the same firm that is supplying the DIAD IV, to provide on site wireless solutions. The WLAN will require over 15,000 access points. It is estimated that the Wireless LAN project will cost more than $100 million, but will save the company $13.7 million over five years (Mobileinfo.com, 2002).<br><br> Wireless networking is more cost effective than traditional wired LANs especially given the amount of twisted pair cable it would take to network all of UPS 9s immense distribution centers. Wireless LANs also enable the use of wireless scanners and readers that are deployed on fork trucks, pallet jacks and in the hands of package handlers throughout the enterprise (Mobileinfo.com, 2002). UPS will start employing a new Bluetooth enabled cordless ring scanner that slips on to the hand of a package sorter.<br><br> This innovation from Symbol Technologies, Inc. will replace the current handle held scanners, thus freeing up the sorters hands to move boxes, while continuing the scanning function (Mobileinfo.com, 2002). Proceedings of the 2005 Southern Association of Information Systems Conference 307 Summary and Findings Three main elements make up UPS 9s e-commerce environment: infrastructure, data and proprietary e-commerce software.<br><br> These elements, taken together produce a strong e-commerce system that supports the company 9s business strategies/mission. UPS is constantly investing in emerging technologies in order to improve its operations and meet its mission, to be the leading delivery service of packages and documents in the United States and throughout the world. UPS 9s commitment to utilize leading edge technology to improve service delivery, implementing improved and efficient business processes and capitalizing on business opportunities leads us to believe that UPS will be the dominant package and document delivery service for many years to come.<br><br> Proceedings of the 2005 Southern Association of Information Systems Conference 308 References Bednarz, Ann, (2004) [Electronic version]. Network World, Retrieved Nov 7, 2004 http://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/092004upsrfid.html?page=1 Brewin, Bob, (2002) [Electronic version]. Computer World, Retrieved Nov 7, 2004 http://www.keepmedia.com/pubs/Computerworld/2002/12/16/305492 Brewin, Bob, (2003) [Electronic version].<br><br> Computer World, Retrieved Nov 7, 2004 http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/0%2C10801%2C80369%2C00.html?nas=PM-80369 Franklin, Curtis, (2004) [Electronic version]. ComNews, Retrieved Oct 31, 2004 http://www.comnews.com/stories/articles/c0404cover.htm Gruman, Galen, (2004) [Electronic version]. CIO Magazine, Retrieved Sept 12, 2004 http://www.cio.com/archive/060104/ups.html Howard, Philip, [Electronic Version] http://www.bloor-research.com Malykhina, Elena, (2004) [Electronic Version].<br><br> Information Week, Retrieved October 18, 2004 http://www.informationweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=49901762 McDougall, Paul, (2004) [Electronic version]. Information Week, Sept 12, 2004 http://informationweek.com/shared/printableArticleSrc.jhtml Roberti, Mark, (2004) [Electronic version]. RFID Journal, Retrieved Nov 7, 2004 http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/943/1/1 Rosencrance, Linda (2001) [Electronic version].<br><br> Computer World, Sept 12, 2004 http://www.computerworld.com/printthis/2001/0,4814,58696,00.html Ulfelder, Steve, (2002) [Electronic version]. Computer World, Retrieved Sept 12, 2004 http://www.computerworld.com/printthis/2002/0,4814,74625,00.html UPS E-commerce website, UPS corporate website, 2004 Retrieved Nov 7, 2004 http://www.ec.ups.com/ecommerce/solutions/c2.html UPS press release, UPS corporate website, May 16, 2003 Retrieved Nov 7, 2004 http://www.pressroom.ups.com/mediakits/popups/factsheet/0,1889,760,00.html?ct=fact_sheets&at=domain_mainpressr oom&id=760 UPS press release, (2004) UPS corporate website, February 4, 2004. Retrieved Nov 4, 2004 http://www.pressroom.ups.com/mediakits/popups/factsheet/0,1889,1016,00.html?ct=fact_sheets&at=domain_mainpress room&id=1016 UPS press release, UPS corporate website, May 16, 2003 Retrieved Nov 7, 2004 http://www.pressroom.ups.com/mediakits/popups/factsheet/0,1889,969,00.html?ct=fact_sheets&at=domain_mainpressr oom&id=969 UPS Technology Facts.<br><br> Retrieved Oct 10, 2004 Retrieved Nov 4, 2004 http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/about/facts/technology.html UPS press release, (2003) UPS corporate website, 15 April 2003 Retrieved Nov 7, 2004 http://www.pressroom.ups.com/pressreleases/archives/archive/0,1363,4287,00.html UPS Uses WiFi & Bluetooth Together to Manage Packages at Shipping Hubs, Issue #2002, (December 2002) Retrieved Nov 7, 2004 http://www.mobileinfo.com/News_2002/Issue47/UPS_WiFi_Bluetooth.htm Proceedings of the 2005 Southern Association of Information Systems Conference 309 References (Interview) Interview with Tom Creech, North Florida District E-commerce Manager, UPS, October 2004. Photo Credits 1. http://www.pressroom.ups.com/pressreleases/archives/archive/0,1363,4287,00.html 2.<br><br> http://www.symbol.com/products/barcode_scanners/barcode_wearable_srs1.html 3. http://www.ups.com Appendix A (original work of authors) IBM Atlanta Data Center Mahwah, NJ Data Center IBM The Public Internet Southwest Northeast Southeast Pacific Europe East Central Americas Asia Pacific West North Central Regional Network Proceedings of the 20 310 05 Southern Association of Information Systems Conference Sun Printer SD SD ESC DLT PROLIANT 8000 Web SD Catalyst 8500 Power Supply 0 CISCO YSTEMS S Power Supply 1 Switch Processor SERIES 120,000 Personal Computers SD SD ESC DLT PROLIANT 8000 Intel PDA Comm. Tower Site Router Label Maker 80,000 DIADs Conveyors/ Docks 88,000 Trucks 6,100 Servers 2820 Mid-range Serves Scanners 600 Airplanes S Network ite The Public Internet<br><br>

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