IFSM 310 – Stage 4 Assignment – Due Sunday

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3D Printing – Stage 1 Assignment

Kyami Clarke

IFSM 310 6980 Software and Hardware Infrastructure Concepts

University of Maryland Global Campus

Timothy Robinson

Summer 2021

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3D Printing – Stage 1 Assignment

1. Background

Six years ago, Mark Peterson unknowingly took a hobby and began his journey into the

3D printing business. It all started with a purchase of a 3D printer for $500 and creating an

umbrella holder. A seedling of an idea germinated and subsequently grew to a whole business.

As the company began to produce a steady profit, Mark realized it was time to expand to

incorporate more employees, space, and equipment (i.e., software, hardware, applications). Due

to the increased business, he must monitor and facilitate operations (3D Printing Case Study,

n.d.).

The new infrastructure will revolve around Mark's 3D printing firm and building upon his

current setup. One 3D heavy-duty printer, two 3D wireless printing machines, one PC, and

Verizon FIOS with modem and wireless router. Mark will grow his firm and provide an

additional seven 3D printers. Together with his two present part-time staff, Mark will hire five

additional full-time staff. The company needs a 3D scanner and a document scanner. For Marks

training videos and 3D designs, and production data, cloud storage will be introduced together

with local storage. To keep track of orders, an ERP system is implemented. More systems will be

installed, and the access of all printers must be flexible. All staff must have mobile admittance to

the ERP and all 3D printers and enterprise files (3D Printing Case Study, n.d.).

The business expansion plan must include a stable infrastructure that meets his

requirements. The project needs to ensure that processes, procedures, and tools are necessary,

efficient, and the overhead for these expenses does not overshadow the profit. Mark's new IT

infrastructure should provide his organization with a way to manage his workforce and

operations locally and remotely. One of the critical elements is simplicity and consistency. This

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will lead to consistency in your employee training and your product delivery. As a result, your

customer satisfaction will increase and provide cost savings as the business grows.

2. Current IT Infrastructure

Mark Peterson’s current IT infrastructure includes the following:

• Social Media

• One Wireless Heavy-Duty Printer

• Two Wireless 3D Printers

• Personal Computer

• Verizon FiOS Internet

• Verizon FiOS Modem with Built-in Wireless Router

• Google Gmail Account

• Microsoft Excel

• 3D Printing Design Software

3. Requirements

At some point, every successful small company beginning will have to deal with the

challenge of dealing with business expansion or growth. When a firm is growing, it is entering a

new phase of its existence ripe with both possibilities and risks. While business expansion

frequently results in a rise in financial fortunes for both owners and employees, on the other

hand, business development is not always accompanied by an increase in economic means

(Sadrzadehrafiei, Gholamzadeh Chofreh, Karimi Hosseini, & Sulaiman, 2013).

Implementing a sustainable and forward-thinking plan for scaling IT during a growth

phase may reduce stress in other departments while also saving the business money in the long

term. However, it is not easy to set aside time to deliberately prepare for the future of your

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information technology systems when there are so many other variables that require your

attention right now.

The following five IT infrastructure requirements have been identified to support Mark’s plans to

expand his business:

1. Small Business Enterprise Resource Management (ERP)

2. Local Network Server Storage

3. Mobile Access - remote access to ERP, printers, and software (i.e., VPN)

4. Cloud Storage

5. Additional Equipment - Seven 3D Printers and One Multifunction Printer.

4. How are Requirements Met

Now that the necessary requirements have been identified, it is critical to establish how

Mark will implement these requirements. The essential requirement is the ERP, which will

address customer orders, payroll, invoicing, financial reporting, and data tracking. Mark will

need the correct network server to assist with the utilization of his ERP. As part of his expansion

plan, he will need the following items to meet the five requirements mentioned above.

• ERP Software –

o Oracle + NetSuite is a cost-effective and effective software solution for his

organization (Sadrzadehrafiei, Gholamzadeh Chofreh, Karimi Hosseini, &

Sulaiman, 2013). It provides business operation assistance and cloud-

based options, which would address three requirements simultaneously. It

is important not to overwhelm with too many varying software or

applications, leading to confusion and user error. It essential to keep the

process clean, efficient, and straightforward.

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• Wireless Access Point (WAP) –

o Setting up a WAP network will ensure Mark and his team have wireless

access to his local network (LAN – Local Area Network). This means that

the IT infrastructure is interconnected locally and remotely and provides

Mark's mobility and flexibility to operate wherever needed. This is

especially important when an organization has multiple locations that need

to be connected or your customer service team is separate from your

manufacturing department.

• Multifunctional Printer (MFP) -

o The MFP will address scanning, faxing, and printing requirements.

