FACULTY OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING

AND COMPUTING
School of Computer Science & Mathematics
BSc DEGREE
IN

Software Engineering
PROJECT INTERIM REPORT

Name: Stenislaus Brendon Joel

ID Number: 00174082

Project Title: University Placement Platform (UPP)

Project Type: Build

Date: July 16, 2023

Supervisor: Sampa Withanachchi

Did you discuss and agree the viability of your project idea with your supervisor?

Did you submit a draft of your proposal to your supervisor? Yes

Did you receive feedback from your supervisor on any submitted draft? Yes

Abstract

1
The web-based garage management system that acts as a full online management tool for
controlling several areas of garage operations. It shows the functionality of the system, such
as scheduling appointments, managing inventories, managing work orders, billing and
invoicing, and doing financial reporting and analysis. The system's centralization of data and
accessibility from any location with an internet connection facilitate better performance
tracking and informed decision-making. The summary highlights the significance of
functions like automatic appointment reminders, real-time inventory tracking with low-stock
warnings, effective work order administration, automated invoicing, and financial reporting
for revenue, expenditure, and profitability analysis. The web-based Garage Management
System's goal is to give garage managers and owners a complete solution that will let them
effectively manage every side of their business. In the end, the abstract highlights how the
web-based Garage Management System improves productivity, lowers mistakes, and
improves customer satisfaction, which promotes business development and greater
profitability.

2
Contents

Introduction & Literature Review.....................................................................................................4

Introduction.........................................................................................................................................4
Background and Motivation...............................................................................................................4
Problem in Brief..................................................................................................................................5
Aims and Objectives............................................................................................................................5
Aims......................................................................................................................................................5
Objectives.............................................................................................................................................6
Scope and Deliverables........................................................................................................................6
Literature Review................................................................................................................................7
Legal.....................................................................................................................................................8
Ethical...................................................................................................................................................8
Societal.................................................................................................................................................9
Safety Issues.........................................................................................................................................9
Analysis..............................................................................................................................................10
Functional Requirements..................................................................................................................10
SWOT Analysis..................................................................................................................................11
Use Case Diagram..............................................................................................................................12
Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD)................................................................................................14
Product Implementation...................................................................................................................16
Selected Methodology........................................................................................................................16
Libraries and Functions....................................................................................................................17
Coding Issues.....................................................................................................................................18
Coding Principles...............................................................................................................................19
Selected Technologies........................................................................................................................21
Validation...........................................................................................................................................22
Test Strategy......................................................................................................................................22
Critical Review and Conclusion.......................................................................................................25
Reference............................................................................................................................................27

3
List of Figures

Figure 1 Use Case Diagram..................................................................................................................14

Figure 2 ER Diagram............................................................................................................................16

List of Tables

Table 1 Swot Analysis..........................................................................................................................13

Table 2 SWOT Analysis........................................................................................................................13
Table 3 Technologies...........................................................................................................................22

4
Introduction & Literature Review

Introduction
The effective management of garage operations is essential for the success and profitability
of automotive firms in the modern digital era. A web-based garage management system
provides a comprehensive solution that enables managers and owners of garages to use the
internet to streamline their business processes. This solution transforms the way garages
conduct critical duties including appointment scheduling, inventory management, work order
tracking, billing and invoicing, and financial reporting and analysis by utilizing cutting-edge
technology.

Accessibility is one of the main benefits of a web-based garage management system. Garage
managers and owners may easily use the system from any location with just an internet
connection, doing away with the need to physically be present at the garage. They may
effectively run their firm regardless of whether they are working locally or remotely thanks to
this flexibility. In addition, the system offers a centralized platform that acts as a hub for the
storage and retrieval of all crucial information pertaining to garage operations. This
centralized method makes it easier to evaluate performance and analyze data, enabling garage
managers and owners to make choices based on accurate and recent information.

Background and Motivation

Garage owners and managers must effectively manage a variety of operational activities in
the dynamic and competitive environment that the vehicle repair sector works in. Traditional
manual methods can produce mistakes, inefficiencies, and difficulties retrieving vital
information. Therefore, the development of a web-based garage management system offers a
complete remedy to get over these constraints.

