" floppy drive. This location, with its parts and service departments, will have five additional 486 machines. The Pentium will "poll" each store after closing to retrieve transaction information from the day and to download additional files, such as new pricing or other information. The Pentium will then process the information it receives from the stores and reports will be printed centrally. A laser printer will be used at the central headquarters for printing reports and other miscellaneous documents that do not require multi-part forms.
The business in question is a collection of automobile dealerships owned by a single individual with a central repair location and parts department. The nine stores are all located on Long Island. The dealerships have not been automated to this point, but the owner has recently recognized the benefit in efficiency and productivity that automation can provide. He is seeking a solution that incorporates hardware and software, and has specific requirements that the system must meet with regard to accounting functions, inventory control, payroll and employee information, customer history and service protection plans.
The overall objective of the system is to improve the efficiency and productivity of the nine stores without incurring a capital investment of such magnitude that the benefit of the system is lost. A centralized processing location for payroll and employee information will reduce the amount of time and personnel dedicated to maintaining the staff of 750, resulting in cost savings. By having a central repository of information regarding sales and inventory control, buyers can make informed decisions on which cars should be reordered and in what quantities. Because purchases will be made for all stores at once and because the quantities should be more accurate than currently, increased economies of scale should be noted.
The overriding objective of the system is to improv...