Alternative Solutions - Computer System.

Manual Solution

You could install a filling cabinet with dividers in, separating data into alphabetical order. If users wanted to add, delete or amend their details they would have to use a pen and paper to do it.

Advantages for computerized solution:

1. It would be quick and easy to recall information by using a user friendly interface.
2. It would save room, as you wouldn’t have to have a large filling cabinet in the room.
3. With different features such as clipart, if you ever need to create documents such as flyers or posters, you can add computer graphics.
4. A lot of information can be stored on the hard drive.
5. If a mistake is made it can be easily corrected.
6. Updates to information would be instant.
7. It is quick so staff wont waste time, meaning the business saves money.
8. With the link to the tills the database will constantly be updated.

Disadvantages for computerized solution:

1. It would be expensive to install.
2. It would be expensive to train staff how to use different programs.

Advantages for Manual solution

1. It would be cheap to install.
2. Staff would not have to be trained to use the system.
3. New documents would be easy to place in the cabinet as it is kept in alphabetical order.

Disadvantages for Manual Solution

1. The filing cabinet that would store all the information would take up a lot of office space.
2. If there were a fire, flood or robbery all documents would be lost as there are no backups.
3. To keep the system neat and in order whoever was viewing the documents or adding a document would have to be very careful that they put them back in the correct place.
4. If someone makes a mistake halfway through a form they will have to start again, which will be time consuming, or they will have to cross it out which will make it untidy.
5. If the person writing the document has untidy writing then no body will be able to read it, which will cause inconvenience.
6. This system would have a high maintenance level.

From the advantages and disadvantages of the Computer and Manual solutions it is quite clear that the better solution is the Computer one, so we will use that.