This paper presents a proposed information technology solution for a small hair salon operating under the pseudonym "University Haircuts." The paper identifies the business's core operational challenge—manual employee scheduling and appointment tracking—and recommends the Cloud Too scheduling software as an accessible, cost-effective solution. It examines hardware, software, telecommunications, and IT staffing requirements, outlines a short implementation timeline, and describes the System Development Lifecycle as applied to this small-business context. The paper also addresses employee training, leadership expectations, and success metrics, arguing that even modest technology adoption can give a small salon a competitive edge against larger chain competitors.
The paper demonstrates applied problem-solution structuring, a common technique in business and information systems writing. The author identifies a concrete operational gap, evaluates multiple solutions against specific criteria (cost, ease of use, scalability), and selects one with justification. This technique — defining constraints before recommending technology — is essential in IT feasibility and implementation reports.
The paper opens with a brief contextual introduction about mobile technology and small-business scheduling challenges, then moves into the proposed solution section. Subsequent sections systematically address each implementation component: hardware, software, facilities, telecommunications, IT staffing, project management, timeline, and the System Development Lifecycle. The paper closes with training expectations and a clearly defined success measurement framework, giving the document a complete plan-to-evaluation arc.
In today's technologically advanced world, it seems as if everyone owns a cell phone, tablet, or other hand-held computing device that allows them to interact socially and with various systems that help them manage their daily tasks. Such computing capabilities in the hands of everyday citizens mean that employers also have the luxury of communicating with their employees through these electronic devices. Not every small business takes advantage of these opportunities, but that does not make them any less viable or advantageous.
As one recent article notes, "the scheduling problem is an optimization problem with fundamental principles applicable in several fields" (Kritikakou, Catthoor, Kelefouras, & Goutis, 2013, p. 14), and that observation rings especially true for small businesses, which often do not have the funds, time, or expertise necessary to search out and implement information technology scheduling solutions that could greatly assist them. University Haircuts is a prime example of a small business that could greatly benefit from the implementation of a software program that tracks customer appointments and matches them with employee availability.
Since it has already been determined that access to an easy-to-use scheduling software program would be very beneficial to University Haircuts, the remaining task is to identify the steps necessary to ensure its successful implementation. One specific consideration is whether the salon should use an online or a dedicated system.
There are a myriad of programs available in both categories that would assist the salon in reaching its goals and objectives. One such program is called Cloud Too. Cloud Too allows the salon access to a scheduling system that is both easy to use and less expensive, in the long run, than many of its competitors.
At first glance, using an online scheduling system might make a lot of sense. The problem is that the salon has no computer-savvy staff and, in fact, there is no internet access anywhere on site. It makes more sense, therefore, to install a complete system that would offer not only employee scheduling capability but could also be expanded in the future to include customer appointments, inventory tracking, financial management, customer preference tracking, marketing emails, and even customer birthdate tracking. Cloud Too is one such system. Other options include Epic, Numara, and BMC, but Cloud Too is the easiest to implement and is geared specifically toward the needs of small businesses. Cloud Too is not only easy to install — it is also easy to use, and the hardware required is relatively inexpensive, which is an added bonus.
The overarching strategy is to keep costs at a minimal level while ensuring that the system provides the salon with a competitive advantage. University Haircuts is looking to expand its business, and tracking customer appointments while simultaneously matching those appointments with the availability of the appropriate stylist or manicurist is essential — particularly since the salon now faces more competition than at any previous point in its history. The business process to be improved is scheduling management, and with such capabilities in place, the salon should be able to offer its customers the same high level of service provided by many of the chain haircutting salons that are seeking to encroach on its customer base.
A key advantage of Cloud Too is that it does not require a large amount of hardware to ensure its viability. Much of the storage and computing takes place off-site. A relatively small server and a personal computer are all the hardware needed on-site. Cloud servers are also available and may make more sense for the salon if that is the direction the owner wishes to take. Cloud servers provide RAID 10 storage with no moving parts, ECC memory, networking capability, and above-average power supply. As one recent study notes, "RaaS cloud providers sell fixed bundles of CPU, memory, and I/O resources packaged as server-equivalent virtual machines" (Ben-Yehuda, Ben-Yehuda, Schuster, & Tsafrir, 2014, p. 76). If that proves to be a more efficient and cost-friendly option, the salon should choose the virtual route rather than bear the ongoing cost of an in-house server. Additional hardware consists of a high-grade personal computer at an estimated cost of approximately $1,000.
Software requirements center on Cloud Too itself. The cost of the software can range from $500 on the low end to $5,000 on the high end. The software is relatively easy to install and can be continuously upgraded from a remote location during off-peak hours. Installation typically takes less than six hours.
Facility requirements are also minimal. The system can be housed in the current structure within the manager's office. No major structural changes or improvements would be necessary.
Ben-Yehuda, O. A., Ben-Yehuda, M., Schuster, A., & Tsafrir, D. "The Rise of RaaS: The Resource as a Service Cloud." Communications of the ACM, vol. 57, no. 7, pp. 76–84.
Kritikakou, A., Catthoor, F., Kelefouras, V., & Goutis, C. "A Systematic Approach to Classify Design-Time Global Scheduling Techniques." ACM Computing Surveys, vol. 45, no. 2, 2013, pp. 14–30.
Always verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.