Introduction

Information systems have become essential for helping organizations deal with changes in global economies and the business enterprise. Information systems provide firms with communication and analytic tools for conducting trade and managing businesses on a global scale. Information must be reliable, relevant, timely, complete and understandable.

The purpose of an information system is to collect, store, and disseminate information from an organization’s environment and internal operations to support organizational functions and decision making, communication, coordination, control, analysis, and visualization.

The study of accounting information systems concerns events affecting an organization. These events are recognized and reordered by a system of human and computer resources, processed using accounting methods and objectives, and reported as information to interested parties. Most organizations use computer-based accounting information systems, which rely on both manual and computerized processing.

It is a unified structure that employs physical resources and other components to transform economic data into accounting information, with the objective of satisfying the information needs of a variety of users. It deals with financial and non- financial statement.

The Financial accounting systems are accounting information systems of limited scope. These systems must conform to generally accepted accounting principles for external reporting, and must implement the steps in the accounting cycle.

The Management Information System is the combination of people, procedures and machines intended to provide information for management decision making.

Purpose:

The main purpose of this report is to fulfill the course requirement of Accounting Information System (MIS-441).

Objective of the Report

The objective of this report is to describe the cycle of a company. The main cycles of any manufacturing company are Revenue, Expenditure and Conversion cycles. Revenue cycle deals with revenues. Expenditure cycle deals with cash disbursements and a Conversion cycle is converting raw materials into finished product. The main objective of the report is to evaluate the revenue, expenditure and conversion cycle of Zaber & Zubair Fabrics limited.

Scope:

The goal of this report is to evaluate the revenue, expenditure and conversion cycle of Zaber & Zubair Fabrics limited by preparing Logical (zero-level) DFD and recommended logical (zero-level) DFD.

Source

The data of this report has been collected from various sources. They are

We collected the idea of different cycle from the lecture of our instructor.

We also collected the data of this report from the company’s factory.

We make an appointment with the operational manager Mr.Rafat Alam and get the idea about the various processes.

We also collected the information from the company webpage.

We also collected the information about AIS through Internet.

Drawback

The drawbacks of this report are sometimes company does not want to give some information, those are necessary for the report. That’s way it is not possible to make the report properly. This is the main draw back of this report.

Limitation

Time:

The given time of this report was not enough and for this reason we could not collect all of the information.

Experience:

As we do not have any experience about this course so it is very difficult for us to prepare the report without any information.

Information

Report writing requires detailed information. While collecting the information about these three cycles in some area we found that the information was not sufficient. As we are new to this topic, so it is necessary that we get the detailed process of all these cycles.

Company Profile

About Zaber and Zubair Fabrics Limited:

Zaber & Zubair Fabrics limited commenced production in March 2000 with a mission to grow as an internationally recognized home textiles manufacturing company, by meeting the day to day market requirement and achieving customers’ satisfaction. The mill is located at Tongi, near to Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. The factory is fully equipped with standard machinery conforming to the European & American standards and the products already earned very good reputation in the international market for its quality and durability. Our expert trained professionals are working for its effective and efficient management.

Production Capacity:

The mill has a capacity of producing about 3 million meters of finished fabrics or 0.6 million units per month, of various home textile products including bed linens & window furnishings.

Staff and Workers:

The company is so new, due to the true leadership of the Management, highly skilled expatriates from various countries and 5,000 dedicated and hard working employees

Main Products:

With a creative and innovative marketing team there is a continuous development in the variety of product range. Zaber & Zubair is manufacturing home fashion and window furnishing textiles including Quilt Cover Sets, Sheet Sets, and Comforter Sets, Complete Bed in a Bags, Loops Curtain, Tape Curtains, Draperies, and Valances etc.

Resource:

The manufacturing process of Zaber & Zubair is vertically integrated with a spinning unit of 200,000 spindles, a weaving unit of 600 shuttle less Projectile Sulzer looms & 300 Auto Looms, a processing unit with 2 Rotary Printing Machines of 12 & 16 color options, with a complete Back Process including a CAD Designing Studio, Singeing & Designing, a Continuous Bleaching Plant, and a Stitching Unit (Sewing Floor) of 130,000 square feet along with 2 computerized Comforter Machines.

Investment:

The company has invested around US$ 50 million to set up state of the art machineries to meet the challenges of the 21st century’s Textile World.

Country of Export:

U.S.A., U.K, France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Italy and any other European Market.

Income:

Zaber & Zubair was able to reach US$ 12 million in its First Year (2000) of production. In the Second Year (2001) the turnover was US$ 21.5 million.