However, the MFP needs to have remote access capabilities. Most MFP's

can be connected to the network server and can be used offsite if required.

Using an MFP will provide cost savings since you do not need to buy

separate scanners and printers since it will be all-in-one.

• Computer/Tablet -

o Employees who need to access ERP and 3D printing files and 3D printers

located across the facility would benefit from using Windows Surface

tablets and laptops. Mark had the option of selecting either the Surface 3

or the Surface Pro 4. According to Mark, these gadgets will allow

personnel to access relevant documentation and assist clients while

remaining mobile (Weill, Subramani, & Broadbent, 2002).

• Cloud Storage -

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o Mark's 3D production files and business management information can be

saved locally on his existing PC, and he also has the option of adding an

external hard drive. It is recommended that in addition to storing backups

locally and on an external drive, Mark also keeps backups on the Cloud.

Microsoft Cloud storage is available for purchase by Mark. As a Cloud

storage solution, Microsoft OneDrive may be used, and any work done on

Surfaces can be stored to OneDrive and retrieved from there (OneDrive

QuickStart guide for small businesses, 2021).

5. Data Representation and Storage

The other component of his expansion is data and storage. This is a critical component

because the IT infrastructure must support and house multiple types of data. In addition, all the

equipment and software must be able to speak to each other. The following three data types

necessitate specific storage and computer requirements due to their varying formats and data

size.

a) Digital and Numerical Data - ERP

i. Binary coding is used to enter digital and numerical information into

computers. Binary code is a system of 1s and 0s that are used in computer

programming. Each of the numbers 1 or 0 represents a bit, and bits are the

smallest unit of data that a binary computer can understand (Severance, 2015).

The computer's interpretation of data is represented as digital data

representation. Instead of the letters or sentences that the computer user sees,

the computer understands the used coding systems. Consequently, Mark will

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be able to see the letters he is saving, while the data stored on the computer is

binary code.

b) Audio Data – PC, Tablet, Cloud

i. Audio data is comprehended in segments, not in its entirety. With the use of

an input device such as a microphone, audio data can be recorded. Samples

are used in audio data. Examples are taken from the recording hundreds of

times per second, and when they are played back in the same sequence that

they were recorded, they will produce the original audio file captured. Files

are frequently compressed into formats such as MP3 to take up less space on a

computer's hard drive. This also makes songs easy to download or transfer and

save on an MP3 player or other portable media player (Introduction to

Computer Information Systems, 2016).

c) Video and Graphics Data – PC, Tablet, Cloud

i. Frames are used to record video data throughout the recording process. Video

is created by playing a series of frames, which are still shot several times each

second and then played back in succession. Video data contains a great deal of

information, and the files can be compressed to save storage space. It is

possible to store full-length movies, including thousands of frames on optical

discs, after being compressed using this method (Weill, Subramani, &

Broadbent, 2002).

ii. Graphics are multimedia data; these forms of data are images, and they can be

kept in the form of a bitmap image file, which is a bitmap image file is a

bitmap image file. A bitmap image is made up of pixels or a picture element

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organized in a grid-like arrangement on a computer screen (Introduction to

Computer Information Systems, 2016). Color and intensity are represented by

specific groups of numbers in each pixel, and each pixel is made up of a

particular group of integers. Pixels are critical in determining the overall

quality of an image. An image with a large number of pixels will almost

certainly be of higher quality.

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References

3D Printing Case Study. (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2021, from University of Maryland Global

Campus: https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581305/viewContent/21821578/View

Introduction to Computer Information Systems. (2016). Wikibooks. Retrieved June 28, 2021,

from https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581305/viewContent/21821575/View

OneDrive QuickStart guide for small businesses. (2021, April 22). Retrieved June 29, 2021, from

Microsoft: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/onedrive/one-drive-quickstart-small-business

Sadrzadehrafiei, S., Gholamzadeh Chofreh, A., Karimi Hosseini, N., & Sulaiman, R. (2013). The

Benefits of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System Implementation in Dry Food

Packaging Industry. Procedia Technology, 11, 220-226.

doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.protcy.2013.12.184

Severance, C. (2015). Introduction to Networking. (S. Blumenberg, Ed.) CreateSpace. Retrieved

June 28, 2021, from http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0

Weill, P., Subramani, M., & Broadbent, M. (2002, October 15). Building IT Infrastructure for

Strategic Agility. Retrieved June 29, 2021, from MIT Sloan Management Review:

https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/building-it-infrastructure-for-strategic-agility/

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3D Printing – Stage 2 Assignment

Kyami Clarke

IFSM 310 6980 Software and Hardware Infrastructure Concepts

University of Maryland Global Campus

Timothy Robinson

Summer 2021

2

3D Printing – Stage 2 Assignment

Background Mark has analyzed the Phase 1 suggestions and details and has requested that you tell him what elements he will require to support his "Expansion Plan." Mark would like to concentrate on substituting his worksheet of customer demands with a small-scale business ERP information management in his warehouse to assist him in maintaining his business successfully.

