A FIELD ATTACHMENT REPORT UNDERTAKEN AT WEST KENYA

A FIELD ATTACHMENT REPORT UNDERTAKEN AT WEST KENYA SUGAR

SUGAR COMPANY LIMITED.
COMPANY LIMITED.

NAME: JACKLINE N MUSICHA.

NAME: JACKLINE N MUSICHA.
SCHOOL: BUKURA AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.
SCHOOL: BUKURA AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.
ADM NO.: DIP/DICT/9928/19.
ADM NO.: DIP/DICT/9928/19.
COURSE: INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY.
COURSE: INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY.
DURATION: FROM SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER.
DURATION: FROM SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER.

A FIELD ATTACHMENT REPORT SUBMITTED TO BUKURA

A FIELD ATTACHMENT REPORT SUBMITTED TO BUKURA AGRICULTURAL
AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
COLLEGE IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF DIPLOMA IN
AWARD OF DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY.

SUPERVISOR: BRIAN OLUOCH

DECLARATION
STUDENT’S DECLARATION
I hereby declare that all information in this document has been obtained and presented in
accordance with academic rules and ethical conduct. I also declare that, as required by these
rules and conduct, I have fully written this report based on truth and cited all activities and
duties that I undertook while on attachment. I therefore declare that this attachment report is
my original work and has not been presented elsewhere for the award of any diploma.
NAME: JACKLINE MUSICHA
REG.NUMBER:DIP/DICT/9928/19
Signature..................................................Date.....................................
DECLARATION BY THE SUPERVISOR

This attachment report has been submitted with my approval as the college supervisor.

Name: Mr.

Sign…………………………….. Date…………………………………….

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ABSTRACT
This report is compiled in partial fulfilment of Diploma in Information and Communication
Technology at Bukura College and it serves to provide an overview of what the student
learned during the attachment period at West Kenya Sugar Company for the 12-week
training. The report gives a brief description of the history of the institution and the functions
performed. The Company’s complete range of activities involved in IT department is
mentioned. Institution’s structure chart and brief introduction of IT department where the
student was attached is outlined. The duties that were assigned to the student and the
knowledge and skills that were acquired are explained in detail .Evaluation of the Company
on SWOT analysis is explained at length in the report including challenges, conclusions and
recommendations for the future of the company.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I sincerely thank the Lord God Almighty for the divine protection, guidance and the
opportunity of a memorial and fruitful period at West Kenya Sugar Company,
Secondly may I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family members and relatives for
their support both financially and for the pieces of advice they granted me .I also owe so
much thank you and gratitude to West Kenya Sugar Company as a whole for their
unwavering support and for giving me the chance to undertake my industrial attachment at
their place. Worth to mention, I extend my gratitude to my supervisor Mr. Brian, for his
warm welcoming, guidance, remarks and relevant suggestions and advice he gave me. May
God bless you all. I would like to thank the ICT Department and my assessor Mr. Mutai
who came to supervise my attachment work, May God bless you too

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 3. 1 LAN structure..........................................................................................................6
Figure 3. 2 Switch in networking structure................................................................................6
Figure 3. 3 Router and its configuration....................................................................................8
Figure 3. 4 A Tool for Crimping Ethernet Cables.....................................................................9
Figure 3. 5 A Nano Station and its Configuration...................................................................10
Figure 3. 6 CPU Structure of the computer..............................................................................12
Figure 3. 7 Monitor for the Display.........................................................................................13
Figure 3. 8 A Keyboard for Typewriting.................................................................................13
Figure 3. 9 A motherboard that contains some parts of a computer........................................13

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
WEKSCOL-West Kenya Sugar Company Limited
BAC-Bukura Agricultural College
CCTV-Closed Circuit Television
LAN-Local Area Network
WAN- Wide Area Network
PSU-Power Supply Unit
IT-Information Technology
ICT-Information and Communication Technology
RAM-Random Access Memory
CD-Compact Disk
IP-Internet Protocol
WLAN-Wireless Local Area Network
SWOT-Strength Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats
AMS-Agricultural Management System
SAP-System Application and Product Processing
TCP/IP-Transfer Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
DC-Direct Current.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents
DECLARATION......................................................................................................................ii

ABSTRACT.............................................................................................................................iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT......................................................................................................iv