Revenue Cycle

Definition of Revenue Cycle:

The revenue cycle is a recurring set of business and related information processing operations associated with providing goods and services to customers and collecting cash payment for those sales. Revenue cycle is dealing with revenues. Revenue in accounting means any figures or valuations but Revenue in Accounting Information System (AIS) means the whole process like ordering, receiving, shipping, etc. Revenue cycle starts with selling the merchandize, shipping and it ends money with receiving money from the customers. It consists of two business events or transactions: Sales and Cash receipts. In the sales transaction, customer order for merchandize then the merchandize is shipped to the customer. In the cash receipts transaction, a check or currency is received from the customers.

Objectives of Revenue Cycle:

Typical objectives of revenue cycle for any company are the followings:

To record sales orders accurately. To verify the customers are worthy of credit. To ship the products. To bill the products in a timely and accurate way. To record and classify cash receipts accurately. To post sales and cash receipts to customers. To safeguard products and cash until shipped or deposited.

Figure: A graphical diagram of the transaction in the revenue cycle.

Shipping system

Billing system

Order entry system

Cash receipts system

Customers

The four basic revenue cycle business activities:

Sales order entry Shipping Billing and accounts receivable Cash collections

The four major business events in the revenue cycle:

Orders Filling the orders Shipping [sales] Cash collections

Some threats of revenue cycle are:

Credit sales to customers with poor credit Shipping errors Theft of cash and inventory Failure to bill customers Billing errors Loss of data

Some exposures of revenue cycle are:

Uncollectible sales and losses due to bad debts Customer dissatisfaction Loss of assets and overstated assets Loss of revenue and inventory Incorrect records and poor decision making Loss of confidential information

Some control procedures of revenue cycle are:

Credit approval by credit manager and sales function Reconciliation of sales order with picking ticket and packing slip Restriction of access to inventory and data Lockbox arrangement Segregation of duties

Functions of Revenue Cycle:

An organization’s revenue cycle includes the functions required to exchange its products or services with customers. Common functions in a revenue cycle include credit granting, order taking and processing, shipment of goods, billing, and accounts receivable.

The Steps of Revenue Cycle for Zaber and Zubair fabric Limited are shown below:

Figure: Revenue Cycle of Zaber and Zubair Fabric ltd.

Explanation of the Steps of the Revenue Cycle:

Local Buying House:

In Bangladesh local buying house must be registered under BGMEA. Their main task is to contact with overseas buyer and get the order from them. By judging the types of the finished goods they divide the order and place to different factory. After developing the sample, they contact with the different factory or industry.

Local buying house placed

Pricing negotiate

with buyer

Obtain order

Receive master

LC

Enter sales order

Manufacturing of goods

Assemble goods for shipment

Shipment

Bill customer

AdjustmentCash collection

Prepare reports

Maintain A/R

Records Stock lot

Pricing negotiate with buyer:

At first a buyer sends a sample to the company to know whether they can able to make the sample or not. If Company agrees to produce such samples then they go for negotiation. They negotiate for a particular product’s price with the buyer. This includes the rate per piece or dozen of products and this leads to the negotiation.

For example:

S. Company of china sends a sample to the Zaber and Zubair fabric limited to produce pure wool sheet sets which is called Kashmiri and they will pay $10 per price i.e. if they need 2000 pieces then they will pay $ 10 * 2000 = $20000.

After producing those samples, buyers must check the sample and give final decision to the company whether they want to go for it or not. If they satisfied then they will give the clearance to the company. Now buyer will give Letter of Credit.

Obtain order:

The company obtains order through mail of fax. The buyers can also come to the company and gives the order. For example

Fashion Company of Italy sends order through fax for the Sheet set.

Receive Master Letter of Credit (LC):

Master LC is an agreement by a bank to make payment on behalf of a specified party under specified conditions. In other words, a letter of credit essentially substitutes the credit of a third party usually a large bank for that of a borrower. LC is promise of payment in the event that requirements are met.

After getting the order, the customer of the fashion company sends a LC from GES Bank of Italy for Sheet sets through HSBC, Gulshan Branch. By receiving the LC the company takes credit from the Bank by producing the LC paper. After receiving the LC, Sheet sets will start their work according to LC. LC is given for either 45 or 60 days but not more than 90 days. For example:

Suppose Fashion Company of Italy gives order to Sheet sets for 2000 pieces of pure wool sheet sets. After receiving the LC Zaber and Zubair fabric limited will start their work. Suppose that Fashion Company has given LC for 60 days. Within this period of time Zaber and Zubair fabric limited will have to send their goods to the Fashion Company.

The chart of LC would be like this:

Figure: Process of LC

Enter sales order:

The manager of a company first checks whether the materials are available or not. If not available they will buy from the market or they might import. If some materials are found in the warehouse then they will use those goods for this order.

Manufacture of goods according to order:

According to the order, Zaber and Zubair fabric limited gathers raw material and through processing they convert the raw material into finished goods. To manufacture they have to go through several steps like processing, stitching, weaving etc. All are discussed in the conversion cycle.

