CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
An ordering system is a software application or platform that enables customers to
place orders for products or services online or through a mobile device. It is typically
used by businesses, such as supermarkets, restaurants, and retailers, to manage
customer orders, inventory, and fulfillment.
An ordering system usually includes the following components;
i. Product catalog: A list of products or services available for order, including
descriptions, prices, and images,
ii. Shopping cart: A virtual cart that allows customers to add and remove items, update
quantities, and apply discounts or promotions,
iii. Payment processing: A secure system for processing payments, including credit card
transactions, online banking, or digital wallets.,
iv. Order management: A system for managing orders, including order tracking, status
updates, and cancellation or modification options
v. Fulfillment management: A system for managing order fulfillment, including
shipping, delivery, or in-store pickup options,
vi. Customer management: A system for managing customer information, including
order history, loyalty programs, and communication preferences., Reporting and
analytics: A system for generating reports and analyzing sales data, customer
behavior, and order trends.
Some common types of ordering systems include:
1. E-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce)
2. Online food ordering systems (e.g., Grubhub, Uber Eats)
3. Restaurant ordering systems (e.g., table management, online ordering)
4. Retail ordering systems (e.g., buy online, pickup in-store)
5. Mobile ordering apps (e.g., Starbucks, Domino's Pizza)

An effective ordering system can improve customer experience, increase sales, and
streamline business operations.
A user-friendly ordering system for a supermarket could include the following
features:

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i. Easy navigation: A simple and intuitive interface that allows customers to quickly
find and add items to their cart.
ii. Search functionality: A robust search function that allows customers to find specific
products by name, category, or keyword.
iii. Product information: Detailed product descriptions, including ingredients,
nutritional information, and pricing.
iv. Shopping list: A feature that allows customers to create and manage their shopping
lists, including the ability to add or remove items and update quantities.
v. Order management: A system that allows customers to view their order history,
track their current order status, and cancel or modify orders if needed.
vi. Payment options: Secure payment processing with various payment options,
including credit cards, digital wallets, and online banking.
vii.Delivery or pickup options: Options for delivery or in-store pickup, with clear
instructions and estimated times.
viii. Order confirmation: A confirmation email or notification with order details and a
receipt.
ix. Customer support: Access to customer support through phone, email, or live chat for
assistance with orders or technical issues.
x. Mobile optimization: A responsive design that allows customers to easily place
orders on their mobile devices.
xi. Loyalty program integration: Integration with the supermarket's loyalty program,
allowing customers to earn and redeem points or discounts.
xii.Real-time inventory: A system that updates product availability in real-time,
reducing the likelihood of out-of-stock items.
xiii. Substitutions: Options for substitutions or alternatives when items are out of stock.
xiv. Coupons and discounts: Digital coupons and discounts that can be applied at
checkout.
xv. Order scheduling: The ability to schedule orders for future delivery or pickup.

By incorporating these features, a supermarket can create a user-friendly ordering

system that streamlines the shopping experience and increases customer satisfaction.
is the process of efficiently overseeing the constant flow of units into and out of an
existing stock of goods. This process usually involves controlling the transfer of units
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 in order to prevent the inventory from becoming too high, or dwindling to levels that
could put the operation of the company into jeopardy (Bowersox, 2019).

In this context, Here's a relationship between ordering systems under a supermarket's

ordering system:
Link: Sub-System Integration
Relationship: Component-Based Relationship
Example: Supermarket Ordering System: Online Shopping Platform (manages
overall orders, inventory, and customer data)
 Ordering System Component 1: Fresh Produce Ordering System (manages fresh
produce orders, inventory, and preparation workflow)
 Ordering System Component 2: Bakery Ordering System (manages bakery orders,
inventory, and preparation workflow)
 Ordering System Component 3: Meat and Seafood Ordering System (manages meat
and seafood orders, inventory, and preparation workflow).

In this example, the Online Shopping Platform is the main ordering system for the
supermarket, and the Fresh Produce, Bakery, and Meat and Seafood ordering systems
are component-based sub-systems that manage specific product categories. Each sub-
system has its own unique features and workflows, but they are all integrated with the
main ordering system to share customer data, inventory levels, and order fulfillment
processes.

Benefits of this relationship:

i. Streamlined ordering process: Customers can place orders for multiple product
categories within a single ordering system.
ii. Unified inventory management: Inventory levels are updated in real-time across all
sub-systems, reducing errors and overstocking.
iii. Enhanced customer experience: Customers can access their order history and
loyalty rewards across all sub-systems.
iv. Improved efficiency: Orders are routed to the appropriate department or service,
reducing manual processing and increasing fulfillment speed.

