Technology

1. What are some files used in your company? What databases? What brand of database software?

Jenny Craig uses an Oracle as the brand of the database. As it was mentioned in the article, “Jenny Craig is deploying Oracle Database 10g, an Oracle-based data warehouse, Oracle Partner Portal and Oracle Business Intelligence applications [besides using Oracle-Siebel as CRM]”. Jenny Craig has more than 120,000 clients through a Web-based system and therefore they need to use database software that they could rely on. Jenny Craig uses files such as sales/ transaction files, counseling files or client history files.“Jenny Craig executives wanted sales representatives and diet counselors to have the right information about client histories at their fingertips. Reaching this goal would help Jenny Craig employees identify up-sell and cross-sell opportunities, as well as help to improve the customer's overall experience” as Shoukry Tiab mentions who is Jenny Craig’s Vice President of Information Services and a Chief Information Officer.

2. Who is responsible for the database? How do managers get reports? What types of reports?

Oracle DBA (Database administrator) is responsible for the database. His responsibility is to provide database administration to support for all Oracle-based Corporate Systems. DBA also reports his/her work to Senior Database Architect who then informs managers and gives them reports as requested by managers. The types of reports that are often used are financial reports, customers’ history reports, inventory reports, and/ or purchasing reports.

3. Is OLAP used? Is a data warehouse used? Are data marts used? Explain.

Yes, Jenny Craig uses OLAP to conduct decision making process, to better target markets by introducing new products and services, and to collect information from its customers and weight-loss centers around the world. Jenny Craig and its data warehouse is designed to help providing company with better understanding of its clients’ needs. “As a result, the company will be able to orient its customer relationships more around clients' weight loss success than their product purchases. Marketing staffers will be able to better study client purchase patterns, trends and product line performance.” Data warehouse will be able to support company’s “financial management, financial reporting and purchasing.” IT manager Sophia Ruiz and her team “used software tools from Ascential Software Corp. to assemble the data warehouse, including Ascential's MetaRecon software to profile the data, its Integrity tool for cleaning up the data and putting it into a consistent format, and DataStage software for moving the data. The data warehouse runs on a Microsoft SQL Server 2000 database and uses Business Objects SA reporting tools”. Data marts are used by configuring each centers sales and products each month. The system allows the warehouse to see how much of each product is sold and in what center is there a higher demand. This information allows inventory to be controlled and manipulated to each centers needs. Data marts allow on valid and useful information for each centers needs. For example, managers of Jenny Craig centers do not need to know marketing information, instead financial and inventory reports would be more useful to them. Jenny Craig able to manage and keep record of over 3 million clients while continuing to provide a top customer service experience.

4. What types of data mining is used? Who is responsible? What software?

Data mining tools are the software tools that a company uses to query specific information in a data warehouse. Jenny Craig uses Query-and-reporting tools as a type of data mining. The company uses Microsoft SQL Server 2000 databases and Business Objects SA as a reporting tool. These tools are used in order to generate simple queries and reports. Sophia Ruiz who is an IT manager is responsible for using these data mining tools. Her team decided to use Ascential Software Corp as software that helps to build the data warehouse. Jenny Craig is also furthering their need for data mining by launching new software in May of 2010 called Sonic. This software will allow each consultant to gain more knowledge on their clients by having an easier way to query information and specifics.This software will allow managers and employees a quick and easy way to approach each client’s needs with a simple query option.

Hardware/Software

1. What are some hardware categories used in (or sold by) your company?Jenny Craig uses many types of hardware categories that help run the business. Jenny Craig uses Input devices to enter information and commands, output devices to see, hear, or otherwise recognize the results of information processing requests. Jenny Craig also uses storage devices to save and store information on clients that consultants can use at a later time. The company also uses CPUs to help coordinate the operations of other hardware being used. To speed up their computers Jenny Craig makes sure there is a lot of RAM to temporarily hold information, which makes the computers, work faster. Finally, Jenny Craig uses telecommunication devices to send and receive information to and from their corporate centers based out of California. Jenny Craig does not use much of connecting devices because most of the information is shared with corporate through the network that Jenny Craig runs on.

