IT infrastructure

(Torcar Foods)
Pearson Assignment
Information Technology UNIT 1
Information Technology Systems Pearson Set Assignment Brief
Activity #1

Student Name: Abdulrahman Ahmed Albi

Student NV-ID: 24142
Class: 10 – IT1
Course Code: IT101
 Contents
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................................

Purpose and Functions of Torcar Foods................................................................................................................

Purpose and Function:.......................................................................................................................................

Infrastructure Requirements:.............................................................................................................................

Summary of the Organizational Needs (Torcar Foods):.........................................................................................

Summary of Stakeholders Needs:..........................................................................................................................

Aquilina Delany (Manager):.............................................................................................................................

Admin Staff:......................................................................................................................................................

Farming Staff:...................................................................................................................................................

Customers:........................................................................................................................................................

Organization IT Infrastructure Plan:......................................................................................................................

Software............................................................................................................................................................

Hardware...........................................................................................................................................................

Data Connection:...............................................................................................................................................

Network:............................................................................................................................................................

Emerging Technologies:...................................................................................................................................

Stakeholder IT Infrastructure Plan:........................................................................................................................

Aquilina Delany (Manager)..............................................................................................................................

Admin Staff:......................................................................................................................................................

Farming Staff:...................................................................................................................................................

Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................................
Introduction
This report provides an overview of the IT infrastructure at Torcar Foods, focusing on the
various software and hardware components essential for managing agricultural operations. It
examines the functionalities of key software systems, including Farm Management Software,
Supply Chain Management Software, and Cybersecurity measures, alongside the necessary
hardware that supports these technologies. The aim is to highlight how these systems enhance
efficiency, decision-making, and overall productivity in modern farming practices

Purpose and Functions of Torcar Foods

Purpose and Function:

Torcar Foods is a private partnership company operating in the agricultural sector. It focuses on
wholesale organic food production, offering a range of products, including organic vegetables and
fruits. The primary function of Torcar Foods is to provide high-quality organic produce to its
customers, ensuring safety, sustainability, and adherence to industry regulations. Through advanced
farming techniques and technology integration, Torcar Foods aims to optimize its operations, enhance
productivity, and meet the growing demand for healthy organic food options.

Infrastructure Requirements:

Definition of Infrastructure
Infrastructure refers to the services and facilities that the organization needs to function effectively
and efficiently in today's competitive market. It encompasses a wide range of systems and structures
that support operations, ensuring that the organization can meet its goals and serve its stakeholders
effectively.

Examples on Torcar Foods' Priorities and Demands

In terms of Torcar Foods' IT requirements, the infrastructure requires for the systems to function
includes IT equipment (hardware, software), which are essential for managing various farm activities
and operations. Additionally, appropriate connectivity, networks, systems, and emerging technologies
are necessary elements that support effective communication and data management. This
comprehensive infrastructure is crucial to achieve its priorities and demands of expansion and the
launch of a new website, which will allow customers and employee interaction to be more seamless
and efficient. These advancements will ultimately enhance productivity and improve service delivery.

Summary of the Organizational Needs (Torcar

Foods):

Torcar Foods has identified certain organizational needs vital for the company and IT architecture
overall. The organization requires IT equipment, including both hardware and software, to facilitate
all agricultural processes and link them into a holistic management operation. LAN and WAN
connectivity LAN and WAN connectivity is an integral aspect of a PEMS solution that facilitates
seamless communication across staff- equipment. New tech: we just need to integrate it – cloud, IoT
devices so we can make better decisions in real time and get more done. Need to start a new website
as a tool that provide extra contact with customers and employees, quicker order completion and
faster services. By addressing these needs, Torcar Foods will be able to maintain its competitive edge
within the organic food industry while supporting expansion and high levels of operational efficiency.

Summary of Stakeholders Needs:

Aquilina Delany (Manager):
The manager, Aquilina Delany needs IT systems that are operationally efficient and provides real-
time data and analytics. This enables her to oversee farm operations, monitor key performance
indicators, and make data-driven decisions that fuel productivity and efficiency throughout the
organization.

Admin Staff:
The admin staff needs desktop computers to manage the financial transactions, customer relationship,
and farm records. Printers and scanners will help in administrative paperwork, contracts, and
documentation.
Farming Staff:
Farming workers use IoT sensors and mobile devices to monitor crops and animals. Drone
deployment is possible; these work by surveying a huge area of the farm for any problem in the health
of crops or any issues concerned with irrigation.

Customers:
needs user-friendly website where they can order online and there you would be able to communicate
with them easily. They democratize customer interaction through creating an integrated shopping
experience while ensuring customers can freely access information related goods and services
ultimately improving satisfaction and retention.