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 v. Data insights: The main ordering system can provide valuable insights into customer
behavior and ordering trends across multiple product categories.

By establishing a component-based relationship between ordering systems under a

supermarket's ordering system, businesses can create a seamless and integrated
ordering experience for their customers, while also improving operational efficiency
and data insights and accuracy in recording and reporting sales is vital for the
organization. The Nwakodi Supermarket is a growing retail establishment, with the
primary source of income coming from cash sales.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The current ordering system for our supermarket is cumbersome and inefficient,
leading to frustrated customers, lost sales, and increased operational costs. The system
lacks a user-friendly interface, resulting in:
i. Difficulty in finding products: Customers struggle to navigate the system and find
the products they need, leading to abandoned shopping carts and lost sales.
ii. Inaccurate orders: Customers often enter incorrect product quantities or select
wrong products, resulting in order errors and delays.
iii. Long wait times: Customers experience long wait times for order preparation and
pickup, leading to dissatisfaction and negative reviews.
iv. Inefficient order management: Store staff spend excessive time managing orders,
leading to increased labor costs and decreased productivity.
v. Limited payment options: The current system only accepts a limited number of
payment methods, causing inconvenience to customers.
vi. No real-time inventory updates: Inventory levels are not updated in real-time,
leading to stockouts and overstocking.
vii. No customer loyalty integration: The system does not integrate with our customer
loyalty program, missing opportunities to reward and retain customers.

Therefore, the design of a user-friendly ordering system that streamlines the ordering
process, reduces errors, and will enhances the overall customer experience, while also
improving operational efficiency and integrating with customer loyalty program.

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1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of this work is to design a User-friendly Ordering System that is an intuitive
and responsive interface that works seamlessly across various devices for Nwakodi
Supermarket to ascertain when to order for more goods, keep status and updates of
transactions, thereby helping managerial decisions, progress level and stock taking.
The objectives are:
i. To implement a robust search function and intuitive product selection process.
ii. To implement features to reduce order errors, such as product quantity validation and
order summaries.
iii. To integrate with the available inventory management system to provide real-time
updates and prevent stockouts and overstocking.
iv. To automate order processing and preparation to reduce wait times and labor costs.
v. To integrate various payment methods, including digital wallets and online banking.
vi. To integrate with customer’s loyalty program to reward and retain customers.

1.4 Significance of the Study

Computer programming is made for an intricate web of process and considering the
process undergone by programmers in developing software.
It is pertinent to note the various steps in developing a computer program. This
project is based on these procedures and emphasis on program design like User-
friendly ordering system for a supermarket. The application and future planning and
in keeping time on every situation is the objective for the design of this software also
for enjoyment in the time of relaxation which can serve as an educational tool.

The study of designing a user-friendly ordering system for a supermarket as is also

seen in its ability to:
i. Improved Customer Experience: A user-friendly ordering system can enhance the
overall shopping experience for customers, making it easier and more convenient for
them to place orders and manage their accounts.
ii. Increased Sales: By streamlining the ordering process and reducing errors, a user-
friendly ordering system can lead to increased sales and revenue for the supermarket.
iii. Enhanced Operational Efficiency: An efficient ordering system can automate many
tasks, reducing labor costs and improving productivity for store staff.

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 iv. Better Inventory Management: Real-time inventory updates and automated order
processing can help the supermarket manage inventory levels more effectively,
reducing stockouts and overstocking.
v. Competitive Advantage: A user-friendly ordering system can be a key differentiator
for the supermarket, setting it apart from competitors and attracting more customers.
vi. Customer Loyalty: By integrating with customer loyalty programs, a user-friendly
ordering system can help the supermarket retain customers and encourage repeat
business.
vii. Data Insights: The system can provide valuable data and insights on customer
behavior and ordering trends, helping the supermarket make informed decisions about
product offerings, marketing, and promotions.
viii. Reduced Errors: Automated order processing and validation can reduce errors and
inaccuracies, saving time and resources for the supermarket.
ix. Improved Staff Productivity: By automating routine tasks, staff can focus on more
value-added activities, improving overall productivity and job satisfaction.
x. Scalability: A user-friendly ordering system can easily scale up or down to meet
changing business needs, making it a flexible and adaptable solution for the
supermarket.