2. What brands of computer? What types of computers? Jenny Craig Co. uses ViewSonic brand name computers in all of its centers. The company finds it important to be environmentally friendly with all of the hardware they use in center, which is why they also use Energy Star. Energy Star is government backed program that helps businesses protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.

3. Who is responsible for the hardware and software? What types of system software is used (sold)? Is Linux used? What types of application software is used (sold)? What brands? Jenny Craig replaced their “old bulky” PC to the new Wyse thin client software, Microsoft Windows, and XP Embedded. Microsoft is responsible for Jenny Craig’s Wyse thin Client software and Microsoft Windows and XP. “Wyse thin clients also help reduce IT administration costs because software patches and upgrades can be managed remotely” (WYSE.com). Jenny Craig uses application software called ICAN. ICAN allows consultants to query information on clients while also invoicing orders, running financial reports, and checking inventory. This application software allows the center to solve specific problems or perform specific tasks to help business run smoothly. Jenny Craig does not use Linux; instead it uses Microsoft operating systems such as Windows XP, and Wyse Thin Clients.

•What type of network do they have?
In 2007, Jenny Craig upgraded its Wide Area Network (WAN) to integrate new servers, technology, and product servers. The upgrade was also due to facilitate management throughout the franchisees located worldwide. Then, the company’s IT staff would be able to provide assistance and support to all store locations. Jenny Craig also uses a Virtual Private Network, to make sure that all client information is stored and private.

•What kind of interface do they use?
Jenny Craig will be introducing a new software system May of 2010 which will be a new interface web applet called Sonic. This software will allow all the centers in the country to access client information and all other reports from different locations.

•What kind of media?
Jenny Craig uses Wireless Access Point (WAP) to access information into their vast network. The routers are devices that transmit information through radio waves. These radio waves reach long distances that make easy the exchange of information, files, and software among networks. This also incorporates itself into the telecommunications aspect of media technology.

•What kind of communication software?
Jenny Craig uses Avaya IP Office communication system, which is a web user applet. This software allows Jenny Craig employees to login in from any location and access client information and financial reports.

•What kind of connecting devices or components?
Jenny Craig uses USB ports, and Ethernet cables as connecting devices for the corporate center, which is located in California, to access any information needed from a specific center. These connecting devices allow the technical support team, which is based out of California, to access any centers information and also to handle any issues concerning the business.

•How do they connect to the Internet and at what speeds?
Jenny Craig connects to the Internet using a T1 line, which allows each center to access specific web sites. Jenny Craig centers are limited to a certain number of websites through the Internet due to an Internet block that has been set up. Such websites would include whitepages.com, yellopages.com, JennyCraig.com, and the centers home page.

•Do they use Voice over IP?
No, Jenny Craig does not use Voice over IP.

•How do they apply the four principles of network security?
Jenny Craig maintains client’s records as high privacy. Thus, only assigned staff members are able to make changes to any client status account. As mentioned above, Jenny Craig uses a virtual Private Network to make sure that client and employees information are safe and can only be accessed by certain administrators. All the transactions on client’s accounts are recorded as well as maintained into the database. They also make sure the information registered on the system is authentic. It’s fundamental to maintain the sources from where the information is coming from, so there is evidence to the use of information. Also, the network availability is usually checked to allow the system to function properly without many inconveniences.

•What is their domain name?
The domain name is jennycraig.com.

Conclusion:

First, the most interesting information that we found in our company regarding the technology is that Jenny Craig is using Oracle as its brand for the database. It is interesting how a weight management company can benefit from a huge company such as Oracle. Oracle database software helped the company be organized and more time efficient towards its customers; using oracle brand improved the customer’s service.

Another useful information about Jenny Craig was about its data warehouse and OLAP. Jenny Craig uses OLAP in order to provide decision making to its managers based on the inputted information that is stored in the data warehouse. The data warehouse runs on Microsoft SQL Server, which is also very known server that is used among other companies. Because of the technology that is provided to Jenny Craig, the company is able to manage records of more than 3 million clients worldwide and satisfy every customer.