For example:

If Fashion Company of Italy orders for 2000pics sheet sets then Sheet sets will have to go through all the steps and ultimately they will convert the raw material into finished product.

Assemble goods for shipment and final inspection:

After receiving the LC, the company starts buying all the necessary accessories for the required orders or the products. They have to follow several steps like printing, stitching etc. When goods are completed then buyer inspection team will come and choose one or two products. If they said OK then the goods will send for shipment. All the goods that are produced moved to the shipping dock. The Company managers maintain a packing list. The quantities of goods picked are noted in the picking list. In this way Company updates their inventory records.

Fashion Company

GES Bank

Zaber and Zubair Feb. Ltd.

HSBC

Bank

For example:

The Fashion Company of Italy orders for 2000pics sheet sets then Sheet sets will follow all the steps necessary to make the product. They have several types of machines like 5 days machine, 12 days machine, flattening machine, etc. After completing the product they make a packaging list to maintain inventory records.

Stock Lot:

If the buyer inspection team do not approve the clearance or if buying house finds any defective sheet sets then they reject those sheet sets. Those rejected goods or sheet sets are then sold to stock lot. For example:

If Fashion Company finds that 100-defect sheet sets out of 2000 sheet sets then they will immediately reject those sheet sets. The Zaber and Zubair fabric limited will sell these sheet sets to the local traders in Dhaka.

Shipment:

The customer may pick up the ordered goods at the shipping dock. The goods are shipped by the company’s own delivery vehicles. They also provide parcel service.

For example:

S. Designs Ltd, a company in Chittagong ordered 10000 sheet sets. After completing the goods or sheet sets Zaber and Zubair fabric limited will send the goods either their own vehicles or in a parcel service. It will take hardly one day to reach the product to Chittagong.

1 day Shipment

Figure: Shipping Goods.

Bill Customer:

The shipping order record is the input to the billing process. Zaber and Zubair Ltd use a copy of sales order document where shipping quantities are noted. A sales invoice Document is sent to the customer as a bill. The bill contains detailed information about the total volume of the product, per unit cost and shipment cost and the total amount need to pay. The customer can pay in two ways either in cash sales or in contractual sales. Retailing establishments, in which case customers pay immediately and are given receipts

Dhaka Chittagong

in place of invoices, makes cash sales. On the other hand, there are long term contractual sales, the customers pay periodically on the basis of a series of progress billings.

For example:

Suppose export bill contains 7000 of sheet sets and per unit cost is $12. Then the total amount is 7000 * 12 = $84000. When the Fashion Company of Italy receives the goods they have to pay tax for the required bill.

Adjustment:

Defective goods are rejected and the company must make some adjustment in their record book.

Cash collection:

After receiving the cash from Fashion Company of Italy, Zaber and Zubair fabric limited will maintain a document, which contains the cash amount and the payer’s name.

For example:

Suppose, Fashion Company of Italy sends $84000 to Zaber and Zubair fabric limited. Fashion Company first deposits their money to GES Bank. GES Bank will transfer $84000 to Zaber and Zubair fabric limited account in HSBC Bank. The HSBC Bank converts this amount into taka by using spot rate and then deposited into Zaber and Zubair fabric limited accounts.

Maintain Accounts Receivable records:

Every company has to maintain their accounts receivable account. A separate account receivable record is maintained for each active credit customers. Each billed sale amount is debited to the account whereas each cash remittance is credited to the account and outstanding balance appears in the account as long as all sales have not been paid in full.

For example:

Zaber and Zubair fabric limited made bills $84000 to Fashion company of Italy. They have to adjust this $84000 into the accounts receivable account. After receiving the money this account will be closed.

Prepare financial reports:

Customers have been billed and making all the necessary adjustment, the company will prepare financial report. These are basically made by the accounting department. Financial reports helps to identify the position of the company.

For example:

Suppose in 2003 Zaber and Zubair fabric limited total net profit was 8 cores and sale was 28 cores. Based on this information, manager of a company may take further future decision.

The Existing Revenue Cycle of Zaber and Zubair Fabric Limited:

Fig: The Existing DFD for the Revenue cycle of Zaber and Zubair Fabrics Limited.

Explanation of existing Logical (zero level) DFD of Revenue cycle

Received order and enter sales order:

The data flows from process to Fabric industry means that Fabric industry receives the order from its customers. The entity customer is double arrow because they are giving the order and also receiving the order. Under inventory data, company records all the information about inventory or raw materials. Customer’s lists are recorded under customer data. Prices of the product are recorded under pricing data. Similarly all the orders are recorded under order data.

Received master letter of credit:

The data flows from customer to the process, it means customer sends the LC to the Bank of their country and the sheet set industry receives the money from the Bank of their country. That is why bank is indicating with double arrow.

