Walmart Information System Processes (2024)

Have you ever wondered how does Walmart use information systems? You can learn about it right here!

Introduction

Wal-Mart Company, which was opened by Sam Walton in 1962, is among the largest retail stores in the world. Walton opened it to sell products at reduced prices in order to give customers an opportunity to save money and use it to improve their lives. The company was therefore started as a small discount store.

Wal-Mart was committed to satisfying the needs of its customers by serving them in a friendly manner and offering them low prices. Until today, the company maintains its initial commitment to serve its customers.

The company’s shares started trading at the New York Stock Exchange in 1972 (McKeefery 3). Currently, Wal-Mart has more than 9600 retail outlets that are spread in different countries and a total of 2.1 million workers. Most of them are based in the United States.

General Explanation of Wal-Mart’s Business Process

Wal-Mart has limited competitors because it has been able to establish a big business empire. It operates about 700 discount stores in the United States and 2900 supercenters, which stock groceries. In addition, it has smaller format stores that have been growing fast. The company has stores that perform well in Canada and Mexico and runs its activities in several Asian countries (Organizational Structure 6).

How does Walmart use Information Systems?

Wal-Mart is among business organizations that have been able to implement information systems successfully. The company’s information systems aim at centralizing its operations in order to develop common practices, which can be applied in its stores around the world.

All business activities carried out by Wal-Mart use technology. For instance, technology is applied to keep records of inventories from suppliers and maintain a good relationship with customers, which attracts and retains them.

Application of information systems has benefited Wal-Mart since it has enabled the company to maintain its status as a leader in the market. One of the most important information systems that Wal-Mart applies is bar code system. The company is among organizations that successfully organize data gathered from different places into meaningful information.

The data, which are gathered from bar codes, are used to monitor sales. Wal-Mart has access to information on product sales such as the type of products purchased and their prices price. This is combined with advanced telecommunications to facilitate transfer of information between different branches and the centralized system. This enables Wal-Mart to sustain a real-time database equipped with adequate data on company transactions.

Radio frequency identification, commonly referred to as RFID is another information system that is used by Wal-Mart. This is a technology that uses small tags, which contain microchips with data on particular items. The technology transmits radio signals along short distances. The signals are received by RFID readers, which pass the data to computers for processing.

RFID tags are easy to work with hence the company is able to access information that is used to identify different products (Wal-Mart stores Inc 5). This type of information system enables Wal-Mart to increase its effectiveness in terms of inventory control and management of supply chains. The company can track its products along supply chains (Laudon & Jane 45).

Wal-Mart is also credited with the introduction of self-check-out lanes. Since the company serves many customers at the same time, sometimes, they are forced to queue for many hours. This information system makes it easy for customers to move in and out of the company’s premises without difficulties.

Wal-Mart Information System Processes

Walmart Information System Processes (1)

Walmart Information Systems Strategy – Process Improvement

Information systems would bring numerous benefits to Wal-Mart since advancements in technology have compelled companies to embrace the concept in order to serve their customers better. Information systems would enable Wal-Mart to reduce costs and increase profits. For instance, RFID would enable the company to monitor its supply chains (Wailgum 5).

This would eliminate possible losses that occur due to a lack of proper tracking of different processes. Information systems would also ensure that both customers and the company’s employees do not waste a lot of time.

For instance, self-check-out lanes would facilitate entry and exit of customers into the company’s premises. Without this system, customers would be required to queue for many hours. However, this problem would be solved through the use of information systems.

Suggestion for Improvement

Wal-Mart should take several measures in order to improve service delivery. The first thing that the company should do is to redefine the RFID mandate by restricting it to products that do not have high amounts of liquid and metal. This would give vendors and suppliers enough time to confirm reliability of tags for all products.

The company should use its powerful nature to develop a buying consortium. Wal-Mart should also endeavor to ensure that its customers are aware of different information systems that the company uses. This would ensure that its investment in information systems is utilized accordingly.

Works Cited

Laudon, Kenneth, & L. Jane. Managing information systems-managing the digital firm. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2010. Print.

McKeefery, Kevin. Wal-Mart restructures to boost e-commerce. 2010. Web.

Organizational structure 2011. Web.

Wailgum, Thomas. 45 years of Wal-Mart history: a technology time line. 2007. Web.

Wal-Mart stores Inc. 2011. Web.

This assessment on Walmart Information System Processes Report was written and submitted by your fellowstudent. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, youmust cite it accordingly.