LIST OF FIGURES.................................................................................................................v

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS................................................................................................vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS......................................................................................................vii

CHAPTER 1.............................................................................................................................1

1.0 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................1

1.1BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY..................................................................................1

1.2OBJECTIVES OF FIELD ATTACHMENT.....................................................................1

CHAPTER 2:............................................................................................................................2

2.0INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................2

2.1 BACKGROUND OF WEST KENYA SUGAR COMPANY.........................................2

2.1.1 LOCATION OF THE FIRM.....................................................................................3

2.1.2 VISION OF WEKSCOL...........................................................................................3

2.1.3 MISSION OF WEKSCOL.........................................................................................3

2.1.4 CORE VALUES OF WEKSCOL..............................................................................3

2.1.5 ACHIEVEMENTS OF WEST KENYA SUGAR COMPANY................................4

2.1.6 CHALLENGES IN WEST KENYA.........................................................................4

2.2 STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF WEST KENYA SUGAR COMPANY...............5

CHAPTER 3:............................................................................................................................6

FIELD ATTACHMENT ACTIVITIES.................................................................................6

3.0 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES..................................................................................6

3.1NETWORKING....................................................................................................................6

3.1.1LOCAL AREA NETWORKS (LAN)........................................................................6

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 3.1.2 DEVICES USED IN LAN CONNECTION............................................................6

3.1.3 WIDE AREA NETWORKS (WAN).........................................................................9

3.1.4 IP ADDRESSING..................................................................................................11

3.1.5 NETWORK CAMERA INSTALLATION.............................................................11

3.1.6 SYSTEM HARDWARE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE..................................12

3.1.7 WINDOWS REPAIR AND INSTALLATION.......................................................15

3.1.8 PRINTERS...............................................................................................................16

3.3 CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY THE TRAINEES.........................................18

CHAPTER 4:..........................................................................................................................19

SWOT ANALYSIS OF FIELD ATTACHMENT PROGRAM.........................................19

4.1 Strengths.........................................................................................................................19

4.2 Weaknesses.....................................................................................................................19

4.3 Opportunities..................................................................................................................19

4.4 Threats............................................................................................................................19

CHAPTER 5:..........................................................................................................................20

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS...............................................................20

5.1 CONCLUSIONS............................................................................................................20

5.2 RECOMMENDATION..................................................................................................20

References................................................................................................................................21

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CHAPTER 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Any student of Bukura College undertaking diploma courses is required to undergo an
Industrial attachment for a period of at least 3 months in a field relevant to their course of
study. It is an essential requirement for award of any award of diploma. The Attachment is
under supervision and intensive report compilation required to be submitted to the college on
completion

1.1BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Field attachment is a learning process, its practical work carried out by both the staff and the
student in any organization or institution. It’s carried out under the supervision and guidance
of training Supervisor.

Industrial attachment entails practical work which exposes the learner in various activities.
This attachment is a component of the curriculum of BAC. Each and every student has to
undergo the practice for partial fulfillment of the award of diploma and certificate courses.
Attachment is a supervised program that requires every attaché to undertake and adhere to
rules and regulations required by an organization. The lecturer asses the student by going
through the log books and asks question on how the student has been doing, the experiences
gained and challenges faced. A student is usually issued with the log book which he/she
records the daily activities and weekly activities which are later on counter checked by the
training supervisor. This is to ascertain the level of seriousness of the student, strength
and weakness of the student. During attachment, attaches are expected to acquire additional
experiences to boost their programs of study back at the college. The trainees also get
exposed to real work which enables them acquire skills and knowledge about the job
opportunities.

1.2OBJECTIVES OF FIELD ATTACHMENT

1. To apply the knowledge gained from the studies in school to solve problems that
occur in the practical sector.
2. To gain experience in procedures, policies and standard operating procedures in
an ICT Department.
3. To perform basic general duties that relate to professional and practical sector of
ICT in the Company.
4. To learn networking skills from crimping and creating patch cables, working with
routers, switches and bridges.
5. To learn maintenance and repair of computer systems, laptops, printers and
scanners.
6. To carry out procedural steps in installation of systems, setup and deployment.

