Hardware, Cables, Components, and Peripherals (HCCP)
is an Inventory Management System created for the fictious company Blue Dragon.

Developed by

Brent L. Ricks

In pursuit of a master's degree in 'Software Development'
from Grand Canyon University (GCU).

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Selecting a Project

Defining the Project

You first need to clearly state the purpose of the project. Is the project intended to solve a particular problem? Is the project a game? Does the project explore a particular concept or technology? Is the project part of a larger solution for a workplace or business application? If the project is intended to solve a particular problem, explain why the project is needed. What is the current process for solving the identified problem, and how will your project improve this process? Is the project final deliverable a complete product or the implementation of an (original) algorithm?

Project Examples

Proposal, Technology & Requirements

Why is this needed?

Although it is unclear how much money can be saved by re-using or not having to purchase IT-related replacement parts, there is no question that these individual items add up over time. Many of these items are replaced when a new system or workstation is installed, configuration changes are made, or personnel moves. These replacements occur even if unwarranted.

Additionally, because there are potentially thousands of items for IT departments work with, it is very difficult to know how many of each item is on-hand when a replacement is needed without physically inspecting the inventory or even cannibalizing an existing system that is no longer in use. Typically, large cabinets and bins are used to store items but rarely stay organized or have a reporting system.

Another reason for creating an IMS for these items is to keep loss due to misplacement and theft to a minimum. The following is an example of money that can be saved over a 3-year period for a company of 1,000 employees (average hardware refresh ranges from 2-4 years) not taking into account configuration or personnel changes:

A basic USB-A 3.0 cable from Monoprice.com with volume pricing is $5.36 as of June 2023. If the theoretical company uses KVMs for desktop setups of two computers, you will need a minimum of 2 USB cables. A typical smartcard reader from Amazon.com as of June 2023 is priced at $14.99. Also taking into account a personal scanner/printer, that now makes 3 USB cables. Assuming the user never moves, never has their systems reconfigured, never has anything wear out or break, the cost for 1 employee is $31.07 before tax. Multiply by 1,000 employees and the total comes to $31,070 or approximately $10,357 per year! Of course, the cost goes up with all the loss or damage to these cables/peripherals; not to mention the other cables and "cheap" peripherals purchased.

Technical Requirements