Q. Apex Vacuum, a family-owned manufacturer of budget vacuums, has grown exponentially over the last few years. Explain however the industry is having difficulty preparing for future growth. The only information system used at Apex is an antiquated accounting system. The industry has one manufacturing plant located in Arkansas; and three warehouses, in Arkansas, Delaware and California. The Apex sales force is national and Apex purchases about a third of its vacuum parts and materials from a single overseas supplier. You have been hired to recommend the information systems Apex should implement in order to maintain their competitive edge. Explain however there is not enough money for a full-blown, cross-functional enterprise application and you will need to limit the first step to a single functional area or constituency. Illustrate what will you choose and explain why?