The need to improve convenience and streamline operations led to the implementation of a
web-based garage management system. With internet connectivity, garage managers and
owners may efficiently run their businesses from any place, increasing productivity and
flexibility. The system's unified platform makes data storage and retrieval simple, making it
possible to track performance and make well-informed decisions.

5
Problem in Brief
Before the development of a web-based garage management system, managers and owners
had a number of difficulties running their businesses effectively. The difficulty in arranging
and organizing appointments was one of the biggest issues. Customers had to phone or visit
the garage in person to make an appointment before there was a system in place, which
increased the risk of missed calls or multiple reservations.

Management of the inventory posed another difficulty. Garage owners and managers were
forced to rely on manual ways to keep track of stock levels and order parts and supplies in the
absence of a centralized system. Stock shortages or overstocking might occur from this,
driving up prices and inefficiencies.

The administration of work orders was a considerable difficulty for managers and owners of
garages. Managers had to manually write work orders and allocate jobs to mechanics in the
absence of a system to handle work orders. This method was labor-intensive and frequently
prone to mistakes, which might cause delays and client annoyance.

Additionally difficult for managers and owners of garages were billing and invoicing.
Without an automated system, invoices had to be manually prepared, which took time and
was error-prone. Delays in payments and a decline in customer satisfaction could follow from
this.

Finally, without a centralized system to manage income, costs, and profitability, financial
reporting and analysis were difficult. This made it challenging for managers and owners of
garages to decide on pricing, inventory management, and resource allocation.

In conclusion, the absence of a web-based garage management system made it challenging

for managers and owners to effectively run their businesses. Without a single system in place,
it was difficult to handle appointments, inventories, work orders, billing and invoicing, and
financial reporting and analysis.

6
Aim and Objectives

Aim
The main aim of a Comprehensive Garage Management System is to streamline and optimize
all aspects of a garage or auto repair shop, improving productivity, customer satisfaction, and
profitability.

Objectives
 Providing a centralized platform for managing all garage operations online.
 Streamlining scheduling and appointment management processes.
 Optimizing inventory management through real-time tracking and automatic alerts.
 Automating work order management processes, from creation to completion.
 Enhancing billing and invoicing processes for increased accuracy and efficiency.
 Providing financial reporting and analysis for informed decision-making.
 Improving overall customer experience through online appointment scheduling and
real-time repair updates.
 Increasing productivity and reducing errors through automation and streamlined
processes.

Scope and Deliverables

The scope of the web-based Garage Management System encompasses all aspects of garage
operations, offering a comprehensive solution for managing various processes online. This
includes but is not limited to:

1. Appointment Scheduling: The system enables customers to book appointments online,

automatically updating the garage's schedule and sending reminders to reduce no-
shows and cancellations.
2. Inventory Management: Real-time tracking of inventory levels and automatic alerts
for low stock ensure that the garage always has the necessary parts and supplies
available.
3. Work Order Management: Garage managers can create work orders, assign tasks to
mechanics, and track the status of repairs in real-time, optimizing resource allocation
and ensuring timely completion.

7
 4. Billing and Invoicing: The system generates invoices automatically based on
completed work orders, streamlining the billing process and reducing errors. Invoices
can be sent to customers via email.
5. Financial Reporting and Analysis: The system provides comprehensive financial
reporting and analysis, allowing garage owners and managers to track revenue,
expenses, and profitability, aiding in informed decision-making.

Literature Review
Due to its potential to streamline operations and increase efficiency for garage owners and
managers, the installation of web-based Garage Management Systems has received
considerable attention in recent literature. It is well known that the system is capable of
managing many different operations, including appointment scheduling, inventory
management, work order tracking, billing and invoicing, and financial reporting and analysis.

The influence of real-time tracking and automated notifications for low stock levels on
service delivery has been highlighted in study on inventory management skills. It has been
demonstrated that having the required components and supplies on hand may reduce delays
and boost overall operational effectiveness.

Functionalities for work order administration have been deemed essential for effective garage
operations. Customer satisfaction has been found to increase with real-time monitoring of
repair statuses and job assignments since it allows for efficient resource allocation and
prompt repair completion.