In addition to database software, Jenny Craig uses lot of superior energy efficient hardware such as Energy Star. We think that was interesting information that nobody would expect from a company. It is great that Jenny Craig not only care about its client’s health but also the environment outside the company. As for its software, Jenny Craig uses Wyse Technology that provide thin client software but also Microsoft Windows.

On top of everything, Jenny Craig as a company upgraded its Wide Area Network that was updated in 2007 according to our technology department as well the article that is provided to you at the end of the report. It is also interesting that Jenny Craig tries to be on top with new technology that is coming out almost every day today. They are about to introduce a new software in May 2009. Jenny Craig’s customers should be satisfied with the company’s technology department and may rely on it because they are trying to be up to date and secure the best way they can. They are using Virtual Private Network that is responsible for privacy of the clients and its customers.

Wyse Technology Article
Trend Micro Technology Article

Business Strategy

1. For your company, which of the 3 generic business strategies is used? If differentiation, then how do they differentiate their services/products?

Jenny Craig best represents a "Focus" business strategy. Their target population is women, men, and adolescents seeking to loose weight or have made a decision to have a healthier lifestyle. Jenny Craig has design her business model and food preparations to fit their needs of her customers for a great outcome. In order to accomplish this mission, Jenny Craig is dedicated to making sure that each client has access to many resources to ensure their success. They prepare healthy gourmet low calorie dishes, One on One consultation for support and a motivational plan to shed pounds and live health.

2. For your industry, estimate how much power each of the 5 forces has (suppliers include their employees and suppliers of technology). How do they reduce the buyer and supplier power? How do they create switching costs and entry barriers?

Although Jenny Craig is a successful weight management company they have to continue to be innovative to prevent other companies from getting a competitive advantage. The 5 Force Model helps businesses to understand the competitive pressures of their industry.

Buyer Power is when when buyers have many choices from whom to and low when their choices are few. Jenny Craig keeps buyer power low by offering her clients a personal one on one program and low calorie food choices that are unique all in one. Consultants personally walk clients through their Jenny Craig experience. Also, by joining the program you become a part of a community of active members through on line access and can receive coupons for future purchases.

Supply power is the opposite of buyer power. This is when buyers have few choices. As a supplier of a business the goal is to have buyer power to be low and supplier power to be high. Jenny Craig's supply chain suppliers include food suppliers, shipment companies, employees, IT, etc. Jenny Craig is also a supplier to their customer once an order is placed. Supply power is low because there are few companies that are supplying and shipping food.

Threat of Substitutes is high when there many alternatives. One Jenny Craig avoid these threats is to through switching cost. One of the ways to avoid switching cost, Jenny Craig has created one stop shop for her clients. By switching to another company customers may have to pay a cancellation fee and miss out on the Jenny Craig experience. There is a one year commitment and prices vary depending on the package selected but there are many perks that come along with membership.

Threat of New Entrants is when it is easy for a new competitor to enter a market. There are many other weight management companies that are similar to Jenny Craig. They threats are by marketing program prices. Also the food menus are Jenny Craig's menus are designed by our Registered Dietitians to meet the USDA Dietary Guidelines.

Rivalry among existing Competitors is high when competition high and low with competition is complacent. Just recently Weight Watchers were at odds with Jenny Craig because of a recent commercial. Jenny Craig's celebrity spokesperson said that they are more effective and this caused a battle. The rivalries between these two companies were eventually resolved.