Organization IT Infrastructure Plan:

Software

Operating System:
Recommended OS: Windows 11
Windows 11 is a new operating system that combines the newest technology with security and ease of
use. For Torcar Foods, it delivers steady environment to operate the applications that are required for
farm management, financial tracking and stakeholder communications. The extensive software
compatibility it offers ensures that the diverse needs of an organization are satisfied.

Utility Software:
Endorsed for USA: Antivirus Application (such as Norton or McAfee)
Antivirus software is also used by IT infrastructure to create data integrity and security from malware
and cybercrime threats. Overall, this technology would supply the needs that identified through Torcar
Foods of needing cybersecurity to protect sensitive information such as finances, customer data and
processes. We provide a network perimeter that inspires confidence and helps operations run
smoothly.

Application Software:
Suggested AS: Farm Management Software (FarmERP)
Farm Management Software allows for management and integration of a number of farm activities,
including crop planning, livestock management and resource allocation. Directly aligned to the
management tools identified in Torcar Foods summary, this application enables staff to make
informed decisions while optimizing processes effectively.

Hardware

Digital Devices:
Best Devices for Tablets + Smartphones
Farming staff can now use portable devices, such as a smartphone or tablet, to access farm
management software and monitor conditions in real time too. Such devices fulfil the requirement for
mobility and immediate resolve to farming-related problems, bringing productivity and efficiency on
farm.

Input Devices:
Devices To Use: Barcode Scanners
Barcode scanning helps you to quickly enter details of inventory management and sales tracking. The
transfer orders make it easier to update your stock levels and keep track of the movement in the
products, fulfilling one of the needs that can be seen in the summary for Torcar Foods regarding
administrative tasks needing improvement.
Output Devices:
Recommended Devices: Printers
Printers are vital for the hard copy making reports, documents, and labels. They fulfill the
organizational requirement of adequately documenting and communicating, allowing admin staff to
keep a record in the books and relay information to customers and stakeholders as needed.

Storage Devices:
Things that Are Suggested: External hard drive cloud storage solutions
We tend to use external hard drives, cloud storage — data that we keep in a secure way. These
devices make certain that essential agricultural data, accounting records, and farm operating
documents are secured from the risk of losing this information. It fills the gap for trustworthy data
management and recovery services at Torcar Foods

Data Connection:

Wired Methods: Ethernet cabling is used to connect devices in a local area network (LAN). This
wired nature enables the data and. In summarizing requirements of their organization, Torcar Foods
identified a need that this tech meets. He said it provides a permanent fast connection for managing
farm and office work so they can communicate and share data. With less downtime due to a strong
wired network, and the whole operation keeps running relatively smoothly.
Wireless Methods: Using a network definition, Wi-Fi is just another way to connect to devices on the
local network using radio waves while nodes can move around, making it an ideal solution for data
transmission from node to node. It allows farm staff to access necessary applications and data while
being free from physical wiring with mobile devices. Answer to need /how it solves: This solution
answers the summarized need from Torcar Foods by allowing staff access to real-time farm
management software and providing a way for internal communication. Being able to keep moving
around and still be connected increases productivity, as crew members can respond immediately if
any issues pop up on the farm.

Network:

Proposed Network: A Local Area Network (LAN) is the most suitable network for Torcar Foods,
connecting devices within the farm and administrative offices. This network facilitates high-speed
data transmission and efficient communication among IT systems, enabling effective resource sharing
essential for managing operations. Factors affecting the choice of a LAN include the size of the
operation, security requirements, and the cost of installation and maintenance. Key components, such
as routers, switches, and access points, enhance network performance by ensuring reliable data traffic
management and connectivity for both wired and wireless devices. This LAN meets Torcar Foods'
needs by providing a reliable infrastructure that supports real-time data access and communication,
ultimately improving productivity and operational efficiency.
Emerging Technologies:

proposed ET in Digital Devices:

IoT (Internet of Things) sensors are devices that capture real-time information from the environment
like soil moisture, temperature, crop health. The chosen sensors address the needs defined by Torcar
Foods as they allow farming staff to monitor conditions and make data-driven decisions. Its
employability augments operational efficiency and facilitates timely interventions, resulting in
enhanced crop yields and resource management.