Billing and invoicing processes have seen substantial improvement through web-based
Garage Management Systems. The automated generation of invoices based on completed
work orders and the ability to send them electronically has led to reduced errors, improved
efficiency, and enhanced financial management.

The inclusion of financial reporting and analysis tools within these systems has been
recognized as valuable for garage owners and managers. The ability to track revenue,
expenses, and profitability supports data-driven decision-making, allowing for informed
choices in inventory management, pricing strategies, and resource allocation.

In conclusion, the research underlines that web-based garage management systems provide an
all-inclusive response to the problems encountered by managers and owners of garages. It has

8
been recognized that the system's capacity to improve customer satisfaction, decrease
mistakes, and streamline processes is crucial for promoting business expansion and
profitability in the car repair sector. To examine the long-term effects and advantages of
deploying such systems, more investigation and case studies are required.

Legal
Although a web-based garage management system makes operations more convenient and
effective, it's necessary to take legal considerations into account. When managing sensitive
consumer information, compliance with data protection and privacy legislation, such as
GDPR, is essential. Well-written user agreements and terms of service provide conflict
resolution procedures and safeguard the interests of all parties. Protection of intellectual
property rights is necessary, as is adherence to industry rules, financial rules for online
payments, and accessibility requirements. An appropriate legal conclusion is ensured by
clearly specifying jurisdiction and the applicable statute. Legal counsel should be sought to
assure compliance and reduce legal risks.

Ethical
The ethical considerations in the scenario of a web-based Garage Management System lie
primarily in data privacy and security, as well as ensuring fair and transparent practices. As
the system collects and stores sensitive customer and financial information, it must prioritize
protecting this data from unauthorized access or misuse. Strong encryption, secure servers,
and regular security audits should be implemented to safeguard customer privacy.

Transparency is crucial in terms of how customer data is used and shared. Garage owners and
managers should provide clear information about data collection, storage, and potential third-
party access. Obtaining explicit consent from customers and allowing them to opt out of
certain data processing activities is essential.

Additionally, the system should ensure fair treatment of employees and mechanics.
Transparent task allocation and fair work order assignment processes should be in place,
avoiding favoritism or discrimination. The system should not be used to exploit workers or
engage in unethical practices such as overcharging or unnecessary repairs.

9
Lastly, the system's pricing and invoicing should be transparent and accurate. There should
be no hidden fees or deceptive practices that mislead customers. The system should generate
invoices that reflect the actual services provided, and any discrepancies or billing errors
should be promptly resolved.

By prioritizing data privacy, security, transparency, and fair practices, the web-based Garage
Management System can uphold ethical standards while delivering its intended benefits to
garage owners, managers, mechanics, and customers.

Societal
The societal impact of a web-based Garage Management System is significant. By digitizing
and streamlining various processes, the system contributes to increased productivity and
efficiency in the garage industry. This translates to faster service, reduced waiting times, and
improved customer satisfaction.

Moreover, the system's ability to provide real-time inventory tracking helps minimize delays
caused by stock shortages, ensuring prompt repairs and maintenance. This enhances the
overall reliability and quality of services offered by garages.

Furthermore, the convenience of online appointment scheduling and automated reminders

benefits both customers and garages. Customers can easily book appointments at their
convenience, while garages can better manage their schedules, reducing idle time and
optimizing resource allocation.

The system's financial reporting and analysis features empower garage owners and managers
to make informed decisions. They can monitor revenue, expenses, and profitability, enabling
them to optimize pricing strategies, inventory management, and resource allocation. This, in
turn, contributes to the sustainability and growth of garage businesses.

Overall, the web-based Garage Management System not only enhances operational efficiency
but also improves the customer experience, fosters productivity, and drives economic growth
within the garage industry.

Safety Issues
While a web-based Garage Management System offers numerous benefits, there are certain
safety concerns that need to be addressed. One potential issue is data security. As the system
stores sensitive customer and financial information, it is essential to implement robust

10
security measures to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. This includes
encryption, strong authentication protocols, and regular security updates.