By investigating the design of a user-friendly ordering system for a supermarket, this

study can contribute to the development of more efficient, effective, and customer-
centric ordering systems, ultimately benefiting both the supermarket and its
customers.

1.4 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This research work is to develop a computer software based “user-friendly ordering
system for a supermarket”. The software development will be carried VB,
Dreamweaver to manage the both the database and at the same time make the
software and due to time and financial constraints, the software that is developed to
cover the activities of Nwakodi Supermarket, Lokoja, Kogi state.

It is commonly said that life is not a bed of rose and so, that the working out of this
project is certainly not an easy work, there were obstacles faced in getting things done

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 especially in the aspect of the programming and sourcing for material related to the
topic under study.

Due to the limited gathered to bring about a more beautiful and challenging software
were lost. I hereby suggest that an average of three month should be given to students
as lecture free in which the maximum effort could be put into the development of
more challenging project work instead of combing project work with lectures,
assignments, test and examination.
This project is helpful to computerize the item transaction, sales activity record
keeping which is a very huge task and maintaining the stock.

1.6 Definition of Key Terms

Acquiring Bank: This is a bank or financial institution that accepts payments for the
product or services on behalf of a Merchant.
ASP.NET: This is a powerful server side scripting language for creating dynamic and
interactive website.
Cash Receipt: This is a proof of purchase issued when the buyer has paid in cash.
This cash receipt form is perfect for any industry and can be provided as proof of
payment, or payment received. Cash receipts are the printed documents which are
issued each and every time cash is received for a specific service or good.
Cash Sales System: This occurs when a customer pays for goods or services
immediately upon delivery. No credit is extended by the seller. No account receivable
is created. Resulting revenue is posted immediately to an income account, regardless
of whether the business uses accrual or cash basis accounting.
Computer: This is an electro-mechanical device that is capable of accepting data as
inputs, stores it, processes the data and outputs it as result or information.
Credit Card: It is a payment mechanism that enables consumers to make their online
purchase.
Data: Data are raw facts which undergo processing and become information. They
are also the simplest unit of information that can stand on its own.
Digital Certificate: It is a certificate that enables a merchant to do on-line business
and it is been issued by a corporate body.

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Disbursement: This is the delivery of money from a fund. In business accounting, a
disbursement is a payment in cash during a specific time period and is recorded in the
general ledger of the business. A record of disbursements shows how the business is
spending cash over time.
Gateway: This is a device that connects two computer networks that cannot be
connected in any other way.
Hypertext Documents: They are documents written with HTML, ASP, ASP..NET,
PHP, JAVA SCRIPT PAGES (JSP), CODE FUSION, PROGRAMMING
LANGUAGES.
Internet: It is an interaction of computer networks connecting other networks from
computers, companies, houses etc.
Inventory Management System: This is a software system for tracking inventory
levels, orders, sales and deliveries. It can also be used in the manufacturing industry
to create a work order, bill of materials and other production-related documents
ISP: (Internet Service Provider):This is a company(s) that provides internet access to
homes or business users.
Merchant Account: It’s a contract under which an acquiring bank extends a line of
credit to a merchant who wishes to accept payment card association brand
MY SQL: This is relational database server that is ideal for both small and large
applications.
Online Shopping: This is the buying and selling of products through the internet or
web.
Online Supermarket: It is representation of material or real shop on the internet or
on the web.
Ordering System: These are the "mechanical" part of inventory management.
They're the programs that take our forecasts, actual orders, safety stock, and, and
order quantities, and turn them into purchase orders or production orders
Performance: This as the action or process of carrying out or accomplishing an
action, task, or function.
Program: A program is a sequence of instructions written in a computer to execute a
certain task and solve a problem. A program must possess clarity, be specific,
effective and user friendly.

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Supermarket: Is a self-service shop offering a wide variety of food, beverages and
household products, organized into sections. This kind of store is larger and has a
wider selection than earlier grocery stores, but is smaller and more limited in the
range of merchandise than a hypermarket or big-box market
User-Friendly: Easy to learn, use, understand, or deal with. user-friendly software.
Also: agreeable, appealing. a user-friendly atmosphere. If you describe something
such as a machine or system as user-friendly, you mean that it is well designed and
easy to use
www (World Wide Web): It is a multimedia interface that connects us to resources
such as documents, e-mails, chat, web sites that are available on the internet with the
computer.