Proposed ET in Network and Connectivity:

With 5G being the fastest data transmission and lowest latency mobile network around, This
technology is critical for Torcar Foods to enable the seamless communication between devices,
particularly IoT sensors and its mobile apps. This improved connectivity enables real-time data
exchange and increases responsiveness—the heartbeat of successful farm management.
Stakeholder IT Infrastructure Plan:

Aquilina Delany (Manager)

Aquilina Delany said, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and remote desktop technologies are among
the recommended technology. Unlike some widely discussed consumer or personal abbreviations,
VPN enables her secure access to the company network allowing access to sensitive data and
applications remotely while maintaining the privacy of our communication channel. The technology
also creates remote access so she can run her entire office computer wherever she is, which means
even when Jonet works from out of the office she can still manage operations. These systems fulfil the
organisational requirement for agile and secure operations, allowing management and decision
making to thrive.

Admin Staff:
The admin onestaff must be utilizing cloud-based collaboration tools upfront and VPNs. With cloud-
based tools, document sharing and collaboration can happen in real time to reduce the time taken for
financial transactions or customer record management. VPNs prevent any view of sensitive
administrative data during a remote access session. This combination fulfills the organisational
requirement of effective communication and data processing allowing smooth administration whether
you are in the office or working remotely.

Farming Staff:
IoT and mobile applications are essential for the productivity of farmers. Farm management software
is available on mobile devices, allowing staff to monitor conditions such as crops, livestock, and the
environment in real time. IoT devices, sensors, and drones offer significant insights into the use of
 data in making decisions. The utilization of these technologies enhances operational efficiency and
enables quick responses to farm challenges, ultimately aiding in the management of resources and
productivity

Software
Operating system examples TBA
 Windows 11: Aquilina Delany (Manager)

 macOS: Admin Staff

 Linux: Farming Staff

Utility Software examples: (Including: antivirus/anti-malware,
backup software,
 Norton Antivirus: Aquilina Delany (Manager) - compression tools, disk analyzers, disk
Antivirus/Anti-Malware defragmenters, disk partitioners,
encryption software, file managers,
 McAfee Total Protection: Admin Staff - firewall, network utilities)
Antivirus/Anti-Malware

 Acronis True Image: Admin Staff - Backup Software

 WinRAR: Admin Staff - Compression Tool

 CCleaner: Admin Staff - Disk Analyzer

 Defraggler: Admin Staff - Disk Defragmenter

 GParted: Farming Staff - Disk Partitioner

 VeraCrypt: Aquilina Delany (Manager) - Encryption

Software

 Total Commander: Admin Staff - File Manager

 Windows Firewall: Aquilina Delany (Manager) -
Firewall

 Wireshark: Farming Staff - Network Utility

Application Software examples: including: communications

software, computer-aided
 Microsoft Dynamics 365: Enterprise resource package design (CAD), database management
(ERP) - Aquilina Delany (Manager) systems (DBMS), digital graphics and
animation, enterprise resource packages
 Google Workspace: Office software - Admin Staff (ERP), entertainment software, office
software
 AutoCAD: Computer-aided design (CAD) - Farming
Staff

 Slack: Communications software - Admin Staff

 Oracle Database: Database management system

(DBMS) - Admin Staff

 Adobe After Effects: Digital graphics and animation -

Farming Staff

 Steam: Entertainment software - Farming Staff

common file types and formats used:  images, e.g. GIF, PNG,
JPEG, RAW, SVG
 Aquilina Delany (Manager):  videos, e.g. MPEG, AVI
 Application Software: DOC  audio, e.g. MP3, WAV
 application software, e.g.
 Admin Staff: DOC, RTF, XLS, XML,
 Application Software: DOC PDF.
 Images: JPEG

 Farming Staff:
  Images: JPEG
 Videos: MPEG
 Audio: MP3

Hardware
Digital Dev:  personal computers
(desktops and laptops)
Smartphones: Mobile devices - Aquilina Delany
(Manager)

 Smartphones: Mobile devices - Aquilina Delany  mobile devices, e.g. smartphones,

(Manager) modular smartphones, specialist
phones,
 Tablets: Digital devices - Farming Staff
 tablets, laptops, wearable computers
 servers (physical, virtual)
 Laptops: Digital devices - Admin Staff
 entertainment systems, e.g. televisions,
projectors, DVD players/recorders,
 Personal Computers (Desktops): Digital devices
- Admin Staff
 Blu-ray players, personal video
recorders (PVR), set-top boxes (STB),
 Servers (Virtual): Data management - Aquilina  media stations, sound systems
Delany (Manager)  digital cameras (still, video)
 navigation systems
 Televisions: Entertainment systems - Farming  wearable computers, e.g. smartwatches,
Staff fitness trackers
 data capture and collection systems,
 Digital Cameras: Data capture - Farming Staff
e.g. barcode scanners, RFID
 (radio frequency identification),
 Navigation Systems: Navigation tools - Farming
sensors, weather stations
Staff
  communication devices and systems.
 Smartwatches: Wearable computers - Farming
Staff

