IS Analysis

 What is Hardware?

According to the textbook, computer hardware is defined as “the electronic components and related gadgetry that input, process, output, and store data according to instructions encoded in computer programs”. At Lululemon, different types of hardware support both structured and dynamic processes, we are going to concentrate on the inventory process and the marketing process of the company.

Lululemon uses the following hardware in its inventory process:

-Computers (Dell desktops–Intel Core i5/i7): These are used by employees to access inventory management systems,  and check product availability.

-RFID readers (Zebra handheld scanners): Used for accurate and real-time inventory tracking. These devices are used by employees to scan products during restocks, receiving, counts, and transfers from the back of house to the floor.

-BBRs (Apple iPhone 12 or newer): These are used for checking inventory, placing onlineorders, and assisting customers with product availability.

For the marketing process through TikTok the hardware used by Lululemon includes:

-Smartphones (Apple & Android): Used by the marketing team to record, edit, and post TikTok videos.

-Laptops/Desktops (Apple MacBook Pro/iMac – M1 Pro/M2 chip): Used for video editing, campaign analysis, and scheduling.

-Cameras and lighting equipment (Canon EOS cameras, LED ring lights): For creating high-quality content.

Overall, the hardware used by this company is effective in supporting both processes. Inventory hardware like RFID readers helps reduce human error and improve inventory accuracy and speed. The marketing hardware allows quick content creation, keeping Lululemon competitive in the world of social media marketing.

Although the company uses up to date devices, a common issue occurs where the BBRs occasionally freeze. This forces educators to go to the back of house to get a different device, which can disrupt the workflow, and sometimes there is a mix-up between working and non-working devices. A simple improvement would be to regularly check and maintain BBRs scheduled functionality tests and keep them separate from the non-working ones. This would ensure better hardware reliability on the floor.

What is Software?

Software refers to the programs and applications that run on devices and allow users to complete tasks, essentially it is instructions for hardware, according to Kroenke & Boyle (2021).

At Lululemon, the inventory and marketing processes are supported by a mix of the different types of hardware discussed before, along with their operating systems. In stores, employees use iPhones (currently iPhone 12), which run on IOS. For desktop work, found in the back of house employees use Dell computers, which run on Windows 11 as the operating system. These support applications like Nedap ID Cloud for inventory management, which will be discussed in more detail next. The marketing process uses the same devices to create and manage content. IOS and Windows allow the company to run the necessary applications to support both inventory and marketing tasks effectively.

Application Software

Application Software and or an APP is software that you interact directly with in order to complete a desired task. A vertical app would be Nedap ID Cloud which is used by Lululemon to keep track of inventory by using an RFID technology that tracks everything in real time; what goes in and out allowing for constantly update inventory. A customized application that our company uses would be their Customized Product Ordering System that is used to customize customer products to their liking. Lastly, a horizontal app would be their E-commerce Platform and or their website that provides customers with product listings, prices, discounts, and purchasing right at their fingertips through a device. This software is effective because it offers operation efficiency and enhances customer experiences. 

Here’s a quick look at how Nedap’s iD Cloud helps stores keep track of their inventory with smart RFID.

New Technologies 

Some new types of technology include AI, IoT, and augmented reality. Lululemon can utilize several of them for several reasons. First, AI can be utilized to do things such as compare previous sales to prepare future inventory. IoT is used already by Lululemon for their RFID technology. They can utilize IoT for smart shelves and accurate on demand inventory checks. Augmented reality can be used to assist online shoppers with features such as virtual fitting rooms to enhance their online shopping experience.

                                    

Fields, Files & Metadata 

To support the inventory process at Lululemon, the company uses Nedap ID Cloud as it was mentioned before. The information is stored in the system, and to keep it organized it’s divided into fields and files.

Fields also known as columns are defined by the textbook as “groups of bytes in a database table. Each field represents an attribute of an entity” (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021). In other words, fields are specific data within each record. In Lululemon’s inventory system, examples of fields include Product ID, Product Name, Size, Color, Quantity in Stock, and Product SKU. Files also known as tables, are defined as “a group of similar rows or records. Each row in a file contains data for all fields in that table” (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021). In other words, it is a collection of related records. In this case, an example of a file is the Product Inventory File, which stores all inventory data for the products across the store.

Metadata, which is defined as data about data, helps describe and manage the information stored in the system. For example, in the Quantity in Stock field, metadata can include the data type, the date it was last updated, and who updated it. Metadata helps the system understand how to manage and display the data accurately.

Database Management System (DBMS)

Database Management System is a software program that is used to create, process, and administer a database (Kroenke & Boyle, 2021). Lululemon uses Oracle E-Business Suite as part of its enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Oracle’s database supports various business functions such as inventory management, supply chain, and finance. It also works alongside Nedap ID Cloud, to handle inventory data across the store. This integration helps make sure inventory is tracked correctly and that data is stored properly, which helps the store run smoothly.

Database Applications

The database applications are what users use to interact with the database server. These applications include reports, forms, queries, and application programs. Lululemon specifically uses Oracle Cloud EPM & the Nedap RFID technology for their database. The Oracle Cloud EPM shows reports of their finances and monthly forecasts, this helps Lululemon plan and budget accordingly. The Nedap RFID technology also acts as a report to show all inventory data that’s currently available in stores. Lululemon also utilizes an Oracle SQL developer that develops and manages the databases.

                 

New Technologies for Databases

There are Cloud Native Databases and Multimodal databases, or AI Powered and Self-tuning AutoBase's which are all relatively new. Yes, Lululemon can and does use one or more of these systems. For example, they use data bricks which is associated with Cloud Native Databases, this is used to unify information across all departments.

Also, Lululemon can use NoSQL databases for flexible, scalable handling of customer data, enabling real time personalization and multi-channel experiences. NewSQL databases support consistent, reliable transaction a crossed the global operations which is ideal for managing inventory and boosting customer experience.

LAN

A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network that connects devices like computers and scanners in one place, such as a store or office. It helps the devices share information and work together. The main parts of a LAN are network cables, switches, routers, and access points. Devices like computers, tablets, phones, and scanners connect to the LAN through these parts so they can talk to each other.

At Lululemon, the LAN connects things like computers and RFID scanners. This helps workers check product inventory and take payments from customers.

Internet 

The Internet is basically a network of networks, it connects personal, local area and wide area networks together. Lululemon connects to the internet with either wireless wi-fi networks, ethernet, or virtual private networks depending on if the employees are working from home or in stores. Lululemon utilizes an IaaS, Infrastructure as a Service, they actually use Amazon Web Services for their IaaS. Lululemon’s domain name is “lululemon.com”. 

The Cloud

The Cloud is an elastic leasing of all Internet resources that stores, manages & processes data. The Cloud consists of hardware, software, data, people & procedures. It is important because its cost-efficient for companies and it helps them operate more efficiently. 

Cloud-Based Service

Yes, Lululemon is using a cloud-based service as its information system. A few examples are a Sales Commerce Cloud to manage online sales and Nedap ID Cloud to track inventory actively. Our company mainly uses SaaS (Software as a Service) because it offers a faster transactional and updating period for tracking sales and inventory.

Recommendations

Some issues with Lululemon’s networks include slow devices during busy hours, and the lack of proper maintenance for the technology used in the store. We believe Lululemon should schedule regular software updates during non-business hours, upgrade Wi-Fi equipment and train staff on how to properly utilize all devices.