Producing goods:

The data flows from buying house to process and it means they receive order from customers and then produce goods. When buyers team clearance the goods it goes to the process 4.0 i.e. shipment of goods. If they do not clearance the goods or if buying house finds any defective goods then they immediately reject those goods. Those reject goods are sold to stock lot. That is why the arrow goes from process to stock lot entity. Under inventory data they record all the information of the inventory.

Shipment of ordered goods:

The data flows from process to customer entity because sheet set industry sends goods to the customer. They keep the shipping information under shipping data. Similarly they also keep the information receivables and sales under receivables and sales data.

Bill customer:

The data flows from customer to process and it means that after receiving the goods customer sends bill to the sheet set industry. They record all the information of billing under billing data.

Collection of cash:

Sheet set industry collects the cash from the bank. Under receivable data they record all the information about receivables.

Prepare reports:

To prepare financial reports they need general ledger data and other data. The data flows from process to managers because on the basis of this report managers plans for future decision.

Recommended Data Flow Diagram of Revenue cycle for Zaber and Zubair Fabrics Limited

Fig: Recommended Data Flow Diagram of Revenue cycle for Zaber and Zubair Fabrics Limited.

Explanation of Recommended Logical DFD of Revenue Cycle

We cannot reduce or eliminate the process of conversion cycle but we can make it faster, less expensive and less time consuming by applying few systems. These are mentioned below:

Received order through E-mail:

In the existing logical DFD of the revenue cycle we noticed that the order was coming through mail or fax. If the process has been changed to online system then it would be much better. Using online system, a company can receive all their orders through e-mail.

Because of online system, both buyer and seller can communicate with each other in online. So if we convert it into e-mail system then the process will be faster and easier than earlier. It reduces the cost of talking long distance phone calls.

Expert is a knowledge based and computer based information system that fully supports the making of decisions. It employs specialized computer programs to process data and rules in order to produce clear-cut decisions affecting problem areas. The company can increase their production as well as their product quality by using expert system.

Prepare report:

Normally reports are prepared manually. Using accounting software like peach tree, financial report can be prepared and it will be faster as well as accurate than previous system. Here managers can take decision more quickly than earlier system.

Bill customer:

A cash sale transaction online processing system involves the following steps: As customers present their merchandize at the checkout stands, checkout clerks sweep their scanners across the bar codes on the merchandize packages. The captured coded data are entered via the terminals and checked for errors and omissions. Each item of checked data is translated into the descriptions of the merchandise item and its price and then is listed on a sales slip. When all merchandise items composing an individual sale have been entered, the clerk presses a key; then the sales take and total are automatically computed and printed on the sales slip. The remainder of the transaction is handled in the same manner as it was by the former manual system.

Cash collection:

The fabric company receives the money from their customer through the credit card.

The internal control system can be greatly strengthened if the following steps are taken:

Assign other persons not in the cashier's office to process the customer’s records to maintain the petty-cash fund to open the incoming mail, and to reconcile the bank account.

Do not allow the cashier to have access to incoming mail, to the customer’s records, and to the petty-cash fund.

Instruct the bank to refuse to accept checks made payable to the firm for deposit in the petty-cash fund bank account.

Expenditure Cycle

Definition of expenditure cycle

The Expenditure cycle encompasses two key business events or transactions: Purchase and cash disbursements. The purchases transaction consists of acquiring resources or services. In the disbursement transaction, a payment is prepared and delivered to the supplier. For any manufacturing company, Expenditure cycle is purchasing the raw material, receiving the raw materials and repays the money. It consists of those transactions incurred to acquire material and overhead items for the conversion process of the business.

Expenditure cycle deals with transactions involved in purchasing goods and services

Custodianship of goods and materials purchased

Cash and credit payments

The key terms of expenditure cycle are:

Carrying costs

Economic order quantity

Materials requisition note

Maximum stock level

Minimum stock level

Ordering costs

Payment voucher

Purchase requisition

Reorder level

Reorder quantity

Storekeeping.

The categories of activity in the expenditure cycle are:

Requesting purchases

Placing orders with suppliers

Receiving goods

Storekeeping

Processing supplier invoices

Cash disbursement.

Purpose of the Expenditure Cycle

The major purpose of the expenditure cycle is facilitating the exchange of cash with suppliers (Vendors) for needed goods (Materials) and services.

Most businesses use a purchasing department to acquire materials and supplies. A purchasing agent orders material from a vendor who ships the material and mails an invoice. The business uses the invoice to record the payable and later pays the vendor. When the vendor is paid according to the terms of the sale, the vendor again sells items to the business. This causes the sequence of transactions to form a cycle. The figure below shows the relationships among vendors and the systems in the expenditure cycle.