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CHAPTER 2:
2.0 INTRODUCTION

West Kenya Sugar Company is abbreviated as WEKSCOL it’s situated along

Shamberere South Kabras Kakamega Kenya
Company Description
WEST KENYA SUGAR COMPANY LTD is located in Kakamega, Kenya and is part of the
Sugar and Confectionery Product Manufacturing Industry. WEST KENYA SUGAR
COMPANY LTD has 50 total employees across all of its locations and generates $8.15
million in sales (USD). (Employees and Sales figures are modelled).
Key Principle Jaswat S. Rai Industry Manufacturing Wholesalers Stores Machinery Sugar.

2.1 BACKGROUND OF WEST KENYA SUGAR COMPANY

West Kenya Sugar Company is 100% Private entity. It started operation in year 1981 with
an installed capacity of 150TCD following the Open Pan Sulphitation (O.P.S) technology
with a Government Policy to employment at the Rural level.

It successfully expanded its OPS capacity to 400TCD in 1990. In the year 1992 installed a
500TCD Vacuum Pan Sulphate (VPS) Technology therefore expanding the capacity to
900TCD.
In 2005 it had further expansion and the installed capacity has been increased to 1800TCD.
Presently the company is under the expansion plan of 5000TCD which was commissioned by
2012.
The company sources its raw material sugarcane from 35000 small scale farmers within the
West Kenya Sugar Zone. The Zone has been allocated to the company by the Ministry of
Agriculture (MOA) and covers an approximate of 24km from the factory.
The Directors since then were:

 Sarbjit Singh Rai

 Jaswat Singh Rai
 Tejveer Rai

Other stations of WEKSCOL includes

 Miwani Weighbridge in Kisumu county

 Magut Weighbridge in Kakamega county

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  Misikhu Weighbridge in Bungoma county
 Naitiri plant in Bungoma county
 Nzoia Quarry in Kakamega county

2.1.1 LOCATION OF THE FIRM

West Kenya Sugar Company Limited is located in Western Kenya Kakamega County in
South Kabras Shamberere along Kakamega –Webuye road.
REASONS FOR ITS LOCATION

 Availability of raw material which is sugarcane

 Accessibility of the area hence easy transportation in and out of the firm
 Availability of water sources from River Mwera which is permanent.

2.1.2 VISION OF WEKSCOL

 To establish ourselves as the market leader in Kenya by producing and distributing
high quality sugar which meets international standards.

2.1.3 MISSION OF WEKSCOL

 To emerge as the premier producer of the finest sugar and allied products whilst
continually striving to achieve long –term sustainable growth and profitability. We
also to aim to reward our stakeholders by undertaking technological developments
offering competitive pricing, focusing on diversification, providing a safe,
harmonious and challenging working environment and improving our relations with
farmers by working alongside the farming community and maximizing our
productivity.

2.1.4 CORE VALUES OF WEKSCOL

 Team

They succeed as team not as an individual

 Innovation

They anticipate customer needs and deliver compelling solutions.

 Passion for success

They strive to win in everything they do.

 Respect

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We treat others as we would like to be treated.

 Ownership

We are responsible for driving our success.

 Relations with farmers

Have equitable partnership with farmer and follow pricing mechanism

2.1.5 ACHIEVEMENTS OF WEST KENYA SUGAR COMPANY

i. Development of computer controlled self-intelligent juice flow stabilization system.
ii. Improvement in sugar quality.
iii. Conservation of steam and power for sugar manufacturing.
iv. Development of automatic direct cane sampling and analysis system for cane payment
based on sucrose content.
v. Reduction in emission of SO2 from sugar mills
vi. Plantation white sugar production by single Sulphitation method.
vii. Zero raw water requirement for sugar mills.
viii. Development of Individual mill extraction method.
ix. Beet juice extraction and processing along with sugarcane juice.
x. Development of melter for low grade sugar melting in syrup.