3. For your company, what major business initiatives are used or being considered? What software is used? Are they top-line or bottom-line initiatives?
The major businesses initiatives used at Jenny Craig are Customer Relation Management and E-Collaboration. CRM system is an information integration system that is able to share all the customers’ information such as history, or payment status through all the departments such as sales, marketing, or customer service. In order words, the company uses multi-channel services with its customers where they are able to interact with sales representatives and customer service personnel through several communication systems such as e-mail, fax, web, etc. The customer relation at Jenny Craig starts with a professional interview where the program director will interview “Your Style Profile” – eating habits. It is followed by occasional one-to-one support assistance where a consultant will make sure the costumer is satisfied with the provided services and also maintain the client motivated to achieve its weight loss goal. Through costumer’s interviews and feedbacks, the company is able to gather import information of customers needs and wants to better assist them and also devise more efficient advertisements to catch new costumer’s attention to their services.
In addition, Jenny Craig uses e-collaboration in order to improve customer relations and teamwork. E-collaboration is a use of technology that support and improve work activities, management systems, or social networking. Jenny Craig has used Wyse software to enhance communication among the company departments, so the information can be accessible to the majority of employees. Since Jenny Craig affiliates are spread over five countries and several US states, it was imperative for them to create integrated collaboration environments (ICEs). Thus, their teams have better access to information through the systems to elaborate projects, make decisions, etc. Jenny Craig is also on social networking sites where users share diet experiences, lifestyle change, food recipes, etc.
Jenny Craig is using SIEBEL software. As it states, “Oracle has announced that Jenny Craig…has expanded its relationship with Oracle to standardize on Oracle's Siebel CRM to help increase business growth, improve overall efficiencies, gain a 360 degree client view across all sales channels and trim the fat from its operating expenses. Using Siebel CRM, Jenny Craig will be able to automate business processes for sales, inventory, reporting, calendar and scheduling, company officials say.”
Jenny Craig focuses on top-line business initiatives. For instance, their customer relations is taken very serious because once their customers are satisfied, they will probably recommend the company for somebody else interested on improving eating habits. Thus, increasing customers, market segments, offering new services/products are goals to increase to-line business initiative.

4. What type of IT organization is used? What philosophical approach do they use?
Jenny Craig uses matrix IT system to better communicate among employees and all the other departments. With matrix approach everything is collaborative across the organization throughout all the departments. Jenny Craig uses centralized, wait-and- see philosophical approach which means that before they adapt to new technology they require demonstration of significant return on investment. They are not looking for significant growth.

E-Business

a) What kinds of e-Commerce are used?

Jenny Craig uses Business to Consumer (B2C) e-commerce. The business sells products and services to customers who are primarily individuals online. Jenny Craig's customers choose Jenny Craig after evaluating their competitors such as Weight Watchers or so on. Jenny Craig offers and provides services such as online support and consultant services. They also provide eTools such as Menu Planner, Activity Planner, My Journal, Progress Tracker, and Account. Jenny Craig provides healthy food that individuals order online or phone and it’s delivered to their doors. With the healthy food program, customers are also able to access recipes online that helps to create their own meals at home.

b) What types of internet business models are used?

Jenny Craig uses Business to Consumer E-Commerce Model. They are using the internet to communicate with customers and vice versa. Consumers interact directly with business via the Web. Consumers surf around the Web evaluating products and services until they choose a site where they make a purchase. Consumers order products throughout the web page and seek help and support through e-consultant.

c) What type of marketing mix does it adopt?

Marketing mix is a set of marketing tools that a company will use to pursue its marketing objectives in reaching and attracting potential customers. Jenny Craig uses online ads that are small advertisements that appear on other websites such as Facebook, Twitter, or Yahoo. The company also offers a viral marketing where it encourages users of Jenny Craig's products and services to bring in friends to join as well. Most of the time customers receive a free package of meal or gift package for doing so. Jenny Craig also adopts to affiliate program where two arrangements made between two e-commerce sites that directs viewers from one site to the other. Jenny Craig and Nestle Nutrition are two e-commerce sites that direct viewers between each other. The affiliate program also uses click-through which is a count of the number of people who visit one site or another, then click on the ad that Jenny Craig provides and are taken right away to the advertiser site.

d) What payments systems are used?

