Ups Case

Case 1

Question 1

-1990- Launch of UPS Net, UPS' global network

-1993- Launched DIAD

-Mid-1990s- create its own web page

-Launched tracking API

- Introduced Rates and Services tool

-Late 2000- provided Online Tools available to customer for downloading

-August 2000- launched its first e-Venture, UPS e-Logistics

Question 2

In 1985, when UPS only provided a single package delivery service at a single price, while their competitor, Federal Express, was introducing package tracking service. This tracking service was able to enable the consignee tracking their package and heavily dependent on information technology. Around that time, Federal Express strength the power of their tracking system and started to erode UPS’s air service market as well as daily ground business. To remain competitive, UPS invested in a tracking capability and other information technology programs in the following few decades.

Question 3

In order to fit the new IT initiatives into UPS’s business model, UPS developed a centralized infrastructure, including a global network called UPS Net, three centralized databases (people, customers, packages) and a centralized data processing facility. Then introduced DIAD to save each driver working hours by capturing customer signature and collect additional information about customer and package. By mid-1990s, UPS created its own web page. Later, to establish tighter linkages with customers, UPS developed tools that could be embedded into customers’ applications, for instance, UPS’ tracking API. Meanwhile, to enable their strategy, UPS established alliances with key vendors and followed a policy of open standards. Followed the launch of tracking API, UPS introduced a Rates and Services tool which allowed their customer link to a menu of shipping options and costs. By late 2000, UPS had six Online Tools available to customer for downloading which support 30 services. Besides, UPS also developed a wide range of web-supported products and services,...