Components for 3D Printing System Software is divided into two parts: Design and Printer integration.

Designing tools

1. Ultimate Cura software creates your model for 3d printers and includes a plug for laptop design tools.

2. Blender is a well-known computer-aided design program (CAD). Although this powerful design software is not suitable for beginners, it is easier to use by the availability of community support and a free software framework.

Hardware Components

1. Various heavy-duty multi-output abilities 3D printers that include metal, carbon, and nylon. Exone Corporation specializes in custom-built industrial and mid-build 3D printing.

2. Mark's 3D printing layouts and documents are stored on a Lenovo ThinkServer TS140 server with a monitor.

3. The MS Surface Pro 6 tablet gives the development team more flexibility by allowing them to move about the office.

4. The Verizon Fios Quantum Gateway, with speeds of 300/300 Mbps, is the all modems and routers that enable wireless mobile internet access.

5. The Linksys Velop Intelligent Mesh WiFi System (3) will increase the range of the wireless signals.

6. Wireless serial number scanner used to deliver inventory data to tracking software.

Components for ERP Infrastructure

Local business enterprise resource management (ERP) management software will include mostly these features, such as accounting, sales, and payment processing.

1. Dynamics 365 Business Core Elements is a simple-to-use and modify all-in-one business administration tool. Velosio, a global network partner, will handle the setup, installation, and maintenance.

2. Microsoft Windows 10, the basic OS on which the Microsoft Surface Pro’s will be loaded.

3. Microsoft Office 365 is a set of word processors and presentation software that the operational and administrative teams will use.

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4. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is a premium antivirus program that is reliable, affordable and includes privacy features.

5. Users will have the option of paying with PayPal or using a credit/debit card through PaySafe via Bitdefender.

Hardware components will be the same as used for the 3D production process above:

1. All of Mark's 3D printing layouts and documents are stored on a Lenovo ThinkServer TS140 server with the monitor.

2. The MS Surface Pro 6 tablet gives the development team more flexibility by allowing them to move about the office.

3. Xerox C505 for Multifunctional printer with mobile printing functionalities.

Overall System Working Mark began 3D printing as a pastime. He's discovered his calling and plans to expand his 3D printing ability. To do so, he'll need to be familiar with the commercial side of 3D printing. He's into a good start by paying for new heavy-duty printers that acquire their files and folders from WiFi tablets. As Mark invests in mesh WiFi technology, backboned by Verizon Fios optical fiber service, these tablets allow Mark's production staff to work from wherever in the warehouses. The tablets are bundled with advanced CAD software to aid artists in creating new layouts or modifications to existing customer's designs.

Mark must also keep track of the materials he is using or what is remaining in his stock. Marks' online business includes implementing inventory software using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Core Basics and wirelessly hand-held scanners.

As a result, it's critical that both the 3D printing and administrative processes operate in tandem; otherwise Mark's aspirations for a profitable business will remain only that hope and nothing more.

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Graphical Representation of Hardware Components

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Graphical Representation of Software Components

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References

3D Printing Case Study. (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2021, from University of Maryland Global

Campus: https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581305/viewContent/21821578/View

Everything's faster with the new Fios Router. Verizon. (n.d.). https://fios.verizon.com/fios-

routers.html

Introduction to Computer Information Systems. (2016). Wikibooks. Retrieved June 28, 2021,

from https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581305/viewContent/21821575/View

Institute, B. (n.d.). Blender for 3D Printing. Blender Cloud. https://cloud.blender.org/p/3d-

printing

Tims, Morelia, John, Hitemharder, Better, E., Rlmarti, Jocamel, & All, I. T. T. (2017, January

11). Linksys Velop Intelligent Mesh WiFi System, Tri-Band, 3-Pack White (AC6600).

Linksys. https://www.linksys.com/us/p/P-WHW0303/

Surface Pro 7 – Ultra-light and versatile – Microsoft Surface. Microsoft Store. (n.d.).

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/surfacepro-

6/8zcnc665slq5?activetab=pivot%3Aoverviewtab

Ultimaker Cura: Powerful, easy-to-use 3D printing software. ultimaker.com. (n.d.).

https://ultimaker.com/en/products/ultimaker-cura-software

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3D Printing – Stage 3 Assignment

Kyami Clarke

IFSM 310 6980 Software and Hardware Infrastructure Concepts

University of Maryland Global Campus

Timothy Robinson

Summer 2021

2

3D Printing – Stage 3 Assignment

Introduction Mark 3D's business is booming, and his father wants to add two more facilities to the existing infrastructure. Mark has previously acquired and integrated some servers in his already founded business and maintained them. To complete these business requirements, he relies on high-speed internet services. He wants the new two locations to have the same number of employees and 3D printers as his current headquarters. The new facilities also require actual coordination with the 3D printing services ERP system. The components implementation of these new facilities is listed on this page, and the significant changes to the leading 3D printing business create the new interconnection to the current ERP system and the difference in the primary two offices' infrastructure.