Another safety consideration is the reliability of the system itself. Garages heavily rely on the
management system for scheduling, inventory tracking, and work order management.
Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the system is stable, with minimal downtime and the
ability to handle high volumes of data and user traffic.

Additionally, user training and awareness are essential to prevent human errors that could
compromise safety. Proper training should be provided to garage staff to ensure they
understand the system's functionalities, adhere to security protocols, and handle customer
data responsibly.

Lastly, regular system backups and disaster recovery plans should be in place to mitigate the
risk of data loss in the event of system failures, natural disasters, or other unforeseen
circumstances.

By addressing these safety concerns, the web-based Garage Management System can provide
a secure and reliable platform for garage operations, ensuring the protection of customer data
and the smooth functioning of essential processes.

Analysis
The web-based Garage Management System offers a comprehensive solution for efficient
garage operations. It simplifies processes, such as appointment scheduling, inventory
management, work order tracking, billing, and financial analysis. The system's accessibility
from anywhere with an internet connection enhances convenience and flexibility for garage
owners and managers. By automating tasks and providing real-time information, it improves
resource allocation, reduces errors, and enhances customer experience. The system's
centralized platform ensures easy data access and empowers informed decision-making.
Overall, the web-based Garage Management System optimizes operations, enhances
efficiency, and contributes to business growth and profitability in the garage industry.

Functional Requirements
The functional requirements for the web-based Garage Management System are as follows:

11
 1. Appointment Scheduling: The system should allow customers to book appointments
online and automatically update the garage's schedule accordingly. It should also send
automated reminders to reduce no-shows and cancellations.
2. Inventory Management: The system needs to track inventory levels in real-time and
send alerts when stock levels are low. It should ensure that the garage has sufficient
parts and supplies for repairs and maintenance.
3. Work Order Management: The system should enable garage managers to create work
orders, assign tasks to mechanics, and track the status of repairs in real-time. This
facilitates efficient resource allocation and ensures timely completion of repairs.
4. Billing and Invoicing: The system should generate invoices automatically based on
completed work orders and send them to customers via email. It should eliminate the
need for manual invoicing, reducing errors and improving efficiency.
5. Financial Reporting and Analysis: The system should provide comprehensive
financial reporting and analysis capabilities. This includes tracking revenue, expenses,
and profitability, enabling informed decisions on inventory management, pricing, and
resource allocation.
6. Accessibility and Centralized Data Storage: The system should be web-based,
allowing garage owners and managers to access it from anywhere with an internet
connection. It should provide a centralized platform for storing and accessing all data
related to garage operations.

By meeting these functional requirements, the web-based Garage Management System can
effectively streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and improve decision-making in the
garage industry.

SWOT Analysis
SWOT Analysis for a web-based Garage Management System:

Strengths Weaknesses
Centralized data storage Potential for system vulnerabilities
Convenience and accessibility Dependency on stable internet connection
Learning curve for users unfamiliar with
Streamlined processes and efficiency
web-based systems
Improved resource allocation Potential for technical glitches
Real-time inventory tracking
Automated appointment reminders
Efficient work order management

12
 Streamlined billing and invoicing
Financial reporting and analysis
Table 1 Swot Analysis

Opportunities Threats
Competition from other Garage Management
Market demand for digital solutions
Systems
Scalability and potential for growth Data security and privacy concerns
Technological advancements and evolving
Integration with other software
industry standards
Resistance to change from traditional garage
Continuous improvement and updates
management methods
Enhanced customer experience
Cost savings from automation
Table 2 SWOT Analysis

By analyzing the SWOT factors, the author can identify the strengths and weaknesses of the
web-based Garage Management System, leverage opportunities, and address potential threats,
enabling them to make informed decisions about implementing and utilizing the system
effectively.

Use Case Diagram

A use case diagram is a graphical representation that shows how users or other actors interact
with a system under inspection. It demonstrates the many use cases, or features, of the system
and the roles that players play in them. Use case diagrams assist stakeholders understand the
system's functionality and interactions with various users or external entities by illustrating
the system's needs and provide a high-level picture of the system's behavior.

13
Figure 1 Use Case Diagram

These use cases represent the main functionalities of the garage management system,
enabling the actors to perform their respective tasks and manage the garage operations
efficiently.

