Service Systems

In many cases, service systems are designed in order to provide a ready solution to a problem via different locations.  A service system is defined as “a configuration of technology and organizational networks designed to deliver services that satisfy the needs, wants, or aspirations of customers (Wikipedia).”  Some readily available service stations include but are not limited to gasoline pumps and wi-fi in restaurants.

Each of these service systems are designed about a certain use case.  Since the usage of cars is a continuously growing field and cars require gasoline, there needed to be an adequate solution for the problem of how to refuel a car.  I’m sure the idea of buying gas at a store came up during the design process, and that led to the convenience stores that also contain gasoline pumps.  This is a simple way to refuel the car while on the go, and it does not create the hazard of carrying a container of gasoline with you. If you happened to be in an accident, then you and the other driver would explode fairly quickly if the exposed gas container was hit.  A fuel service system is a very popular solution as demonstrated by Wawa and Sheetz.

Wi-fi is another growing industry that needed to be addressed.  Since more and more people are using smartphones to communicate and the internet is a universal network requiring access to an internet connection server, restaurants and convenience stores have implemented free wi-fi into their advertising campaigns.  While the profits from the actual restaurant are decreased through the usage of wi-fi, more people go to the restaurants or stop in at the convenience store in order to quickly browse the web on the go or communicate with others via internet connection.  This form of a service station allows for people on the go to access the internet quickly and without hassle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_system

http://jsr.sagepub.com/content/13/1/96.full.pdf+html

http://www.opentext.com/2/global/services/services-consulting/services-consulting-system-design.htm

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