New Integration Components These components are divided into two categories: main office components and new branch office elements. The elements in each location and the central office site required for this new, improved infrastructure are shown in the table below.

Changes to Existing Infrastructure Establishing a corporate VPN network with distributed networks and applications is the most significant change. The following are the significant modifications to the existing IT infrastructure:

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• They implement an intranet that connects all of the locations to the main office, with the main office serving as the intranet's central management. The business's primary intranet connectivity over the Internet is over the VPN public internet. The VPN was created to allow for quick network communication between the facilities and the main office. The VPN also allows users to take advantage of the internet infrastructure without incurring additional costs when connecting workplaces over vast distances.

• The web server is located in the main office, and it is running Windows Server Standard 2014 R2 with group policies installed. This functionality ensures that all apps are installed in one location and deployed across the network as virtualized application environments. The group policies provided by Windows Server Standard 2014 R2 allow a single program to be installed on a workstation cluster's virtual machines. This allows all users to access the expensive programs simultaneously, without any slowdowns.

• The proxy server and web server are located at Mark's main office; the proxy server is responsible for monitoring all system resources and assigning the firm IP address to network devices. A device with proper authentication can access the intranet and access any network resource through the proxy server. This serves as both user control and an efficient key manager for the company.

Difference between New and Existing Infrastructure The management and allocation of resources among the branch offices is critical in the settings due to the new infrastructure. The following are the main differences:

• The intranet is managed centrally, with a server room housing the Web server, proxy server, database server, and printing server. This equipment is only found in the main office and not in any of the other locations. The other facilities link to the main office in order to gain access to the apps and hardware specified in the table above.

• VLANs are used to connect the sectors and the new facilities. This is to make use of the expensive networking hardware and resources that have already been set up. This ensures that all connections are secure, quick, and consistent to meet the demand for dependable, fast network access. Additional facilities may download 3D files from the database and file servers at the main offices. To be assigned to a specific VLAN, a device must be assigned to a particular department.

• The key distinction between the central office facility and the other storage facilities is that the central office facility reduces data redundancy and speeds up the rendering of 3D files. The applications in the new facilities connect the applications in the main office, but it looks that the job is done on the device on their workstations, with the saved data in the

Components / Location Marks Main Office New Cisco 2900 series Gateway router

DSL First Second ISP

Proxy Web Database

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central office database. This minimizes the network's data redundancy (Koch, 2006). This resource distribution aims to make the most of the limited hardware resources available in order to increase the production speed of the new facilities.

• The workstations also vary in that they are simply virtual remote links to the primary office assets; they have restricted performance, but they do have access to the primary office server's resource base and superior quality hardware. Furthermore, no software is installed on the workstation clusters; instead, all applications are run as single instances on the central office database server

Proposed Connection Plan for the New Facilities Expansion

Location-Based Connection Setup

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References

3D Printing Case Study. (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2021, from University of Maryland Global

Campus: https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581305/viewContent/21821578/View

Clarke, G. E. (2014). 1,001 CCNA Routing and Switching Practice Questions for Dummies. For

Dummies. Retrieved July 26, 2021, from

https://www.dummies.com/programming/certification/1001-ccna-routing-and-switching-

practice-questions-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/

Coulouris, G., Dollimore, J., Kindberg, T., & Blair, G. (2012). Distributed Systems: Concepts

and Design, 5th edition. Pearson. doi:9780132143011

Introduction to Computer Information Systems. (2016). Wikibooks. Retrieved June 28, 2021,

from https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581305/viewContent/21821575/View

Koch, N., Zhang, G., & Escalona, M. (2006). Model transformations from requirements to Web

system design. ICWE'06: The Sixth International Conference on Web Engineering (pp.

281-288). ResearchGate. doi:10.1145/1145581.1145637

Kopetz, H. (2011). Real-Time Systems: Design Principles for Distributed Embedded

Applications (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Springer. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-

8237-7

Stojanović, D., Predić, B., Antolović, I., & Đorđević-Kajan, S. (2009). Web information system

for transport telematics and fleet management. 2009 9th International Conference on

Telecommunication in Modern Satellite, Cable, and Broadcasting Services (pp. 314-317).

IEEE. doi:10.1109/TELSKS.2009.5339516