14
Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD)
The relationships between various entities in a database system are shown visually in an
entity-relationship diagram (ERD). It displays the logical organization of a database by
dividing things into rectangles and relationships into lines. Each entity, such as a client,
product, or order, represents a particular thing or idea, and is distinguished by attributes that
specify its characteristics.

15
Figure 2 ER Diagram

16
Product Implementation

Selected Methodology
The appropriate methodology would be a lightweight and flexible approach, such as Agile
Kanban for the web-based Garage Management System.

Kanban is a visual management method that emphasizes continuous delivery, efficiency, and
minimizing work in progress. It focuses on organizing and prioritizing tasks on a Kanban
board, which provides a clear visualization of the workflow.

In this case, the Kanban board can have columns representing different stages of the
development process, such as "Backlog," "To Do," "In Progress," "Testing," and
"Completed." Each column contains tasks or user stories that need to be completed.

The functionalities mentioned in the scenario can be broken down into specific tasks or user
stories, such as:

1. Implement appointment scheduling feature

2. Develop inventory tracking and low stock alert system
3. Create work order management functionality
4. Implement automated billing and invoicing system
5. Develop financial reporting and analysis module

The author can pick a task from the backlog and move it to the "To Do" column. Once the
author start working on a task, the author moves it to the "In Progress" column. When task is
completed, move it to the "Testing" column, where the author can conduct testing and ensure
the feature works as expected. Finally, when a task is thoroughly tested and validated, it can
be moved to the "Completed" column.

Priorities may be managed more flexibly with the Kanban method. The author may evaluate
the difficulty and interdependencies of projects, then select the ones to work on depending on
the knowledge and free time. In order to adapt to adjustments and requirements as they come
up, the author may also add new tasks or edit current ones as necessary.

Overall, Agile Kanban is a suitable methodology for a single developer working on the web-
based Garage Management System. It allows for flexibility, visualizes the workflow, and
promotes continuous delivery while adapting to changing needs and priorities

17
Libraries and Functions
Front-end Development:

 HTML, CSS, and JavaScript: These are the foundational web technologies used to
create the user interface and client-side functionality.
 React or Vue.js: These JavaScript libraries can help you build dynamic and interactive
user interfaces.
 Bootstrap or Tailwind CSS: These CSS frameworks offer pre-designed components
and styles to enhance the UI development process.

Back-end Development:

 Node.js: A JavaScript runtime environment that allows you to run JavaScript on the
server-side.
 Express.js: A popular web application framework for Node.js that simplifies routing,
request handling, and middleware management.
 MongoDB: A NoSQL database for storing and retrieving data related to garage
operations.
 Mongoose: An Object Data Modeling (ODM) library for MongoDB that simplifies
data manipulation and validation.

Authentication and Authorization:

 Passport.js: A versatile authentication library that supports various authentication

strategies such as username/password, OAuth, and JWT.
 JSON Web Tokens (JWT): A standard for securely transmitting information between
parties as JSON objects.

Real-time Communication:

 Socket.IO: A library that enables real-time bidirectional communication between the

server and clients, useful for features like live status updates.

Task Management:

 Trello or JIRA: Project management tools that can help you organize and track tasks,
user stories, and progress.

18
Email Sending:

 Nodemailer: A library for sending emails from your application, allowing you to
automate reminders, invoices, and other email communications.

Data Visualization and Reporting:

 Chart.js or D3.js: JavaScript libraries for creating interactive and visually appealing
charts and graphs to represent financial reports and analysis.