Figure: The Expenditure Cycle

Vendors

Receiving system

Voucher system

Purchasing system

Cash disbursement

s system

Objective of the Expenditure Cycle

Typical objectives within this broad purpose are –

To ensure that all goods and services are ordered as needed.

To receive all ordered goods and verify That they are in good condition,

To safeguard goods until needed,

To determine that invoices pertaining to goods and services are valid and correct,

To record and classify the expenditures promptly and accurately,

To post obligations and cash disbursements to proper suppliers accounts in the accounts payable ledger,

To ensure that all cash disbursements are related to authorized expenditures, and

To record and classify cash disbursements promptly & accurately.

Internal controls for expenditure cycle are:

Pre-numbered purchase orders

Authorized personnel to initiate all purchases Deliveries accepted on verification of purchase order

Invoices, purchase orders and receiving reports matched to verify invoice for processing and payment

Expected refunds are followed up

Cheque signatories have limits

Authorized person responsible for petty cash fund

Accounts payable is reconciled on a regular basis

Inventory is protected and accounted for both physically and in terms of dollar value

Reorder levels are maintained

Proper authorization procedures apply for release of goods from stores

Functions of the Expenditure Cycle

The functions of the expenditure cycle consists of recognizing the need for the goods, placing the order, receiving and storing the goods, ascertaining the validity of the payment obligation, preparing the cash disbursement, maintaining the accounts payable, posting transaction to general ledger and preparing needed financial reports and other outputs. Related functions involve purchase returns and allowances and petty-cash fund disbursements. These functions are achieved under the direction of the inventory management and finance or accounting organizational units.

The steps of Expenditure Cycle for Zaber & Zubair Fabrics limited are as shown in the diagram below:

Figure: Steps of Expenditure Cycle.

Identification of raw

material

Give Order

Open L/C

Receiving raw

materials

Checking list of raw materials

Remit against

L/C

InventoryPaymentPrepare Reports

Maintain Accounts Payable

Explanation of the Expenditure Cycle

Identification of raw material:

When a company gets any order it first checks due inventory record. The company’s store manager checks the inventory records. By checking inventory record a manager would get the detail information whether they have the required raw material available in the stock or not. If the raw material is not available then the company will purchase goods. The company manager then makes a purchase requisition for goods.

Give order:

When a need is recognized, a legally binding purchase order must be placed with a supplier. The person or unit that recognizes the need places the order. The manager of Zaber and Zubair fabric limited prepare the purchase order. The manager negotiates with the suppliers and fixes the price. If the prices are fixed, then the manager are place that order to that supplier. The purchase order form includes the supplies name and address, detail information of the order and the total amount. The manager of a company will then send the mail to the suppliers.

Open a L/C:

After placing the order Zaber and Zubair fabric ltd. make a invoice of material. They give this invoice into the bank. The bank then makes a LC by that invoice. This LC is then given to supplier by mail or fax.

For example:

Here Zaber and Zubair fabric limited make an order to fashion Ltd. After giving the order the fabric company then made a LC from any foreign exchange bank, Bangladesh in favor of fashion Ltd, America, under the states bank of America,

Receiving raw materials:

After placing order the company has to wait for the shipment of required materials. They receive the required materials and then they prepare an inventory report. Under inventory report, the company maintains the records of each item such that item number, quantity etc.

For example: Suppose Zaber and Zubair fabric ltd. Ordered for fabrics in S. Corporation in china. The S. Corporation sent the ordered items through the ship and the company sent a fax to the Zaber and Zubair fabric that the item is delivered from their company on the respective date. The company will give the ship name and the approximate date of arrival the ship on that sea port.

Checking list of raw materials:

After receive the products the company checks whether all the products are received properly. The Zaber and Zubair fabric examines the items for identification of defective goods. If buyer finds any defective then they sent a mail to the company that they found defects on the received items. The company will reject those goods.

Remit against L/C:

When the seller sends the goods to the buyer’s the buyer issues a clearance document and send a copy to the bank from where LC is made after receiving this document the bank pays the money to the seller.

For example:

Zaber and Zubair fabric buy fabric from S. Corporation, China. They shift the fabrics to the Chittagong port; from there we received it and check if it is as per our order. Then the company send a clearance document to the Bank from where L/C is made in conjunction to this the Bank send a clearance letter to S Corporation so that they can disburse the money from the respective Bank.

Inventory:

After receiving all the goods or raw materials, the company will look intently these goods in their inventory. Under inventory records, they keep up- to-date information of inventory.

Payment:

After receiving the goods, the buyer of Zaber and Zubair fabric will soon pay the money to their suppliers through the respective bank.

Maintain Accounts Payable:

Every company must maintain their accounts payable account must keep track of amounts owed to supplier of goods and services. A separate record is maintained for cash supplies with which the firm has a credit arrangement. The life containing these records is generally called supplier or vendor files.

