Internet Tools at Dirt Bikes free essay sample

Since Dirt Bikes already has computer capabilities and internet access, my recommendations to reduce the communication costs, and providing a more efficient means to obtain information is to install a local area network (LAN) that would connect all of the company’s computer and allow access to one centralized computer. This computer would house an intranet, extranet, and wireless accessibility. An intranet, an internal communications and coordination website would provide the internal communication tools Dirt Bikes is seeking and reduce the amount of time spent on interoffice communication.The main benefits of an intranet include; better internal communications-corporate information can be shared centrally and accessed at any time; sharing of resources and best practices-a virtual community can be created that would provide an easy portal in which to share and collaborate ideas and information; reduction of paperwork-forms can be accessed and completed online and forwarded to the appropriate department without having to be printed out but still providing an audit trail, and improved customer service-staff will have better access to accurate and constituent information leading to better customer service. We will write a custom essay sample on Internet Tools at Dirt Bikes or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page An intranet system would benefit the human resources department in reducing department costs by streamlining routine tasks and inquiries into a common area, thereby freeing up the human resources staff to work on other areas. Standardized forms, such as expense records, vacation requests, payroll dates, and employee handbooks can be placed on the intranet providing employees access to these forms without the intervention of the human resources department. Human resources can also use the intranet for online orientation and training.In addition, an online payroll system could be implemented via the intranet and payroll software. Employees could have access to information that would normally have had to be manually provided by the human resources department such as duplicate pay stubs for loan verification. Sales and marketing could benefit from an intranet system by creating an online community forum that would allow sharing information such as best practices, lessons learned, closing techniques, and relevant industry standards.Each salesperson’s sales and leads could be posted and tracked in a central location of the intranet. Sales managers could create surveys and polls that track customer responses to advertising thereby allowing them to measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. Having this information in one central location saves time, which saves money. Manufacturing and production could benefit from an intranet system as well. An up-to-date source of information concerning new techniques, orders placed, inventory, and other business-related information can be maintained.The intranet would provide an alternative to paper in the training aspect of manufacturing and production such as audio, video, and interactive applications. This would allow employees to stay informed on new policies, techniques, and training that is available. Having in-house training will save on the costs of sending employees to off-site training and producing hard copies of training documents. This would also allow real-time communication with the sales team by keeping them informed of production delays and estimates of completion on the items in the production line.The intranet could also provide a method to track compliance with health and safety, personnel, and other state and federal regulations. An intranet would give all departments the access to company-wide information that is required in one central location, thereby reducing the amount of time spent ensuring information is delivered to each department. This would result in less time spent on communications and reduce the associated costs. In addition, each department could have their own separate area on the intranet for information relevant to them. I also recommend Dirt Bikes consider an extranet.An extranet would allow customers and suppliers access to certain areas of the intranet. In this way customers could place orders directly with Dirt Bikes, track the status of their orders, and possibly even have online financing options. Marketing could use the extranet to promote sales, new products and innovations, or create a newsletter for retailers, customers, and suppliers. This capability would increase customer satisfaction and awareness, and reduce the cost of traditional marketing techniques. Dirt Bikes should also consider implementing wireless technology.Wireless technology would allow Dirt Bikes employees to stay in touch with the company no matter where they were. This could be especially beneficial to salesperson’s not physically at the corporate site. In addition, since not every employee may have access to a desk and computer terminal, wireless technology would allow all staff members the same access to the intranet. Employees could access the intranet using laptops, PDA’s, and even cell phones. Training could take place in any location not just locations that have been hard-wired for computer capabilities.Even though wireless technology would be a benefit and can be more convenient than wired technology, it can be costly. A wired LAN requires Ethernet cables, hubs and switches that can be very expensive. Although there is some free connection sharing software packages available, some cost a nominal fee. A broadband router offers easier installation and built-in security but can cost more than the Ethernet cabling; however, the added benefit of the ease installation may outweigh the additional cost associated with broadband.Wireless technology products typically cost somewhat more than equivalent wired Ethernet products and wireless adapters and access points may cost three to four times more than Ethernet cable adapters, switches/hubs. In conclusion Dirt Bikes could see a significant reduction in cost associated with communication in employee time, paper usage, and mailing costs by installing an intranet system. An intranet system would provide beneficial access to all departments and make the system much more efficient.