Pine Valley Furniture Alex Schuster began Pine Valley Furniture (PVF) as a hobby. Initially, Alex would build custom furniture in his garage for friends and family. As word spread about his quality craftsmanship, he began taking orders. The hobby has since evolved into a medium-sized business, employing more than fifty workers.
Over the years, increased demand has forced Alex to relocate several times, increase his sales force expand his product line and remote PVF's information system.
In the beginning, a process-oriented ap- proach was utilized. Each separate applica- tion had its own data files. The applications automated the manual systems on which they were modeled. In an effort to improve its information systems, PVF recently renovated its information systems, resulting in a company-wide database and applica- tions that work with this database. PVF's computer-based applications are primarily in the accounting and financial areas. All appli- cations have been built in-house, and when necessary, new information systems staff is hired to support PVF's expanding informa-tion systems.
A. How did PVF go about developing its in formation systems? Why do you think the company chose this option? What other options were available?
B. One option available to PVF was ar enterprise-wide system. What features does an enterprise-wide system, such as SAP, provide? What is the primary advantage of an enterprise-wide system?
C. PVF will be hiring two systems analysts next month. Your task is to develop a job advertisement for these positions. Locate several websites or newspapers that have job advertisements for systems analysts. What skills are required?
D. What types of information systems are currently utilized at PVF? Provide an example of each type.