Analysis

 Structured process: Sales

The sales process is the structured process selected in this case, sales are an everyday task for a retail giant such as Bed Bath and Beyond, during the sales process there are 5 steps; first the customer enters the store and is greeted by a advocate, then the item need is located via an advocate or via the mobile app which has in store VR capabilities to located products, items are scanned through self-scanners or mobile app scan and pay, check-out, transaction is completed.



Structured Process Information System

Bed bath and beyond uses the NCR POS system which allows them to use online ordering, mobile app compatibilities, and lower payment processing rates. It also enables cloud enabled self-scan checkout technologies which will not only provide quick and easy transaction but also aid in the issue that cost them millions of dollars in the past quarters, inventory replenishment the NCR POS system removes the hassle of having to use bulky computers or in store serves as the NCR system is a cloud enabled self-checkout system, this means it not only provides faster and automated transactions but it also mitigate the risk of shrinkage at it keeps track of inventory.



Hardware                                                   Software           

-  Touch pad monitors                                - (SaaS) Cloud enabled self checkout

-Receipt printer                                           - Inventory tracking, sales data.

-Card readers                               

Information Silos- with implementation of new technology always comes a risk, one of the main concerns with using the NCR POS system and the implementation of self-checkouts as a replacement for traditional cashiers is the increased possibility of theft, not only will this affect the sales team as they will get incorrect sales numbers, but the inventory will also be affected. the POS system directly communicates with the inventory so if the items are not being scanned and taken this can cause a issue in the inventory department.

Recommendations- eliminating risk is impossible, it will also be something that is affecting companies and theft is one of those issues that will always be present for retail stores. A recommendation to help minimize risk is an improved security system, possibly integrating advanced technology such as anti theft stickers which are being widely used in stores such as Walmart and Target and can help minimize issues in the organization.

Dynamic Process: Social Media Marketing (Lauren Pluta)

For the social media marketing process, the information system that this analysis follows is Instagram. Instagram is a social media platform where Bed Bath and Beyond can push promotions, increase customer engagement, offer sweepstakes and post new products to increase engagement and retain customers with interactive posts. With 1.2 million followers , daily posts, and direct links to products and sales, BB&B heavily relies on Instagram for brand awareness and promotions. Social media can support this dynamic process by boosting profits and customer engagement which emphasizes the focus of advertising outward to prospects. The associated risks consist of negative comments like bad PR and loss of credibility. Bed Bath and Beyond’s Instagram account is used to inspire ways to decorate and redo living spaces by posting ideas on styling. Most of their posts are potential ways to use their appliances, furniture, and bedding. 

Social Media Plan

Social Media Information Systems supports sharing of content among a network of users. Bed Bath and Beyond is an active retailer on social media with over 1.3 million followers among their vast social networks.

Bed Bath and Beyond is active in social media marketing where they can promote inbound inventory as well as what they currently have in store. This marketing technique is valuable to the company as they try to attract both current and new audiences. 

Bed Bath and Beyond's target audience is homeowners in the age range of 18-65 years young. By trying to appeal to the youth range via social media who has a larger audience in the lower age bracket. While some of the higher age bracket also use social media it is not as large as the lower tier. The older bracket would be old and new clients they would try to reach marketing products. 

With Bed Bath and Beyond having over 1.3 million followers across all of their social market, it is fair to say that the company is growing in a healthy state from its recent darker days. Using the social capital formula to estimate the value of social capital of the company it is: 1.3784^12. 

Bed Bath and Beyond is a company that addresses Social Media Information System security by implementing a social media policy only stating accurate information. The company reaches out directly to deal with negative reviews as well as questions across their social market. 

Information Silos - The way using social media to promote Bed Bath and Beyond products and promotions can be a great way to boost customer engagement, it also comes with the risk of hackers trying to hack into the instagram account and inappropriate content phishing. Using social media can also have many negative comments and interactions from customers, especially with having a large amount of followers. 

Recommendations - to keep social media platforms secure from hackers, the best way to do this is by updating passwords every 3 months. By doing so the password should not be easy to guess and short, including at least 12 characters, upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. A recommendation for the risk of negative comments from potential customers would be to address negative reviews by responding and offering help.

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