The hardware requirements required to run the DesignCONNECT software include such items as a Dual/Quad Core Processor (2.16Ghz minimum), 3GB Ram or 6GP ram (depending on OS), a 512MB (minimum) graphics card, and at least 10GB of hard drive space rated at 7200rpm or above.
The DesignConnect software was created by 20-20 Technologies' Solutions. This software is an interior design software with a target market consisting of contracting and construction businesses. This software is off-the-shelf, then customized. The base software is purchased from 20-20 Technologies, then customized by Home Depot's HQ team in Atlanta, GA. Additional customization is done by individual Home Depot establishments to provide accurate information related to inventory, contractors/vendors, and regional pricing This software is for employees to use with customers to provide resources such as:
-Room Previews
-Customization
-Pricing and Estimations
-Job Planning
-Local Contractors and Resources
Data and information are stored on, both, the Cloud and in stores. Data on the cloud storage are items such as Customer information regional pricing, and other software/data that was customized by the HQ team. In-store storage are items such as customer templates/layouts, regional pricing/inventory, employee information, and local contractors. Shared data between LAN's and Home Depot's WAN consist of additional availability and locations of other Home Depot stores.
As there may be a preview of this software on Home Depot's website, the main software is in-store use only. However, the customer can create an ID and general job requirements (budget, finish-time, etc.) online. Templates and project specifics are stored on only one specific Home Depot LAN, unless certain circumstances occur (customer switching to another store, etc.). All employees that use this software are required to receive some form of training before being able to effectively collaborate with customers.
The people involved in the use of this technology are employees, IT technicians business analysts, contractors, and customers. The employees interact with customers and help them achieve their goals. IT technicians maintain and fix software, data, and hardware issue. Business analysts study the software and provide feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of this software use. They also provide possible options to fix problems and provide consistent improvement. This information is then used for iteration purposes by store managers in charge of the software and the HQ team in Atlanta. Contractors collaborate with Home Depot to assist their customers. Home Depot can help customers, and contractors alike, by providing outsourced manual labor from these local contractors to the customer. Customers, the most important people in this system, provide their ideas/ambitions, and most important of all: MONEY!
