printing facility. 

Mark has also asked for a diagram that shows how the components you identify will be set up and connected to create his local area network in the 3D printing facility.  In order to prepare a diagram, Mark has provided the following description of his facility and his operation.

The facility in the industrial park that I am currently using has a manager’s office, a large supply storage area, a loading dock, and a large open area where the 3D printing operation occurs.  When supplies are unloaded and put into the storage area, I would like for my employees to be able to update the inventory system (which would be a part of the ERP system).  When an employee takes supplies from the storage area to be used in the printing and packaging processes, I want them to update the inventory system.  I currently accept customers’ orders via the telephone and email (through my Gmail account; I have my email address on my Facebook page).  My FiOS internet connection drop is in my office area.  When I get the ERP system, I want to be able to enter the customer orders into the ERP system.  I also need to use the ERP to store my employee records and to have payroll information.  Finally, I also want to keep all my financial records (orders, invoices, etc.) in the ERP.  As I said earlier (in the Case Study), I want my employees to be able to access the 3D printing systems through a mobile device of some sort so they can move around the facility.

On the diagram, he would like you to designate where the components you listed will be located in his facility – which items will be in his office, which will be elsewhere in the facility, and which ones will be used by employees as they move around the facility.

Assignment:

This assignment has two parts:

1. Future IT infrastructure – Mark has two fundamental IT needs for his business. He needs to be able to create the 3D printed products and he needs to be able to manage customer orders, supplies, employees, etc.  To help him understand each component, including those he already has in place, you will:
   1. List and describe the components (hardware, software, security devices, network devices, wired/wireless devices, internet, and databases, as appropriate) needed for the computer system(s) to be used to create the 3D printed items.
   2. List and describe the components (hardware, software, security devices, network devices, wired/wireless devices, internet, and databases, as appropriate) Mark will need to implement a small business enterprise resource management (ERP) information system in his facility to help him manage his business effectively. Some of these will be the same as some components listed for the 3D system.
   3. Explain the relationships among the 3D computer system, the information system, and the communication networks that support both types of systems and how they fit together to provide Mark all the IT capability he needs to run his business. printing facility.

2. Create one or two original graphical representations of your specific technology solution. Include all the components listed in Part 1.  The file “Example Network Diagram” shows the level of detail needed and provides sample icons for use in constructing your drawing, if you choose to use them.  You may want to use icons from Free Network Diagram Software. You should include labels as to what each device is and what the purpose of the component is, e.g., router, switch, email server, database server, system administration PC, etc.  The make/model/capacity/etc. of the devices does not need to be included – simply their generic device type (router, switch, server, etc.) and their function, if appropriate (email, database, etc.).  You may create a single graphic to represent all of the systems, or you may create a graphic of the computer systems used for the 3D printing and a second graphic for the ERP information system and other systems Mark is using; the network components needed for each system should be included on the applicable graphic(s).

Formatting:    

• Part 1 should be 1-2 single spaced pages in length, and be in Microsoft Word format, or a format that can be read in Word.
• Part 2 is an original graphic diagram(s) that should be included in the same document. If you have too much difficulty inserting the diagram, you may provide it as a separate file that can be read by Word, Excel or PowerPoint.
• Compare your work to the Grading Rubric below to be sure you have met content and quality criteria.
• Your submission should include your last name first in the filename:     Lastname_firstname_Stage_2