2.1.6 CHALLENGES FACING WEST KENYA

i. The sugar industry is seasonal in nature.
ii. The methods of production are old and inefficient.
iii. Transport delay in reaching came to factories
iv. There is a need to maximize the use of bagasse.
v. Policy and marketing problems related to inability of factories to market locally
produced sugar in the face of dumped imports
vi. Poor cane husbandry practices leading to low yields at farm level in quantities per ha
and in sucrose content
vii. Low productivity levels at factory level leading to low sugar yields, capacity under-
utilization and, hence, low income to farmers. This in turn negatively affects cane
husbandry practices.
viii. Decline in productivity and efficiency at factory level

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ix. Decline in productivity at farm level
x. Competition from other producers arising from economic liberalization.
2.2 STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF WEST KENYA SUGAR COMPANY

BOARD OF
DIRECTORS

MANAGING DIRECTOR

GENERAL MANAGER FINANCING AND

ACCOUNTING

PROCU
MECHAN CIVIL AUTO
AGRIC REMEN LEGAL&INSU
ICAL TRANS ENGIN HR MOBIL
ULTUR T AND RANCE
ENGINEE PORT EERIN ADMIN E/WOR
RING E LOGIST SERVICES
G KSHOP
IC

PRODUCTION SALES AND

INFORMATION STORES
TECHNOLOGY MARKETING

MATERIAL MATERIAL
SOFTWARE HARDWARE RECEIVABLE INSURANCE

MARKETING AND WAREHOUSING

SALES PROMOTION AND SALES

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CHAPTER 3:
FIELD ATTACHMENT ACTIVITIES
3.0 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1NETWORKING
Computer networks is the connection of two or more computers for the purpose of sharing
information and resource.

3.1.1LOCAL AREA NETWORKS (LAN)

LAN is a network connection within an organization and covers less distance geographical
area while WAN is the connection of many LANS. (Liptak, 2018).) In WEKSCOL most of
the tasks are done through internet since the most software like SAP, AMS work via the
internet connection. Through this need of internet connection the Company uses both Local
Area Networks and Wide Area networks. LAN connections are used in most departments in
West Kenya sugar Company. I participated in connecting the networks in these departments.
Most of the devices that we used were straight through Ethernet cables, switch, router,
crimping tool and Rj45 to ensure that there is a wired connection in the organization.

Figure 3. 1 LAN structure

During my attachment period I participated in connecting networks especially LAN in

different departments in the company. I carried out most tasks of crimping straight through
Ethernet cable into RJ45 connector using crimping tool. I also laid most cables in the
department and terminated both ends making it ready for internet connections.

3.1.2 DEVICES USED IN LAN CONNECTION

 SWITCH

Figure 3. 2 Switch in networking structure.

Switch is a computer networking device that connects devices together on a computer
network by using packet switching to receive, process, and forward data to the destination
device. It enables two or more computers to be connected in one network using one router.
Multiple cables are plugged in in the switch to enable communication between different
networked devices.

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  ETHERNET CABLE
An Ethernet cable is one of the most common forms of network cable used on wired
networks. Ethernet cables connect devices within a local area network, like PCs,
routers, and switches.

In West Kenya Sugar Company the most commonly used Ethernet cable is straight through
cable and the other type is crossover cable.
STRAIGHT THROUGH CABLE
A straight-through cable is a type of twisted pair cable that is used in local area networks to
connect a computer to a network hub such as a router. This cable uses either at both ends
568A Standard or 568B standard.
It is the most commonly cable that is used in WEKSCOL for network connection
I participated in terminating the cable at both ends using crimping tool
The arrangement of the unshielded cable before crimping is orange/white, orange,
green/white, blue, blue/white, green, brown/white, brown
One end of the cable is connected to the computer and the other end connected to the
switch/router.

CROSS OVER CABLE

An Ethernet crossover cable is a type of Ethernet cable used to connect computing

devices together directly. Unlike straight through cable, crossover cables use two
different wiring standards: one end uses the T568A wiring standard, and the other end
uses the T568B wiring standard. (Chowdhury, (2000))

The arrangement of this cable when unshielded is green/white, green, orange/white, blue,
blue/white, orange, brown/white, blue.

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 ROUTER AND NANO STATION

Figure 3. 3 Router and its configuration

 A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer
networks. Routers perform the traffic directing functions on the Internet. Router

 CRIMPING TOOL AND RJ45

Crimping tool is a device that is used to terminate Ethernet cable at both ends.
Mostly in WEKSCOL we used RJ45 to crimp Ethernet cables.

The diagrams below shows the crimping tool and RJ45

Figure 3. 4 A Tool for Crimping Ethernet Cables

CRIMPING TOOL RJ45 CONNECTOR

3.1.3 WIDE AREA NETWORKS (WAN)

WAN is a connection of two or more LANS that extends over a large geographical area
(Held, (2002). ). TCP/IP is typically used in WAN connections where the routers must be
configured and also Nano station must be configured.
During my attachment period I configured different routers and Nano stations in the different
places in the company. I also participated in configuring CCTV cameras in different places in
the company.