Jenny Craig uses credit cards as their payment systems throughout ReconNet system. “A new Controller for Jenny Craig use ReconNET… [he] migrates to the current version of ReconNET and installs credit card reconciliation… [which] reduce cash shortages and banking fees, improve staff productivity and improve internal treasury management.” Payment with credit card is convenient and immediate. Customers pay directly for the program they chose. Payment with credit card is also traceable. Jenny Craig's customers are able to track their food delivery to see if they will receive it on time.

Introduction/History/CEO

Co-founder Jenny Craig developed an interest in fitness and wellness in the 1960s. With her own effort to lose weight after a pregnancy Jenny Craig teamed up with Sid Craig, owner of Body Contour Fitness Center. Sid and Jenny Married in 1979, and together turned the company into a thriving business. The Craig’s eventually sold Body Contour to a subsidiary of Nutri-System, and with the money made from the deal, they opened up Jenny Craig. The first center was opened in Australia, and after becoming a leading player in the countries diet industry, Jenny Craig expanded to the United States. Today Jenny Craig is one of the largest weight management service companies in the world. Jenny Craig is a chain of weight management centers that focuses on a meal plan made by their own prepared meals. Jenny Craig provides a combination of weight management tools and advice, which make it easy and practical for clients to lose weight, stay motivated, and change their eating habits. The main focus of the program is to help maintain a healthy approach to food, have an active lifestyle, and create a more balanced approach to living.Today, the CEO of Jenny Craig is Patti Larchet, "who first joined the company in 1985" as a consultant. Her "impressive record" and hard work earned her many high positions with the company such as the Chief of Operating Office or Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. Patti Larchet graduated from University of Illinois, Chicago. Throughout her career with Jenny Craig, she was able to “turn around of the business down under," increasing revenues by nearly 90% over six years, and greatly enhancing earnings”. She is a hard working woman, who is also a wife and mother. She joined Jenny Craig because she dealt with the weight problems as well as any other woman out there. She wanted to face the problem and help others.

What ethical and social responsibility policies are in place? Jenny Craig takes its clients very seriously and therefore they provide additional support online or 24/7 support on the phone by calling a toll-free number. Jenny Craig’s staff members take the social responsibility to heart and are available any time to keep clients satisfied with the services. Its’ ethical policies take place as well by not discriminating against any race, religion, age or sex. Jenny Craig provides a safe and healthy way to lose weight and build a more active lifestyle. It is scientifically proven to approach weight loss and build several positive attributes through its team of dieticians and medical advisory board. Since Jenny Craig is a food-based program, it is designed to promote a healthy weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week. Its menus reflect the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and references intakes issued by the Institute of Medicine. In addition, one of the major goals of the company, besides weight-loss, is to educate people that losing weight is part of a healthy chain reaction such as managing stress, developing a positive mindset, and especially encouraging people to do physical activities. This whole process is advised not only for weight losing, but also to provide a better lifestyle to the costumer in the long run. Thus, being part of this team is providing itself a healthier and balanced lifetime change.

What type of security and risk management do they practice? Jenny Craig is using firewalls and Secure Socket Layers to protect any personal information of clients. However, Jenny Craig “may share information collected through transactions …like names, addresses, and purchase history, under contracts with non-Jenny Craig companies such as printers, mail houses, and list management companies that help Jenny Craig inform you of products or special offers to which you may be entitled. All companies with which we do business have agreed to be bound to these Privacy Policy restraints and will not sell, rent, or otherwise transmit [client] personal information.” Jenny Craig was formally operating on a cumbersome PC network, and in 2007 changed its’ operating systems to Wyse thin clients in all centers throughout US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The company also upgraded its Wide Area Network (WAN) in North America to integrate new technology, servers, and security products. This operating system was easy to incorporate into all the centers while still being cost efficient. The company also wanted to be able to access each centers computers and information remotely through the centrally managed IT staff. Jenny Craig wanted to streamline and manage all operations by regimenting on Wyse V90, Microsoft Windows XP Embedded (XPe), thin clients and Wyse Device Manager (WDM) software. This program made it easy and accessible for Jenny Craig employees to get information on the spot without compromising security or performance.