For example:

S. Corporation sends goods to the Zaber and Zubair fabric. Then the Zaber and Zubair fabric pays the bill to the S Corporation. This amount of money is adjusted with the accounts payable account after paying the money this account will be closed.

Prepare Reports:

After completing all the necessary adjustments, the company will prepare financial reports. This report helps managers to take future decision.

For example:

Suppose in 2003 Zaber and Zubair fabrics total profit was 5 core and expenses was 10 cores. This information helps the company to take corrective actions. Based on this information a manager might think of controlling costs.

The Existing data flow diagram (Zero level) of the Expenditure cycle for Zaber and Zubair Fabric limited:

Fig: The Existing data flow diagram (Zero level) of the Expenditure cycle for Zaber and Zubair Fabric limited

Explanation of the Existing Logical DFD (zero-level) of the Expenditure Cycle

Identification of raw material:

The data flows from the entity clerk to the process.

Order placed:

The data flows form fabric company to process, it means they place order for materials. The data flows from process to the supplier because the ordered goods are received by the supplier under data, the company records all the information’s regarding the order placed. Under Supplier data, name of the suppliers and their addresses and other important data are recorded.

Open back to back letter of credit (LC):

Fabric Company make invoice and they send this invoice to the process and it means after receiving invoice from Fabric Company, the bank will make a LC with the help of that invoice. This LC is then given to the supplier and for this reason the data flows from the process to the supplier entity.

Receive raw material from supplier:

In this process Fabric company receives raw materials from the supplier. The keep all the information’s of raw materials under inventory data. They also keep the record of purchase data.

Payment to suppliers:

Fabric Company pays money to the suppliers for the ordered goods. They keep all the information’s of payments under payable data.

Maintain records and prepare report:

To prepare financial report, the accounting department needs the ledger data & other data, which is related to the report. After preparing the report, top-level manager designs for future planning. For this reason, the data flow process to the managers’ entity.

Fig of the evuyvfcb cycle

Recommendation:

In the existing system, we have seen that there are six basics steps needed to complete the whole expenditure cycle. We are not changing the process but we are able to make the process faster than the previous system.

Explanations of Recommended DFD of Expenditure Cycle

Placed order through E-mail:

In the existing system of the expenditure cycle we have noticed that the Zaber and Zubair Company placed order through fax or by post. If this process has been changed to online system then it would be much better. By applying this process, both buyer and seller would be able to communicate with each other. So if it converts into e-mail system then the process will be faster, less expensive and easier than the previous system.

By using accounting software like peach tree, financial report cab is prepared more accurately and faster than the previous system.

Received raw material from supplier:

Verbal request for materials take lots of time. If company prepare written request on a purchase requisition form: then the process will be easier. The company sends the requisition to the purchasing department with a copy to the accounts payable department. Then they assign the preparation of the purchase requisition to the stores keeper or to an inventory control clerk, who would have a better knowledge of inventory needs than the supervisor.

Payment to supplier:

Cash disbursement is difficult to control. The process will be easier if the company prepare a pre-numbered checked and protect the amount then forward the check to the treasurer, who should review the supporting documents, sign the check and mail direct from his or her office; stamp "Paid" on all supporting documents and file by check number.

Maintain record and prepare report by accounting software:

The Company can prepare a formal pre-numbered purchase order, which is to be signed by the purchasing manager, and send to the supplier. They can send copies of the purchase order to a newly organized receiving department and to the accounting department as prior notification; they also can send a copy to the person who requested the order as verification and life a copy by number in the purchasing department.

In the recommended Expenditure cycle, we are able using computer to control the process:

Computers play an important role where large numbers of transactions are processed:

Record the information in the same categories as a manual system

Quick production of the documentation required

Reduce clerical handling errors

Easily generate detailed reports for management use

Reduce errors in pricing etc.

Enable maintenance of large perpetual inventory systems with a minimum amount of labor costs.

Controls in the computer environment

Application controls required:

Input controls– detect and prevent errors when data is input

Processing controls– detect and prevent errors while processing is in progress

Output controls– detect and prevent errors in outputs from processing

Conversion Cycle

Definition of Conversion Cycle

Conversion cycle means converting raw materials into finished product. It is also called production cycle. It is called production cycle. It contains those transactions incurred when inputs are converted into salable goods or services. One economic event exists in the conversion cycle. Materials, labor, and overhead are consumed in the conversion process.

