business specializing in the design

Mark Peterson’s new infrastructure will support a 3D printing and scanning business specializing in the design of various components. Mark has realized a new idea that of designing umbrella holders. After making one for his brother Peter, he has received multiple orders, which has expanded his business. As a result, he intends to utilize sophisticated infrastructure to meet the customers’ demands and improve efficiency in his business operations. 3D printing continues to innovate and grow and offers many opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to print designs on demand. The technology-driven discipline utilizes computer-aided design and special printers to generate complex solid objects (Holzmann et al., 2017). 3D printing uses thermoplastics and numerous growing materials that allow different shapes to be created with precision. According to Smith (2020), the 3D printing business is environmentally efficient, generates zero waste, and has become a lower-cost option than traditional manufacturing. The 3D printing business continues to grow, and the service market continues to expand. Mark utilizes a 3D printer and has identified his niche that allows him to personalize his entity.

Current IT Infrastructure

Mark’s business contains various software, hardware, and network components that are useful for business operations. For instance, he possesses a 3D printer and computer-aided design (CAD) for generating three-dimensional objects through a layering method. CAD is a powerful software for designing and modifying 3D parts and developing unmatched 3D design capabilities. As a result, Mark is able to create 3D models with the best available transition tools. Also, he has a personal computer for controlling the 3D printers. The business also has a Verizon FiOS, which is a hardware component for the internet network. It provides bundle internet access services over a fiber-optic communications network to Mark’s business establishment. FiOS modem is a built-in wireless router and a network component that connects Mark’s PC. Google mail is a software component that helps Mark track his orders on a spreadsheet on his personal computer. As a result, it is a valuable software tool for Mark’s business establishment due to its simplicity and efficiency in sorting and organizing emails.

Requirements

Mark intends to expand his business, and therefore he has identified various system requirements to support the business expansion. Marks wants to implement a small business enterprise resource planning (ERP) to manage customer orders, invoices, and employees. The ERP system will act as a business management software, and it will assist Mark to manage and integrate business processes through a single system. For instance, he will have greater insight and visibility by accessing essential information to make critical business decisions. Document printers and 3D printers are other components that Mark identified. He perceives that he requires a printer for printing invoices. As a result, he might need the right printer for his business to save time and ensure efficiency in his business operations. Finding a printer that will suit his firm is also a significant aspect since, in the current world, printers can do a lot. For instance, numerous office and business functions can be done in a single location, and therefore obtaining a multifunctional printer would be an ideal strategy. Mark also requires storage devices for storing 3D print designs and training videos for his employees. Mark can choose multimedia systems such as removable disks, tape cartridges, or computer disks for data storage. Cloud storage for backup files is the last component that Mark has identified. Cloud storage would provide Mark’s business a robust and secure approach to accessing files from multiple devices he is at work. As such, it would protect his business operations by ensuring automatic saving and remote storage when keeping important data safe. The flexibility of cloud storage would make a logical choice, and choosing an appropriate cloud storage software would meet his business needs.

How Requirements Will Be Met

Mark will require different system components to meet the new business requirements. ERP system is a business package suite that will help Mark integrate various functions and departments in his entity. Mark will require a common database that will enable data to be defined. As a result, the ERP system will split physical databases to enhance performance-defining enterprise using a similar interpretation. Also, Mark will require a modular design and integrated system to ensure the ERP system functions effectively. The modular design will incorporate distinct business modules such as accounting and distribution and take care of various functions of a specific department. An integrated system will allow different business aspects to be controlled from a single application leading to seamless data flow (Matias & Rao, 2015). Cloud storage will require system components such as intercloud, cloud-based delivery, and back-end platforms. These will act as the client infrastructure to form the front end to provide graphic user interphase for effective interaction with the cloud. Storage for his training video will require systems components such as multimedia systems such as removable disks, tape cartridges, or computer disks. A printer will act as a peripheral machine for making a persistent representation of documents such as invoices. It will require system components such as the internet and computer to perform printing roles and control and processing data.

Data Representation and Storage