Removal Request

If you are the copyright owner of this paper and no longer wish to have your work published on IvyPanda.

Request the removal

Need a custom Assessment sample written from scratch by
professional specifically for you?

801 certified writers online

Walmart Information System Processes (2024)

FAQs

What role does information technology play in Walmart? ›

Its state of the art technology and network design allow Walmart to precisely forecast demand, track and predict inventory levels, create highly efficient transportation routes, and manage customer relationships and service response logistics.

What is the business process of Walmart? ›

Walmart's key activities include, first, buying and delivering goods, while controlling the costs involved. In addition, the company invests in customer service, inventory control, and distribution management.

What kind of information system does Amazon use? ›

All information collected through the web service is directed to the Enterprise Resource Management system that runs on the Oracle database management system. This system automates the ordering process with high levels of accuracy in order scheduling and delivery tracking.

What information system does Best Buy use? ›

E3 Retail's ADVANTAGe POS won out as Best Buy's top choice due to it placing the customer at the heart of its operations.

What is the new technology used by Walmart How does it work? ›

Alphabot uses autonomous carts to retrieve the shelf-stable foods, refrigerated items and frozen goods that people are ordering online. It can hold upward of 20,000 items, Walmart said.

What type of information does Walmart collect? ›

Not all categories may be collected about every individual: Personal identifiers, such as name and address. Device and online identifiers and related information, such as telephone number and email address. Internet, application, and network activity, such as cookie IDs and browser visits.

What is Walmart's organizational strategy? ›

Our strategy is to build strong local businesses that are powered by Walmart—while at the same time generating growth for the company and our partners, and making a positive impact on our stakeholders. Walmart International has more than 5,100 retail units and approximately 550,000 associates around the world.

What is Walmart's CRM strategy? ›

In line with the company's focus on saving customers' money, the Walmart CRM strategy includes offering three cash-back rewards cards. These build brand affinity by allowing customers to not only save money, but also make money shopping with the retailer.

What is Walmart management structure? ›

Walmart has a hybrid hierarchical-functional organizational structure, otherwise referred to as a matrix structure that combines multiple approaches. Walmart utilizes the hierarchical structure which means that current CEO Doug McMillon is the only employee without a direct superior.

What information system does McDonalds use? ›

NewPOS is an EPOS system that was initially developed by Savista and later bought by Torex. To ensure the system matched its needs, in 2008, McDonalds took the system in house. This move enabled its tech team to play around with it until it had the capacity to handle its daily swathes of fast food orders.

Which companies use information systems? ›

Some of the most famous companies are Amazon, Walmart, and Netflix. These companies use the information system in their daily operations.

What information systems are used in retail? ›

Nowadays, inventory management software often utilizes barcode, radio-frequency identification (RFID), and/or wireless tracking technology. Let's take a look at an example of how one retailer, Lululemon, uses RFID.

What information system does Home Depot use? ›

About The Home Depot

A Google Cloud customer since 2016, The Home Depot manages data and empowers its associates with Google Cloud, keeping 50,000+ items stocked in store at over 2,000 locations, monitoring online applications, or offering relevant call center information.

What information systems does Apple use? ›

iCloud was developed in 2011 as a service to support information management and office automation system (Hwang & Chen, 2017). Apple Inc. uses this information system to ensure the proper flow of data within the organization. All employees of the company utilize it to share, store and collect information.

Which technology is used by Walmart? ›

For example, Walmart has built a tech platform that uses automation and machine learning to turn a near-infinite number of factors into usable data which helps in improving its last-mile delivery ecosystem.

Which ERP solution has Walmart implemented? ›

Walmart uses a Microsoft ERP with cloud-based enterprise management to control resources, monitor warehousing capacity, and integrate with existing software tools.

What is Walmart's new AI system? ›

Walmart's evolved supply chain

“So we invested a lot of effort into AI and ML for substitution logic.” Deep learning AI considers hundreds of variables — size, type, brand, price, aggregate shopper data, individual preference and current inventory, among others — in real-time to determine the best next-available item.

What data warehouse does Walmart use? ›

The mega retailer is using the HP Neoview data warehousing platform to power analysis of data collected across its 4,000 U.S. stores. The Neoview system integrates HP hardware, software and services used by Wal-Mart throughout its organization.

What device do the workers at Walmart use to track items? ›

Walmart stores have dozens of security cameras that can help bosses monitor shoppers' movements. There's also a large screen that captures the shoppers using the self-checkouts, according to the TikTok clip. Cam also has a handheld device that allows him to see the groceries that shoppers are scanning through.