 Barcode Scanners: Data capture and collection

systems - Admin Staff

 Communication Devices: Communication systems

- Aquilina Delany (Manager)
Output Devices examples: screens,
projectors,
 Screens: Displays information visually - Admin printers (2D and 3D),
Staff actuators,
motors,
 Projectors: Projects images and videos for
accessibility devices
presentations - Aquilina Delany (Manager)

 Printers (2D): Produces paper copies of

documents - Admin Staff

 Printers (3D): Creates three-dimensional objects

from digital models - Farming Staff

 Actuators: Converts electrical signals into

physical motion - Farming Staff

 Motors: Generates movement for various

mechanical systems - Farming Staff

 Accessibility Devices: Assistive technologies for

users with disabilities - Admin Staff
Input Devices examples: keyboard, touch screen, pointing devices (mouse,
stylus,
 Keyboard: Standard input device for typing touchpad, graphics tablets, microphone, scanner
and data entry - Admin Staff (2D and 3D), cameras, sensors)

 Touch Screen: Allows direct interaction with

the display - Aquilina Delany (Manager)

 Mouse: Pointing device for navigation -

Admin Staff

 Stylus: Precision input device for tablets and

touch screens - Farming Staff

 Touchpad: Built-in input device for laptops -

Admin Staff

 Graphics Tablets: Used for digital drawing

and design - Farming Staff

 Microphone: Captures audio input - Aquilina

Delany (Manager)

 Scanner (2D): Digitizes documents and

images - Admin Staff

 Scanner (3D): Captures three-dimensional

objects - Farming Staff

 Cameras: Captures images and video for

documentation - Farming Staff

 Sensors: Detects changes in the environment

(e.g., temperature, moisture) - Farming Staff
Storage Devices examples: USB flash drives, memory cards, hard drives
(internal and
 USB Flash Drives: Portable storage for easy external), optical drives/discs, magnetic tape
data transfer - Admin Staff. drives
 Memory Cards: Compact storage for cameras
and mobile devices - Farming Staff.

 Hard Drives (Internal and External):

Primary storage for computers and backup
solutions - Aquilina Delany (Manager).

 Optical Drives/Discs: Used for reading and

writing data on CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays -
Admin Staff.

 Magnetic Tape Drives: Long-term storage

solution for large data archives - Aquilina Delany
(Manager).
Data Connection
Wired Methods examples: Ethernet, USB, fiber optic, HDMI, DVI

 Ethernet: Standard for local area network

(LAN) connections - Used by Admin Staff

 USB: Universal Serial Bus for connecting

various devices - Used by Aquilina Delany
(Manager)

 Fiber Optic: High-speed data transmission

using light - Used in the network infrastructure

 HDMI: High-Definition Multimedia Interface

for audio and video - Used by Admin Staff for
presentations

 DVI: Digital Visual Interface for video display

connections - Used by Aquilina Delany
(Manager)
Wireless Methods examples: Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, NFC, infrared,
mobile/cellular networks.
 Bluetooth®: Short-range device connection -
Farming Staff

 Wi-Fi: Wireless internet access - Admin Staff

 NFC: Quick data exchange - Aquilina Delany

(Manager)

 Infrared: Short-range communication -

Remote controls

 Mobile/Cellular Networks: Internet access

on-the-go - Farming Staff

Network
PAN: -

Wireless Speakers: Portable audio streaming

from devices - Farming Staff
WAN: -

Fiber Optic Links: High-speed data

transmission between locations - Admin Staff
LAN: -

Ethernet Cables: Wired connections for fast

data transfer within the office - Admin Staff
VPN: -

Secure Remote Access: Encrypted connection to

the company network from remote locations -
Aquilina Delany (Manager)
Factors affecting choice of network:  user experience, e.g. ease of use,
performance, availability, accessibility
 User Experience: Ease of use, performance,  user needs
availability, and accessibility - Admin Staff.  specifications
 connectivity, e.g. availability, signal
 User Needs: Specific requirements for data strength, potential bandwidth,
access and communication - Aquilina Delany reliability
(Manager).  cost
 efficiency
 Specifications: Technical requirements for  compatibility
devices and applications - Farming Staff.

 Connectivity: Availability, signal strength,

potential bandwidth, and reliability - All staff.

 Cost: Budget constraints for network

infrastructure and maintenance - Admin Staff.

Efficiency: Speed and effectiveness of data

transfer - Farming Staff.