Conversion cycle basis:

Production Order Materials Requisition Time Cards Overhead logs Job Cost Sheet (one document tracks all 4 above, often in summary form) Bill of Materials – Operations List – Shows standard relationships Inventory – Raw Materials, Work in Process, Finished Goods Inventory – Generic or Custom

Relationships between Conversion Cycle and Other Cycles:

Use employee service is the same event as get employee service in the Payroll cycle (simultaneous production and consumption)

Revenue and Conversion – In JIT and Custom Manufacturing, Sales Order àProduction Order

Conversion and Expenditure – In JIT, Production Order à Purchase Order

Conversion and Revenue – Production Completed à Shipment

The Key terms of conversion cycle are:

Direct labor cost Direct material cost Job order costing Just-in-time inventory system Material requirements planning Overhead cost

Process costing Work in process

Transactions in the conversion process:

Acquisition of materials

Acquisition of labor

Transfer of materials, labor and overheads into production

Transfer of finished goods to inventory

Sale of inventory

Major groups in the conversion cycle:

Inventory

Payroll

Cost accounting

Inventory

Main activity is to keep records of inventory levels:

– raw materials

– finished goods

Valuation methods used:

– periodic inventory method

– perpetual inventory method

Inventory processing:

Fig: inventory processing

Payroll system:

Records labor transactions

Payroll system interfaces with conversion cycle providing information on labor transactions

Cost accounting:

Records transactions of conversion cycle classifying three major elements:

Direct material costs Direct labor costs Overhead costs

Internal control procedures for the conversion cycle:

Material requisitions properly authorized

Approved production schedules

Finished goods transferred to store person’s care

Inventory records checked for accuracy

Physically verify stocks to check for losses and accuracy of records

Investigate differences in physical and accounting records and take appropriate action

Monitor defective production

Investigate customer complaints

The Conversion Cycle in a Manufacturing Company:

In manufacturing company, either actual or standard material or labor costs are recorded in a cost ledger as conversion occurs. Overhead costs are allocated in the cost ledger, usually based on the amount of labor used. These costs are associated with the products and are matched with revenue when the products are sold.

Figure: Conversion Cycle.

Objective of the Conversion cycle

Expenditure cycle

Receiving system

Raw materials

Work in process

Revenue cycle

Shipping system

Finished goods

Inventory system

Cost accounting system

Payroll system

The objectives of the Conversion Cycle are:

Adequate raw materials and other resources are available for production, while the investment in such resources is minimized.

Production costs are minimized through high labor productivity, full utilization of production equipment, low levels of scrap and rework and optimal design of production layouts and procedures.

Work-in-process inventories are transformed into finished goods, which are warehoused or shipped on scheduled.

Established levels of product quality and after sales service are attained.

Cost for each other or processes are accumulated accurately or fully.

Function of the Conversion Cycle:

The functions of the cycle are to undertake strategic planning, manage the raw materials inventory initiate the production process, maintain and control production operations, complete and transfer finished goods, prepare financial reports and other outputs. It also includes quality control inspections, rework and scrap page and return of excess materials.

The steps of Conversion Cycle for Zaber and Zubair Fabric limited are as shown in the diagram below

Figure: Steps of Conversion Cycle. Explanation of Conversion Cycle:

Take Sample

from buyer

Sample development

Primary Inspection

Printing, Weaving, Stiching, Spinning

IroningAnd

checking

Final checking

Packing and attach

the tag

Shipment

Maintain records

Prepare reports

Stock lot

Take sample from buyer:

At first the buyer sends a sample to the company to know whether the company can able to make that sample or not. If company agrees to produce such samples then they go for negotiation. They negotiate for the particular product’s price with the buyer.

For example

Zen Company of Italy sends a sample to the Zaber and Zubair fabric limited to produce sheet sets according to their sample. They will pay $20 per piece of i.e. if they order for 2000 sweaters then they will have to pay $40000.

Sample development:

When LC is confirmed Zaber and Zubair fabric limited will develop the sample. At first they buy fiber from the market and dye it with that color. Then they show this to the buyer whether it is matched or not. If buyer says OK then the company will buy accessories to produce those samples.

Primary Inspection:

The buyer checks the sample and if they like the sample, they will confirm it. Then the process goes to the mass production i.e. Printing, Weaving, Stitching, and Spinning, washing, ironing, packaging and joining tag.

Printing, Weaving, Stitching, and Spinning:

Printing includes the print the fiber, and then placed for distribution part, where they check whether the weight of the fiber has been used properly or not. On the stitching section the parts taken from the printing section and stitch the border of the sheet and r to give the shape of the sheet.

Ironing and checking:

The products are washed either in washing machine or by hand and soaked in hydro machine. Then it is placed in dryer and sends for ironing. If anything found wrong then the product is send back to mend it again.

Final checking:

Before packing the product for shipment an inspection team verifies the finished goods. If the inspection team found any defect from the sheets then they immediately reject those sheets. These rejected goods are sold to stock lot. After the clearance of the inspection team the sheet sets are transfer to the packing section for packing. If the buyer’s inspection team does not find any defect then they will confirm the goods and shipment the product.