How does Walmart pick up customers? ›

How Walmart's Curbside Pickup Works
  1. Step 1: Log In To Your Walmart Account. If you don't have a Walmart account yet, sign up for a free one on the website. ...
  2. Step 2: Reserve Your Time Slot. ...
  3. Step 3: Shop. ...
  4. Step 4: Check Out. ...
  5. Step 5: Pick Up Your Order.

What is Walmart's main competitive advantage? ›

Walmart business strategy is based on 'everyday low prices' philosophy of the company. In other words, Walmart pursues cost leadership business strategy enabled by the economies of scale derived by the company in a significant extent.

How does Walmart use Salesforce? ›

Walmart has also been working with Salesforce to create the InternOne App, which was developed and created in less than two months. The idea was to offer a way for the hundreds of interns the firm hires every year to stay connected to their fellow interns, and keep them engaged.

What are Walmart's biggest weaknesses? ›

Walmart's Weaknesses – Internal Strategic Factors

Low wages, inadequate healthcare, and poor working conditions are few of the issues that have been publically criticized. Large span of control – Its highly extended size and massive span of control could leave Walmart weak in some areas.

What is the 10 foot rule Walmart? ›

The 10-foot Rule is one of Walmart's secrets to customer service. During his many store visits, Sam Walton encouraged associates to take this pledge: “I solemnly promise and declare that every customer that comes within 10 feet of me, I will smile, look them in the eye, greet them, and ask if I can help them.”

Who are the top management at Walmart? ›

Leadership
  • Doug McMillon. President and CEO, Walmart Inc.
  • Dan Bartlett. Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs.
  • Rachel Brand. Executive Vice President of Global Governance, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary.
  • John Furner. President and CEO, Walmart U.S.
  • Suresh Kumar. ...
  • Judith McKenna. ...
  • Kathryn McLay. ...
  • Donna Morris.

Which information system is used by KFC? ›

MIS systems let the KFC management: To capture information and store it, whenever they are making bills it helps them to count sales per day, per week and per month because a copy of the bill is stored in the computer.

What information systems does subway use? ›

As of today, Subway uses the ParTech POS System, which is the same system used by a number of retail industries, hotels, spas, restaurants, and more.

How does Chick-fil-A use information systems? ›

The system Chick-fil-A uses pulls in information from relational databases, online analytical processing cubes, cloud database and even spreadsheets to generate needed graphs and charts, as well as creating an analytics dashboard.

What are three examples of information system? ›

Tools such as laptops, databases, networks, and smartphones are examples of information systems.

What are the five basic uses of information systems? ›

An information system is described as having five components.
  • Computer hardware. This is the physical technology that works with information. ...
  • Computer software. The hardware needs to know what to do, and that is the role of software. ...
  • Telecommunications. ...
  • Databases and data warehouses. ...
  • Human resources and procedures.

What are the 4 information systems? ›

The first four components (hardware, software, database, and network) make up what is known as the information technology platform. Information technology workers could then use these components to create information systems that watch over safety measures, risk and the management of data.

What information system does Google use? ›

Google's interlinked computers probably number several million. The heart of Google's operation, however, is built around three proprietary pieces of computer code: Google File System (GFS), Bigtable, and MapReduce.

How businesses use information systems? ›

Information systems make it possible for companies to manage all their information, make better decisions, and improve their business processes. A business company has a system to support different groups or levels of management.

What are the 3 information system activities? ›

Three basic activities—input, processing, and output—produce the information organizations need.

How is data processing used in retail? ›

Data is found in every facet of a retail organization and can be used to extract insights across the value chain into operational performance and customer behavior, as well as leveraged to power improved service experiences. From online browsing to social engagement to in-store purchasing, data abounds.

What information systems do we use everyday? ›

Other examples of IT systems include the internet, mobile phone systems, broadcast radio and TV systems, but IT is essential to many other day-to-day activities.

What POS system do most retailers use? ›

Top 10 Retail POS Systems
  • Shopify POS.
  • Square Point of Sale.
  • Lightspeed Retail.
  • Heartland Retail.
  • Stripe Terminal.
  • QuickBooks Point of Sale.
  • Clover.
  • Square for Retail.
23 Nov 2022

How does Home Depot use AI? ›

In an industry-first feature, the Home Depot app utilizes machine learning, a type of artificial intelligence, to understand what type of project a shopper is working on. The app then delivers project and buying guides to help customers get all of the items and knowledge they need to get the job done.