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ROUTER CONFIGURATION
Router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
During my attachment period I configured routers in different departments of the company.
Steps to configure the router.
STEP 1: Connect your router to the computer and modem
STEP2: Open a web browser and enter your router IP address.
Routers are accessed through your web browser by entering the IP address into the address
bar
STEP 3: Enter username and password
STEP4: Reset your router if you cannot access it.
If you’ve looked up your default address and username/password combo and you still can’t
access your router, you can reset it to factory defaults to clear out any changes that may have
been made
STEP5: Assign the router a new username and password.
Choose a username and password that can’t be easily guessed. Include numbers and symbols
in the password to make sure that it is hard to hacked
NANO STATIONS
There are two types of Nano stations that were commonly used in our company. These Nano
stations are;

 Nano station M5

The ubiquity Nano station M5 is the perfect solution for creating a dedicated point to point or
point to multipoint connections between locations where the Ethernet cable is not a visible
option. It can also be used for extending wireless coverage outdoors.
Features of M5 Nano station

 Next-Gen Antenna Design

 Dual Ethernet connectivity
 Intelligent POE
 AirOS Nano station M2

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This is the ultimate 2GHz wireless outdoor CPE with integrated 14dBi Dual polarity
antennae Features

 Great performance
 Dual Ethernet connectivity
 Intelligent POE
 Easy installation

Figure 3. 5 A Nano Station and its Configuration

CONFIGURING NANO STATIONS

I participated in configuring Nano stations in the company. I am in a position of configuring

of more Nano station in my future. (Williams, (2019, January). )There are two types of Nano
station that were commonly used in our company. These includes M2 and M5 Nano stations.
The M2 Nano stations were the most preferred.
STEP 1: Log in to the Nano station using its IP address e.g. 192.168.21.53
STEP 2: On the Menu Select the Network and set the desired IP address.
STEP 3: Click on the Wireless and decide whether to set the Nano Station as an access point
or a station.
STEP 4: On station, when you are done with selecting the SSID you need to lock up in order
for the setting to effect.

3.1.4 IP ADDRESSING
An Internet Protocol address (IP address) is a numerical label assigned to each device
connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. (Kumar,
(2016). ) An IP address serves two principal functions: host or network interface
identification and location addressing.
During my attachment I changed the IP addresses of most computers which were conflicting
in various department. To solve the IP conflict the IP address is changed.
HOW TO CHANGE IP ADDRESS OF THE COMPUTER

 Right click on the network icon of the connected computer.

 Click on open network and sharing center
 Click on the Network provided whether it is LAN or Ethernet or WIFI
 Click on properties and select the IP version

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  Then you might change the IP Either by doing manually or commanding it to pick
automatically

3.1.5 NETWORK CAMERA INSTALLATION

CCTV CONFIGURATION

 Connect the CCTV camera to Ethernet cable

 If it lights red then Check the IP address of the camera
 Go to Google app like Mozilla Firefox and search the IP address of that
camera
 Then next step will be login where name as admin then place password
confirm it and save.
 Open the SADP program and automatically it list all cameras connected to the
network including the new camera.
 To the SADP program select the IP address of the camera by clicking on it.
 When you see “Modify Network Parameters” section, Change the default
gateway address into IPV4 Gateways.
 Assign the IP address that corresponds with the default gateway.
 Type the IP address you assigned the camera and enter.

3.1.6 SYSTEM HARDWARE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

Computer hardware includes the physical parts or components of a computer, such as the
central processing unit, monitor, keyboard, computer data storage, graphic card, sound card,
speakers and motherboard. (Singh, (2021)..)
During my attachment period I solved many problems concerning hardware and solved it and
participated in its maintenance and repair
COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER AND ITS PERIPHERAL

 Central Processing Unit The central processing unit (CPU) is the unit which performs
most of the processing inside a computer. To control instructions and data flow to and
from other parts of the computer, the CPU relies heavily on a chipset, which is a
group of microchips located on the motherboard.

Figure 3. 6 CPU Structure of the computer

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Monitor

A computer monitor is an output device which displays information in pictorial form. A

monitor usually comprises the display device, circuitry, casing, and power supply.