 Compatibility: Ability of network

components to work together - Aquilina Delany
(Manager).

Component parts of a network: router, switch, Ethernet cables, wireless

access Point
  Router: Directs data traffic between networks
- Admin Staff.

 Switch: Connects multiple devices within a

LAN - Farming Staff.

 Ethernet Cables: Wired connections for

reliable data transmission - Admin Staff.

 Wireless Access Point: Provides Wi-Fi

connectivity to devices - Aquilina Delany
(Manager).
Protocols used to govern and control data HTTP, HTTPS, POP3, IMAP4, SMTP, VoIP,
transmission: FTP, TCP/IP

 HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol for web

communication - Admin Staff.

 HTTPS: Secure version of HTTP for

encrypted web communication - Aquilina Delany
(Manager).

 POP3: Post Office Protocol for retrieving

emails - Admin Staff.

 IMAP4: Internet Message Access Protocol for

managing emails - Aquilina Delany (Manager).

 SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol for

sending emails - Admin Staff.

 VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol for voice

 communication - Farming Staff.

 FTP: File Transfer Protocol for transferring

files - Aquilina Delany (Manager).

 TCP/IP: Transmission Control

Protocol/Internet Protocol for reliable data
transmission - All staff.

Types of compression: lossy, e.g. MP3, MP4, JPEG • lossless, e.g.

FLAC. GIF. PNG, zip.
 Lossy: Reduces file size by removing some
data, resulting in quality loss - MP3, MP4, JPEG
- Admin Staff.

 Lossless: Compresses files without losing any

data, maintaining original quality - FLAC, GIF,
PNG, ZIP - Aquilina Delany (Manager).

Emerging Technologies
smartphones, activity trackers, portable
ET in Digital Devices: computing.

 Smartphones: Advanced mobile devices for

communication and applications - Aquilina
Delany (Manager).

 Activity Trackers: Wearable devices for

monitoring health metrics - Farming Staff.

 Portable Computing: Laptops and tablets for

flexible work - Admin Staff.
 ET in Network and Connectivity: 4G/5G, IoT, virtualization, containerization.

 4G/5G: High-speed mobile networks for faster

data transmission - Aquilina Delany (Manager).

 IoT (Internet of Things): Network of

connected devices for data exchange and
automation - Farming Staff.

 Virtualization: Technology that allows

multiple virtual instances on a single physical
server - Admin Staff.

 Containerization: Lightweight virtualization for

deploying applications in isolated environments -
Aquilina Delany (Manager).

ET in Modelling and Data Interrogation: augmented reality, virtual reality, data

warehousing, machine learning
 Augmented Reality: Enhances real-world
environments with digital overlays for interactive
experiences - Farming Staff.

 Virtual Reality: Immersive simulations for

training and visualization - Aquilina Delany
(Manager).

 Data Warehousing: Centralized storage for

integrated data from various sources, enabling
complex analysis - Admin Staff.

 Machine Learning: Algorithms that improve

through experience, used for predictive analytics
and automation - Aquilina Delany (Manager).

For Merit standard, learners will present a reasoned and well-explained analysis of a range of
different ways in which an organization can use IT infrastructure to meet identified needs.
The analysis will explore the impact the identified methods will have on the organization and
its stakeholders. The analysis will be balanced and supported by clear examples. The
evidence must be technically accurate and demonstrate good-quality written or oral
communication.

For Distinction standard, learners will produce a comprehensive, well-balanced evaluation of

how IT infrastructure could be used to meet the needs of an identified organization and its
stakeholders. They will make realistic and well-explained business- related observations on
the benefits and disadvantages of the different elements of their infrastructure plan. They will
consider the impact on a wide range of the company’s stakeholders and the company as a
whole. Learners must articulate their arguments through high-quality written communication,
supported by accurate and fluent technical vocabulary. They should use well-structured and
considered responses that clearly demonstrate chains of reasoning, leading to concise
evaluations and reasoned, valid judgements

Conclusion
In conclusion this report provides a comprehensive overview of the IT infrastructure at
Torcar Foods, emphasizing the integration of advanced software and hardware components
essential for optimizing agricultural operations. By leveraging technologies such as cloud
computing, IoT sensors, and robust networking solutions, Torcar Foods aims to enhance
efficiency, decision-making, and productivity. Addressing the specific needs of stakeholders,
including management, admin staff, and farming personnel, ensures that the organization
remains competitive in the organic food sector. The proposed IT infrastructure plan not only
supports current operations but also positions Torcar Foods for future growth and innovation
in the evolving agricultural landscapes and et