What does NLP mean at Home Depot? ›

The Home Depot Guaranteed Low Price.

What can information systems be used for? ›

Information systems allow users to collect, store, organize and distribute data—functions that can serve a variety of purposes for companies. Many businesses use their information systems to manage resources and improve efficiency. And some rely on information systems to compete in global markets.

Which system does iPhone use? ›

Apple iOS is a proprietary mobile operating system that runs on mobile devices such as the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Apple iOS is based on the Mac OS X operating system for desktop and laptop computers.

What kind of system is Siri? ›

Siri is Apple's personal assistant for iOS, macOS, tvOS and watchOS devices that uses voice recognition and is powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

What is the role of information technology in retailing? ›

IT works to process, manage, and securely store data by using various software or systems, and this is why it is important for retailers to keep up-to-date IT solutions within their retail stores (either brick-and-mortar or online), as it can help them achieve accurate demand forecasting and inventory predictions.

How much does Walmart spend on information technology? ›

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. again tops the list of the biggest technology spenders worldwide, shelling out more than $10.5 billion in 2015, according to market researcher International Data Corp.

How did Walmart leverage information technology to be successful? ›

As Walmart makes this shift, it is leveraging technology to share information across the supply chain, track inventory, better select and manage inventory across stores & warehouses and provide expedited deliveries for online orders while maintaining competitive prices and quality.

What is the role of information technology in stores management? ›

Enough explanations from the subject experts. Main role of IT in Inventory is to monitor, control, update, execute and promote the entire Inventory process. IT can also be helpful in creating different reports which can be used to view stock details. To be more precise complete transaction history on item level.

What type of information system is used by online retailers? ›

CRM (Customer Relationship Management)

Customer Relationship Management systems capture the following details to help retailers drive sales and gain a better understanding of the consumer: Contact Details: Name, email, social media, how customer learned of company.

What is the main role of information technology? ›

Information technology is building communications networks for a company, safeguarding data and information, creating and administering databases, helping employees troubleshoot problems with their computers or mobile devices, or doing a range of other work to ensure the efficiency and security of business information ...

What HRIS system does Walmart use? ›

Walmart currently uses SAP HCM and SuccessFactors. It signed up for a 2.1 million roll-out of SuccessFactors in 2010 after completing a two-year trial with 300,000 employees.

Which ERP is used by Walmart? ›

Order and Customer Sync

It transfers orders and transfers customers to SAP Business One® ERP in real time. It also helps identify repeat clients and customers in the whole system.

What technologies Walmart use? ›

Automated Delivery

For example, Walmart has built a tech platform that uses automation and machine learning to turn a near-infinite number of factors into usable data which helps in improving its last-mile delivery ecosystem. As it learns through artificial intelligence (AI), the platform is designed to improve.

What is the data strategy of Walmart? ›

Walmart uses data mining to discover patterns in point of sales data. Data mining helps Walmart find patterns that can be used to provide product recommendations to users based on which products were bought together or which products were bought before the purchase of a particular product.

What technology gave Walmart a competitive advantage? ›

Walmart has continued to leverage technology, such as machine learning, cloud powered checkout and pickup capabilities to offer more convenience and enhance the overall shopping experience for customers. To learn more about Walmart's recent innovations, visit corporate.walmart.com.

What are the 3 most important technology trends which retailers are experiencing? ›

From customer experiences to supply chains, here are some tech trends that are likely to dominate retail in 2022.
  • Experiential Retail through Augmented and Virtual Reality. ...
  • Personalized Shopping Experiences. ...
  • Autonomous Last-Mile Delivery.
5 Mar 2022

What are the roles of information technology in the workplace? ›

Improve Productivity and Efficiency

With the use of technology in workplaces, organizations have been able to increase their productivity and efficiency at a rapid pace. Processes that were once manual and time-consuming can now be achieved in a quick and efficient manner with digital tools, applications, and systems.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kareem Mueller DO

Last Updated:

Views: 5357

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kareem Mueller DO

Birthday: 1997-01-04

Address: Apt. 156 12935 Runolfsdottir Mission, Greenfort, MN 74384-6749

Phone: +16704982844747

Job: Corporate Administration Planner

Hobby: Mountain biking, Jewelry making, Stone skipping, Lacemaking, Knife making, Scrapbooking, Letterboxing

Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.