Figure 3. 7 Monitor for the Display

 Keyboard

A computer keyboard is a typewriter-style device which uses an arrangement of buttons or

keys to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches

Figure 3. 8 A Keyboard for Typewriting

Motherboard

 The motherboard is a sheet of plastic that holds all the circuitry to connect the various
components of a computer system.

Figure 3. 9 A motherboard that contains some parts of a computer

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CD ROM Drive

A CD-ROM is a pre-pressed optical compact disc which contains data

 Hard disk
 The hard disk drive is the main, and usually largest, data storage hardware device in a
computer. The operating system, software titles, and most other files are stored in the
hard disk drive.

 RAM
Random-access memory is a form of computer data storage that stores data and
machine code currently being used. A random-access memory device allows data
items to be read or written in almost the same amount of time irrespective of the
physical location of data inside the memory

RAM
 Network Card
It is network adapter hardware in the form of an add-in card that fits in an expansion
slot on a computer's motherboard.

 Power supply unit

A power supply unit (or PSU) converts mains AC to low-voltage regulated DC power for the
internal components of a computer

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3.1.7 WINDOWS REPAIR AND INSTALLATION
Most of the machines run on windows XP, 7 and 8. When I was in this company I was
familiar with the installation of windows operating system into machines. During this period I
was there
I was able to install windows operating system and repair some operating system which had
failed
WINDOWS REPAIR

 When it was in use and fails, click on ctr+alt+Delete to restart the computer or
when is switched off click on start menu.
 Click on f9 for boot menu and press any key for the booting.
 Select the device you want to boot from e.g. CD-ROM
 Click on R for repair then click on either CHKDSK\S or CHKDSK\P.
 Then wait for the booting process and after its done it will give you the hard
disk to partition
WINDOWS INSTALLATION
 Back up all Insert a blank disk into your Disk tray.
 Burn the ISO image to a disk.
 Reboot your PC with the disk still in the tray.
 Go to your BIOS configuration screen.
 Choose primary boot device as CD/DVD drive.
 Reboot again.
 The system should boot to the Windows 8.1 setup screen
 Use this product key of the format drive NTTX3-RV7VB-T7X7F-WQYYY-
9Y92F if it asks for and copy from the DVD drive.
 Configure your PC settings in the setup
 Follow the setup instructions till the setup finishes.

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3.1.8 PRINTERS
Printer is a peripheral device which makes a persistent human-readable representation of
graphics or text on paper. (Douglas, 1979).)
During my attachment period we have solved so many problems affecting the printers in
different departments of the company. Since the printers help to print out the hard copies of
vouchers, and another documents in the company
The mostly used Printers in the company include: Dot matrix printers, LaserJet printers and
Inkjet Printers.

 DOT MATRIX PRINTER

A dot matrix printer is an impact printer that prints using a fixed number of pins or wires.

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH DOT MATRIX PRINTER AND HOW TO SOLVE IT

 Continuous feeds paper jam

This can be seen when there is tractor feed problems
Solution
You must clean paper from gears, align tractor feed and replace worn out gears.
 Poor printing quality
This can be seen when printer adjustment for paper thickness is set to an incorrect
value, Poor quality paper, Bad ribbon or Dirty print head.
Solution
Set the thickness to match the paper you are using. Use good-quality paper. Replace
the ribbon. Clean the print head.
 Flecks and smudges on the paper
This can be seen when the ribbon is not aligned correctly, not feeding correctly, or is
over linked.
Solution
Reposition the ribbon. Replace the ribbon cartridge; cartridges are not economical to
repair. Clean and lubricate the gears that advance the print head.
 Horizontal lines appear in the print so parts of characters are missing
This occurs when the print head is damaged or needs to be cleaned.

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 Solution

Attempts to repair a print head can damage it beyond hope. You can clean the print head
With the lubricant or alcohol. Remove any visible grime.

 LASERJET PRINTER

A laser printer is a type of printer that uses a laser and electrical charge model instead of
the traditional printing of ink onto paper.

HOW TO ASSIGN THE PRINTER AN IP ADDRESS

 Click on the system icon on the printers screen.

 Click on network
 Click on TCP/IP
 Tap on the change IP icon
 Type in the dialog box the IP address of your choice.
 Save the changes made

HOW TO SHARE THE PRINTER

 Right click the start Menu on windows.

