Design of Web Based Automated Retail & Distribution System using Model Based System Engineering and Analytical Hierarchy Process

Abstract

The dynamics of businesses and marketing has changed drastically in the past 10 years. The last decade has been instrumental in realizing Information Technology as the backbone of all businesses, with the consumers relying more on E-commerce based purchases than physical stores hence causing a boom in the adoption of E-commerce based solutions by all concerned stakeholders. The most considerable advancement has been noted in the Beauty Industry which is worth USD 500 Billion today. Development of CPEC and exchanges of goods and services between the two closely tied countries – Pakistan & China has allowed multiple businesses to grow and strengthen in the past few years. With initiatives like Digital Pakistan and benefitting from the easier access to the Niche’ products and services from our neighbouring country, the next 5-10 years are the prime time for introducing a Web-based Pak-China venture in Pakistan, Middle Eastern and other developing Belt & Road Countries. “XOHA” A Pak-China Joint venture was therefore initiated which aims at using the modern web-based technologies to market High-end Makeup & Skincare products (Designed & Developed in China) in the target market. The purpose is to establish XOHA’s brand presence using High standard quality control procedures and research, a creative marketing program, Strong co-operation with manufacturers, 3PL Service Providers and Payment Gateway Service Providers, And a comprehensive distribution network using both brick and mortar retail outlets, internet presence and an application based automated distribution system. XOHA’s integrated Sales and Distribution system will target the consumers as well as potential distributing partners using a Web-based Sales Portal and an Application based automated distribution system. 8 The complexity of the proposed system, involvement of multiple stakeholders and service providers as well as sophisticated framework requires several iterations for design and development unless a systematic approach is not followed for its realization. The use of System Engineering tools & techniques can help drastically improve the development process and reduce developmental costs by systematically addressing and accounting for all complexities. Therefore in this thesis, a System Engineering approach is adopted for the System Design and Development using Model Based System Engineering Techniques of Capella’s Arcadia Method and Analytical Hierarchy Process for the optimization the system development approach, finally leading to a comprehensive and self-explanatory System Engineering model that can be referred to for guidance on all project complexities by stakeholders during the developmental phase and in case of any change in the company hierarchy. One of the main goals of a good Systems Engineering model is cost-effectiveness hence the model finalized through Arcadia’s MBSE is made mathematically rigorous and cost-effective for the start-up using Analytical Hierarchical Process as part of the thesis research.