Coding Issues
The author may encounter various coding issues throughout the development process while
working on the web-based Garage Management System. Here are some common challenges
you may face:

1. Database Design: Designing an efficient and scalable database schema to store and
retrieve data related to appointments, inventory, work orders, invoices, and financial
information can be complex. Ensuring proper normalization, defining relationships,
and optimizing queries are critical for system performance.
2. Security: Implementing robust security measures to protect user data, prevent
unauthorized access, and defend against common vulnerabilities such as SQL
injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). Properly handling authentication and
authorization is crucial to protect sensitive information.
3. User Interface Design: Creating an intuitive and user-friendly interface that
accommodates the needs of different actors (Garage owner, manager, mechanic, and
customer) may require thoughtful design and usability considerations. Balancing
aesthetics with functionality and responsiveness is essential.
4. Integration of Functionality: Integrating various functionalities like appointment
scheduling, inventory management, work order management, billing, and financial
reporting can be challenging. Ensuring smooth communication between different
modules and data consistency is crucial.
5. Real-time Updates: Implementing real-time updates for appointment scheduling, work
order statuses, and inventory levels requires knowledge of technologies such as
WebSockets or server-sent events to provide seamless and immediate feedback to
users.

19
 6. Error Handling: Implementing robust error handling and validation mechanisms to
gracefully handle unexpected situations, such as invalid inputs, network errors, or
database failures. Proper error logging and reporting can aid in debugging and
maintaining the system.
7. Performance Optimization: Optimizing system performance and responsiveness,
especially when dealing with large datasets or complex queries. Caching, query
optimization, and efficient use of server resources are important considerations.
8. Testing and Quality Assurance: Ensuring the system works as intended by conducting
thorough testing, including unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance
testing. Implementing automated testing and setting up a testing environment can help
catch bugs and ensure stability.
9. Documentation: Creating clear and comprehensive documentation, including code
documentation, user guides, and API documentation. Good documentation enables
easier maintenance, troubleshooting, and collaboration with future developers or
stakeholders.
10. Scalability and Maintenance: Designing the system with scalability in mind to
accommodate growing data and user load. Additionally, establishing a maintenance
plan, including version control, bug fixes, and regular updates, is crucial for the long-
term success of the system.

These coding issues are common challenges faced during the development of a Garage
Management System. However, with proper planning, organization, and problem-solving
skills, the author can overcome these hurdles and deliver a robust and effective solution.

Coding Principles
When developing the Garage Management System, there are several coding principles that
should be considered to ensure the system is well-designed, maintainable, and scalable. Here
are some key coding principles to follow:

1. Modularity: Design the system with modular components, where each module has a
clear responsibility and can be developed, tested, and maintained independently. This
promotes code reusability and makes it easier to understand and modify specific parts
of the system.

20
2. Separation of Concerns: Ensure that each component or class focuses on a single
responsibility. This principle helps in organizing code, reducing complexity, and
improving maintainability.
3. Code Reusability: Identify common functionalities and extract them into reusable
functions, classes, or libraries. This approach promotes cleaner code, reduces
duplication, and makes future enhancements and modifications more efficient.
4. Consistent and Meaningful Naming: Use clear and meaningful names for variables,
functions, classes, and files to enhance code readability and understandability.
Consistency in naming conventions across the project ensures a unified and coherent
codebase.
5. Encapsulation: Encapsulate data and functionality within classes or modules,
exposing only necessary interfaces or APIs. This principle helps in enforcing data
integrity, reducing dependencies, and providing a clear separation of concerns.
6. Single Responsibility Principle (SRP): Each class or function should have a single
responsibility. By adhering to SRP, it becomes easier to understand, test, and maintain
code, as well as identify and address potential bugs.
7. Don't Repeat Yourself (DRY): Avoid code duplication by extracting common
functionality into reusable functions or modules. DRY principle reduces code
complexity, improves maintainability, and makes it easier to update or modify shared
logic.
8. Error Handling and Validation: Implement proper error handling and validation
mechanisms to handle exceptions and unexpected inputs. Validate user inputs and
provide informative error messages to guide users and prevent system vulnerabilities.
9. Documentation: Document your code, including inline comments, function and class
descriptions, and usage examples. Well-documented code helps other developers
understand your codebase and facilitates collaboration and maintenance.
10. Testing: Implement unit tests, integration tests, and other relevant testing
methodologies to ensure the correctness and stability of the system. Automated testing
helps catch bugs early, reduces the risk of regression, and facilitates future code
changes.
11. Performance Optimization: Optimize critical parts of the system by analyzing and
improving algorithms, reducing unnecessary computations, and optimizing database
queries. Performance optimizations should be based on profiling and benchmarking to
ensure effectiveness.
21
 12. Version Control: Utilize a version control system like Git to track changes, maintain
different branches, and facilitate collaboration with other developers. Version control
allows you to roll back changes, experiment with new features, and manage the
codebase effectively.