Packing and attach the tag:

The sheets are packed in cartoon or packet for shipment and then they attach tag on each sheet sets and the cartoon.

Stock lot:

If the buyer inspection team does not approve the clearance of if buying house finds any defective sweaters then they will reject those sweaters. Those rejected goods or sweaters are then sold to stock lot. It can be local or foreign buyer.

For example:

If Zaber and Zubair fabric limited found1000-defect sheet sets and the company will immediately reject those sheets. The Zaber and Zubair fabric limited will sell these sheet sets to the local traders in Dhaka.

Shipment:

The customer may pick up the ordered goods at the shipping dock. The goods are delivered by the ship.

Maintain records:

Every Company should maintain their cost records. The cost includes the salaries of the labor, rent, overhead, utilities, etc. When the company get order from the buyer then they cover both fixed and variable cost and ultimately they reach profit margin. But if company do not get any order then their fixed costs will considered as net loss.

Prepare reports:

After completing all the necessary adjustments the company will prepare financial reports. This report will help the manager to making future planning.

DFD Existing process OF CONVERSION CYCLE

Explanation of the existing Logical DFD (zero-level) of the Conversion Cycle

Obtain Sample:

The data flows from process to Fabric Company, it means they obtain sample from the buyer. The data flows from buyer to the process; it means buyer sends the samples to the sweater industry. They keep all the production related information under pricing, order and inventory data.

Initial inspection:

Here buyers inspection team checks the sample and give clearance. For this reason, the data flows from buyer entity to the process.

Mass production:

Here the data flows from Fabric Company to the process. After developing the samples and receiving confirmation from the buyer Fabric Company moved into the process of mass production. It includes printing, stitching, spinning, ironing and packing. They need the information of inventory data, actual production and production planning data.

Final inspection:

When the raw materials are converted into finished products, the buyer’s inspection team checks the products and gives the clearance if they like the product. So the data flows from the buyer to the process. If they find anything wrong in the product then they reject those products. Those rejected goods or products are sold to the stock lot.

Shipment:

The data flows from process to the buyer entity because Fabric Company sends goods to the buyer. They keep the shipping information under shipping data. Similarly, they also keep the information of receivables and sales under receivables and sales data.

Maintain records and prepare reports:

To prepare financial report, the company needs general ledger data and other data. The data flows from process to the manager entity because on the basis of this report manager takes decisions for future planning.

RECMMMMMMMMM OF COVERSION CYCLE

Explanation of Recommended Logical DFD of Conversion Cycle

We cannot reduce or eliminate the process of conversion cycle but we can make it faster, less expensive and less time consuming by applying few systems. These are mentioned below:

Obtain sample through online:

In the existing Logical DFD of the conversion cycle we have noticed that the obtains sample from the buyer through fax or by post. If the process has been changed to on-line system then the system will be faster and easier as well.

Initial inspection:

Here buyers inspection team checks the sample and give clearance. For this reason, the data flows from buyer entity to the process.

Mass production by expert system:

By using expert system, Zaber and Zubair fabric limited can increase their mass production level. This system gives more accurate and errorless results to the production.Parcel service is not safe and it takes long time to reach to the customer. To overcome this problem Zaber and Zubair fabric limited can design their link through online. Both buyer and seller can communicate or chat with each other through Internet. It helps in reducing the costs of talking long distance phone calls.

Final inspection:

When the raw materials are converted into finished products, the buyer’s inspection team checks the products and gives the clearance if they like the product. So the data flows from the buyer to the process. If they find anything wrong in the product then they reject those products. Those rejected goods or products are sold to the stock lot.

Shipment:

The data flows from process to the buyer entity because Fabric Company sends goods to the buyer. They keep the shipping information under shipping data. Similarly, they also keep the information of receivables and sales under receivables and sales data.

Prepare report and maintain record by using accounting software:

By using accounting software like Peachtree, financial report can be prepared more accurately and faster than the previous system.

Conclusion:

Each of these types of information systems serves that are similar yet different. Firms employ information systems as required to fulfill their total information needs. In a typical firm we will find an intermingling of the systems. Smaller firms are likely to emphasize the AIS, since they tend to be simpler, with the managers gathering more of their decision-making information informally. Medium-sized firms, being more complex and having more one level of management, tend to require more formalized MIS as well as AIS. Large firms being extremely complex and having several levels of management often scattered to numerous sites, tend to emphasize decision support and expert systems as well as MIS and AIS. As a generalization, we may say that the medium and large firms emphasize computerization to a higher degree than the small firms.

References:

Accounting Information Systems, Joseph W.Wilkinson.

Management Information Systems, Kenneth C.Laudon, Jane P.Laudon.

www.znzfab.com