A customer enters their credit card information online and the amount of purchase UB software automatically checks the card number; for instance there are certain digits that indicate Visa cards. The software displays an error message if the number is not valid. The usual case of these errors is data in an encrypted form to UB host computer. Periodically the UB accountant retrieves transactions from the server. This is done by clicking on the Get Transactions screen button.
For each online transaction the accountant then manually copies down the credit card number on a scrap of paper walks across the office to the credit card machine and keys in the credit card number the amount and the numerical portion of the address. The accountant next writes down the validation number returns to the host computer and enters it. She prints a receipt for the transaction and puts it in a files. The customer database now reflects the new customer. When a customer purchases a card offline with a credit card the accountant swipes the card directly check its validity charges the card and then writes down the validation number and enter it in the host computer .UB is considering the purchase of credit card software. The credit card software costs about $400. The credit card company rates are likely to increase by about 5% because cards could no longer be swiped directly-all credit card purchases would need to go through the online software. The rate UB has to pay the credit card company is based on this mix. Credit card companies typically charge more if card numbers are pinched rather swiped because they have more chance of invalid transaction due to theft. Its easier to steal a number than a card. Currently about half of UB sales transactions arise from online the other half results from sales through the office.1. Should UB buy the credit card software.2. Use the skills you developed from Chapter 3 to develop a flowchart for UB online sales process. What are the business risks associated with this process?