 Click on printers and devices
 Select the printer which you want to share
 Click on printer and then click on sharing(it will share by name of the printer)
 Check the IP address of the computer you want to share its printer
 Go to the computer that wants the printer to be shared with.
 Right click on start Menu of the computer you want the printer to be shared with and
click on run
 Enter the IP address of the host computer:\\ 192.168.10.80

3.2 NEW KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS ACQUIRED/GAINED

i. Knowledge on printers; dot matrix and laser printers and their functionalities

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 ii. Advanced knowledge on Servers, IP addresses Switches and routers; their configuration
and use.
iii. Good rapport and confidence in communication with the staff
iv. How to be responsible.
v. Importance of teamwork and cooperation.

3.3 CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY THE TRAINEES

i. Usage of too old operating systems like Windows XP makes sometimes machines not
too work, just hanging for sometimes when connecting to the network. Limited access
to company’s system;
ii. The confidentiality and controlled access of SAP system through administration and
access password for login limited the practice of the concept covered during the
industrial attachment.
iii. Limited period for training on the activities done by the company and on the ERP
application used.
iv. Inadequate of essential tools and equipment in IT workshop that may make work not
to be done on time because of being waited to be purchased.
v. Being a student who is trainee sometimes becomes so tiresome due to lack of
financial support thus making them not to reach to work for example lack of fare and
lunch bills.

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CHAPTER 4:
SWOT ANALYSIS OF FIELD ATTACHMENT PROGRAM
4.1 Strengths
The ICT department comprises of highly skilled employees who are determined to do
their work diligently to improve the performance of the entire organization. (Fapohunda,
(2013))
The organization has enough capital and funds to enable IT upgrade for example
servers, PC’s, applications etc. to enable efficiency and effectiveness.
The ICT department is well equipped with the necessary equipment needed to repair
machines and clean them too thus enabling the entire team to work effectively and efficiently.
4.2 Weaknesses
The organization is fully equipped with many computers especially the desktops whereby
other staff members in the organization have little skills in computers thus more support is
escalated to the ICT department enhancing a lot of work in the organization. (Zimmerman,
(2014).)
The ICT department has qualified staff but it is often understaffed since there are many times
when there is a lot of work and they can’t do it all at once hence they get fatigued and
sometimes don’t attend to their duties promptly.

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The organization is fully equipped with many computers and other equipment with an
exception of printers to serve all the employees in the organization. Some employees
share these machines thus leading to delays in meeting deadlines.
4.3 Opportunities
West Kenya has an opportunity to be the leading sugar commodity management and trading
organization in Kakamega and to promote free and fair trade and commodities through
research and market development by ensuring timely accessibility of commodities for
everyone.
4.4 Threats
Weather and climate change may affect the operations of Company in terms of
receiving sugar produce required to be distributed all over the country or other towns
within Kakamega.

CHAPTER 5:
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 CONCLUSIONS
After going through the whole period of attachment as an attachee I’ve observed so many
professional activities and learnt as well. This attachment was very fruitful to me because I
had to cover many different fields. I also learnt new concepts and new ways of working.
During this attachment period I acquired practical experience to complement the theoretical
content of my study in information technology tasks, wireless local area network (WLAN)
and network security of the company data center

5.2 RECOMMENDATION
From my personal experience at the company I recommend the following:

1. Cable Management: All data cabling should be below the ceiling, both ends of the
cable should be labeled and tagged for proper identification.
2. Training program should be started for both academic and administrator staff
3. I strongly recommend that the company should use licensed antivirus

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 4. Most of the computers used have lower space in terms of memory (RAM) and hard
disk space hence cannot support heavy applications. The machines should be
upgraded if not replaced with new machines.
5. Hardware identification should be with the appropriate, fully qualified server names,
and all equipment’s within the cabinets. If implement in this way the hardware is
easily identifiable.
6. The company should put in place standby generators to allow continuity of the
company Operations in case of power shortages. The generators can also be
supplemented with uninterruptable power supply (UPS)
Most of the employees have no backup system for their computer work which is essential, in
case a machine is faulty and need formatting or it’s beyond repair, all the data is lost. The
company should instill the importance of backup to its employees.

REFERENCES

References
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4. Fapohunda, T. M. ((2013)). Towards effective team building in the workplace.

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