The author will be able to build a well-organized, maintainable, and scalable Garage
Management System by adhering to these coding best practices. The codebase will also be
regularly reviewed and refactored in accordance with best practices, ensuring that the system
is resilient and adaptive over time.

Selected Technologies
The web-based Garage Management System's homepage might be created using the
following table of technologies:

Technology Description
HTML A markup language used to create the structure and content of web pages.
A stylesheet language used to describe the presentation of web pages, including
CSS layout and styling.
A programming language used to add interactive features to web pages, such as
JavaScript form validation.
A server-side scripting language used to process and manipulate data submitted
PHP through web forms.
A relational database management system used to store and manage data
MySQL related to garage operations.
A front-end framework used to create responsive and mobile-friendly web
Bootstrap pages.
A JavaScript library used to simplify the implementation of common web page
jQuery features and effects.
A technique used to send and receive data from a server without requiring a
AJAX page refresh.
Table 3 Technologies

These technologies might be utilized to create a web-based garage management system that is
user-friendly, responsive, and satisfies managers' and owners' expectations.

22
Validation

Test Strategy
To ensure the quality and reliability of the Garage Management System, various test
strategies can be employed. Here are some test strategies that can be applied to the system:

1. Functional Testing:
 Test the functionalities of the system to ensure they work as intended. This includes
testing appointment scheduling, inventory management, work order management,
billing and invoicing, and financial reporting and analysis features.
 Verify that customers can book appointments, reminders are sent, inventory levels are
updated correctly, work orders are created and tracked accurately, invoices are
generated and emailed properly, and financial reports provide accurate information.
2. Usability Testing:
 Evaluate the user interface and overall user experience to ensure that the system is
intuitive, easy to navigate, and meets the needs of the garage owners, managers,
mechanics, and customers.
 Test various user scenarios to ensure that users can easily perform tasks such as
booking appointments, managing inventory, creating work orders, and accessing
financial reports.
3. Performance Testing:
 Test the system's performance to ensure it can handle the expected load and respond
efficiently under normal and peak usage conditions.
 Perform load testing to determine how the system handles simultaneous requests,
stress testing to assess its performance under extreme conditions, and scalability
testing to verify that it can handle increasing amounts of data and users.
4. Security Testing:
 Conduct security testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities and ensure
the system protects sensitive data.
 Perform penetration testing to simulate potential attacks and verify the effectiveness
of security measures, such as authentication, authorization, and data encryption.
5. Integration Testing:
 Test the integration of different system modules to ensure they work together
seamlessly. Verify that data flows correctly between appointment scheduling,

23
 inventory management, work order management, billing, and financial reporting
features.
 Test the integration of external systems or APIs, such as email services for sending
reminders and invoices.
6. Data Validation and Integrity Testing:
 Validate data inputs and verify that the system handles invalid or unexpected data
gracefully, preventing errors or data corruption.
 Test the accuracy and integrity of data stored in the system, such as appointment
details, inventory levels, work order statuses, and financial reports.
7. Regression Testing:
 Perform regression testing to ensure that new feature implementations or bug fixes do
not introduce unintended side effects or break existing functionalities.
 Re-run previously executed tests to verify that the system still works as expected after
modifications.
8. User Acceptance Testing (UAT):
 Involve actual users, such as garage owners, managers, mechanics, and customers, to
perform UAT and provide feedback on the system's usability, functionality, and
overall satisfaction.
 Use their feedback to make necessary improvements and ensure the system meets
their requirements and expectations.
9. Continuous Testing and Automation:
 Implement automated testing, such as unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests,
to ensure that critical functionalities and workflows are consistently tested with each
code change.
 Set up a continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline to automate
the testing and deployment process, enabling faster and more reliable releases.
10. Documentation and Test Reporting:
 Document test plans, test cases, and test results to provide a clear overview of the
testing process and outcomes.
 Generate comprehensive test reports that outline the test coverage, identified issues,
and their resolutions, serving as a reference for future maintenance and improvement.

