The accounting information system (AIS) used by Taco Bell is much simpler than it would seem. Although Taco Bell is a large organization, computer automation has maximized the efficiency of all accounting processes. Each Taco Bell restaurant is part of an extranet. Each sale is immediately recorded by computerized cash registers. Data from sales is then compiled by Taco Bell’s accounting software. This data is made available to everyone on the extranet; including regional offices, and corporate headquarters.

Each Taco Bell restaurant has an account with a supplier. The restaurant orders food, and then wires the payment upon delivery. These transactions are also recorded on the extranet. Data from sales and expenditures, for each restaurant, is reviewed weekly by regional office employees. These employees make sure that cash received is equal to the amount sold. Also, they make sure that sales are proportionate to the amount of materials purchased. After all of this, profits can be calculated, and all accumulated accounting data is relayed on to corporate head quarters.

Extensive use of computers has greatly reduced the amount of man hours devoted to AIS. Taco Bell’s AIS is almost completely automated. People are no longer needed to organize and compile data. Because Taco Bell’s AIS is involved in almost all business activities, automation of this system has greatly simplified the entire selling process.

As in any business, Taco Bell’s main goal is to make a profit. In order to increase profit, a company must expand and increase sales. Over the past five years, Taco Bell has increased its number of locations by 3%; from 5,989 in 1999, to 6,879 in 2003. Taco Bell’s sales have also seen a steady increase. Since 2000, sales have increased by 96 million dollars; from 1.206 billion in 2000 to 1.3 billion in 2003.

Sources:

http://www.hoovers.com/taco-bell/--ID__89523--/free-co-fin-factsheet.xhtml

http://www.yum.com/investors/units.htm

For this project, we decided to take an in depth look at Taco Bell, the famous fast-food Mexican restaurant chain. We started out by making an Input-Processing-Output model, and defining company goals. We went on to identify some internal and external obstacles faced by the Taco Bell organization, and then looked at the major views implemented by this company. Next we examined and explained the accounting information system employed by Taco Bell. We closed out the project by explaining one of the IPSO’s used by Taco Bell, and creating a BIS model.

I found this project to be a great learning experience. Until now, I had never looked at a company in this way. Examining the Taco Bell organization taught me a great deal about business information systems. What I have learned here will surely be of use to me in the future.