Smart Canteen Management System
Team
- E20084, Dissanayake P.D., e20084@eng.pdn.ac.lk
- E20121, Gunasinha H.P.M.S., e20121@eng.pdn.ac.lk
- E20259, Munasinghe S.L., e20259@eng.pdn.ac.lk
- E20376, Shyamantha R.M.M., e20376@eng.pdn.ac.lk
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Solution Architecture
- Hardware & Software Designs
- Testing
- Detailed Budget
- Conclusion
- Links
Introduction
The Smart Canteen Management System is designed to optimize cafeteria operations by integrating modern technologies that streamline both user experience and administrative tasks. This system focuses on improving efficiency by reducing congestion, automating food orders, and providing seamless cashless transactions. Key features include an automated ordering system, digital menu display, mobile and web-based interfaces, and a comprehensive payment integration system, allowing for a smooth and secure customer experience.
By eliminating physical queues and incorporating data-driven reporting and analytics, the project aligns with the growing need for digital transformation in foodservice establishments. It provides the opportunity to modernize the conventional canteen and boost operational efficiency in the process.
Solution Architecture
The solution architecture for the Smart Canteen Management System includes the following components:
- Frontend: User interface developed using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP, designed to enable customers to browse menus, place orders, and make payments securely.
- Backend: A server-side system to manage orders, inventory, user data, and generate reports, ensuring smooth integration between all components.
- Payment Gateway Integration: Secure and real-time processing of payments using online payment systems such as debit/credit cards and digital wallets.
- Inventory Management System: Real-time stock tracking and automatic reorder system to ensure consistent availability of ingredients and supplies.
- Mobile & Web Apps: Customer-facing apps for ordering and management, accessible via smartphones and desktops.
- Security Layer: SSL/TLS encryption to secure all communications, protecting sensitive data such as payment and personal information.
A high-level diagram will be included here to illustrate the relationship between these components.
Hardware and Software Designs
The hardware and software designs encompass various modules, including:
- Web Interface Design: Clean and user-friendly layout for both desktop and mobile versions.
- Mobile App Design: Easy navigation with features like order tracking, push notifications for order status, and loyalty program management.
- Embedded Systems: Use of Arduino for inventory sensors and IoT-based devices for stock monitoring and control.
- Database Design: Efficient relational database setup using MySQL or PostgreSQL to handle customer, order, and inventory data.
These designs ensure the project’s scalability and efficient operation.
Testing
Hardware Testing:
- Sensor Accuracy: Testing of the IoT-based sensors for inventory tracking to ensure they provide real-time data without discrepancies.
- Device Interfacing: Ensuring smooth communication between hardware components (e.g., inventory sensors, food dispensers) and the backend system.
Software Testing:
- Unit Testing: Comprehensive unit tests for both frontend and backend modules to verify that each component functions as expected.
- Integration Testing: Ensuring that all modules interact seamlessly, including payment gateway integration, user login, and order processing.
- Performance Testing: Load testing to ensure the system can handle high traffic and multiple concurrent users without degradation in performance.
Results:
- Successful integration of both hardware and software components.
- Positive feedback on user experience from internal testing.
Detailed Budget
The budget for the project includes all hardware, software, and operational costs involved in the development and deployment of the Smart Canteen Management System. Below is a breakdown of the estimated costs:
| Item | Quantity | Unit Cost (LKR) | Total Cost (LKR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 3B+ | 1 | 11,800.00 | 11,800.00 |
| Touch Display | 1 | 13,000.00 | 13,000.00 |
| Raspberry Pi 3B Camera Module | 1 | 1,400.00 | 1,400.00 |
| Fingerprint Scanner | 1 | 3,480.00 | 3,480.00 |
| RFID Scanner and Reader | 1 | 2,900.00 | 2,900.00 |
| Other Expenses (NumberPad, Case) | 1 | 6,000.00 | 6,000.00 |
Total Budget: 38,580.00 LKR
This budget allocation covers all necessary components for hardware implementation, including the Raspberry Pi unit, display, camera module, fingerprint scanner, RFID scanner, and miscellaneous expenses for accessories like the number pad and case.
This budget ensures the efficient allocation of resources for the development, deployment, and maintenance of the system. It also includes a provision for marketing to raise awareness about the system.
Conclusion
The Smart Canteen Management System achieves its objective of increasing operational efficiency in cafeterias by automating key processes. Future developments will include adding features like AI-based demand forecasting, integration with other cafeteria management tools, and expanding payment options. We also envision scaling the system for large-scale commercial use, which would include multi-canteen operations and analytics-driven optimization for better resource management.
This project also lays the foundation for future commercialization, where it could be marketed to schools, universities, and other institutions looking to modernize their cafeteria services.