24
By applying these test strategies, it can be ensured that the Garage Management System
functions correctly, performs well, and meets the expectations of its users, resulting in a
reliable and high-quality system.

25
Critical Review and Conclusion
The web-based Garage Management System presented in this document is a comprehensive
solution designed to empower garage owners and managers to efficiently oversee all aspects
of their operations. By harnessing the power of technology, this system streamlines essential
processes such as appointment scheduling, inventory management, work order tracking,
billing and invoicing, and financial reporting and analysis.

The system's accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection provides unparalleled
convenience, allowing garage owners and managers to monitor and manage their business
remotely. By centralizing all data related to garage operations, the system ensures easy access
to critical information, enabling informed decision-making and the ability to track
performance effectively.

The appointment scheduling feature is a cornerstone of the Garage Management System.

Customers can conveniently book appointments online, and the system automatically updates
the garage's schedule, keeping it synchronized with new bookings. Furthermore, the system
leverages automated reminders to reduce no-shows and cancellations, improving overall
customer satisfaction and maximizing productivity.

Efficient inventory management is another vital aspect of the system. By continuously

tracking inventory levels in real-time, the system ensures that the garage is well-equipped
with the necessary parts and supplies for repairs and maintenance tasks. Automatic alerts are
generated when stock levels run low, facilitating timely restocking and minimizing
operational disruptions.

Work order management functionality enables garage managers to create work orders, assign
tasks to mechanics, and monitor the status of repairs in real-time. This feature optimizes
resource allocation, allowing for the completion of repairs in a timely manner. By
streamlining work order processes, the system enhances productivity, reduces turnaround
time, and increases customer satisfaction.

Billing and invoicing are seamlessly integrated into the system, eliminating manual invoicing
processes and reducing errors. The system automatically generates invoices based on
completed work orders, and they can be easily sent to customers via email. This automation
enhances efficiency, ensures accuracy, and expedites payment cycles.

26
The financial reporting and analysis capabilities of the system provide invaluable insights
into the garage's performance. By tracking revenue, expenses, and profitability, garage
owners and managers can make data-driven decisions regarding inventory management,
pricing strategies, and resource allocation. This comprehensive view empowers them to
optimize business operations, enhance profitability, and drive sustainable growth.

To develop the Garage Management System, a selection of appropriate technologies is

recommended. These technologies include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React or Vue.js for
front-end development, Node.js and Express.js for back-end development, MongoDB as the
database, and additional libraries such as Passport.js, Socket.IO, and Nodemailer for
authentication, real-time communication, and email sending functionalities, respectively.
Testing frameworks like Jest or Mocha can be utilized for automated testing, ensuring the
system's quality and reliability.

In conclusion, the web-based Garage Management System offers a powerful and

comprehensive solution for garage owners and managers to streamline their operations. By
optimizing processes such as appointment scheduling, inventory management, work order
tracking, billing and invoicing, and financial reporting, the system enhances efficiency,
reduces errors, and improves the overall customer experience. This centralized platform
equips garage owners and managers with the tools necessary to make informed decisions,
maximize productivity, and drive business growth and profitability. With its user-friendly
interface and robust functionalities, the Garage Management System stands as an invaluable
asset for the modern garage industry.

Gannt Chart
1-Feb 23-Mar 12-May 1-Jul 20-Aug 9-Oct 28-Nov

1.Planning

2. Design

3. Development

4. Testing

5. Documentation

Start

27
Reference
BITLAW (2022). WEB SITE LEGAL ISSUES [Online] Available at:
https://www.bitlaw.com/internet/webpage.html [Accessed on 1 July, 2023].

R. Morten (2018). Using Ethics In Web Design [Online] Available at:

https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2018/03/using-ethics-in-web-design/ [Accessed on 11
July, 2023].

Fortinet (2018). What are the common web security threats? [Online] Available at:
https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/web-security-threats#:~:text=The%20most
%20common%20web%20security,viruses%2C%20worms%2C%20and%20spyware.
[Accessed on 11 July, 2023].

28