computing final)

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Computing Project Page 1

Computing

Project

March 26th (Version 8 Final

Draft)

2012My project documentation including: Analysis, Investigation, Design,Testing, Software Development, Evidence of modification, UserDocumentation and EvaluationScott James Bell Producing a solution for Anchor Supplies


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Table of Contents

DEFINITION OF TASK .................................................................................................................................... 5

INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................................... 5

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS .................................................................................................................................................. 5INITIAL BRIEF ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM ..................................................................................................................................... 5

BASIS FOR A PROJECT ............................................................................................................................................................ 5

INVESTIGATION AND EXAMPLES OF CURRENT PROBLEM................................................................................... 5

INVESTIGATION METHODS .................................................................................................................................................. 6

INVESTIGATION OF CURRENT SYSTEM ............................................................................................................................... 6

CURRENT SYSTEM FLOWCHART ...................................................................................................................................... 10

DATA IN USE IN THE CURRENT SYSTEM ............................................................................................................ 12

INTERVIEW ......................................................................................................................................................... 13

INTERVIEW PLAN ............................................................................................................................................................... 13QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES: ........................................................................................................................................... 13

INITIAL INTERVIEW RESULTS .......................................................................................................................................... 14

END USER SURVEY ............................................................................................................................................................. 16

SELECT END USER(S): ....................................................................................................................................................... 16

ANALYSES OF INVESTIGATION .......................................................................................................................................... 17

INITIAL RESEARCH ............................................................................................................................................................. 17

POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 18

MY SOLUTION...................................................................................................................................................................... 18

ADVANTAGES: ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18

BESPOKE SOLUTION ........................................................................................................................................................... 18ADVANTAGES: ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18

DISADVANTAGES: ............................................................................................................................................................... 18

CURRENT SYSTEM............................................................................................................................................................... 18

ADVANTAGES: ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18

DISADVANTAGES: ............................................................................................................................................................... 19

GENERIC SOLUTION (MICROSOFT ACCESS) ................................................................................................................... 19

ADVANTAGES: ..................................................................................................................................................................... 19

DISADVANTAGES: ............................................................................................................................................................... 19

END REQUIREMENT SPECIFICATION................................................................................................................. 19

REQUIREMENT SPECIFICATION ......................................................................................................................... 21

DESIGN .............................................................................................................................................................. 25

SYSTEM OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................................................................... 25

INPUT,OUTPUT,REPORTS AND OTHER DESIGN ELEMENTS.......................................................................... 27

DATA INPUTS ..................................................................................................................................................... 27

DATA OUTPUTS.................................................................................................................................................. 27

PROCESSES.......................................................................................................................................................... 27

DATA FLOW DIAGRAMS OF SYSTEM ................................................................................................................. 28

CONTEXT DIAGRAM ........................................................................................................................................................... 28

DRAFT:DATA FLOW DIAGRAM (LEVEL 0) .................................................................................................................... 29DATA FLOW DIAGRAMS LEVEL 0: ................................................................................................................................... 30


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DATA FLOW DIAGRAM LEVEL 1 ...................................................................................................................................... 31

DESIGNS FOR INPUT SCREENS,OUTPUT SCREENS AND REPORTS.................................................................. 32

MENU ................................................................................................................................................................................... 32

STOCK ITEM INPUT ............................................................................................................................................................ 32

STOCK ITEM SEARCHING ................................................................................................................................................... 32

SUPPLIER ITEM INPUT....................................................................................................................................................... 32

SUPPLIERS SEARCH ............................................................................................................................................................ 32

- ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 33

EXPORTING .......................................................................................................................................................................... 33

PASSWORD MANAGEMENT............................................................................................................................................... 33

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS REPLACING THE OLD SYSTEM..................................................................................... 35

FILE AND DATA STRUCTURE ............................................................................................................................. 36

RECORD SIZE ESTIMATION ............................................................................................................................................... 37

MOCKUSER INTERFACE..................................................................................................................................... 38

ALGORITHMS....................................................................................................................................................................... 45

PSEUDO CODE...................................................................................................................................................................... 45

ALGORITHMS &DATA TESTING....................................................................................................................................... 47

TEST STRATEGY................................................................................................................................................. 52

QUANTATIVE TESTING STRATEGY.................................................................................................................................. 52

TEST PLAN........................................................................................................................................................................... 52

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT ...................................................................................................................... 55

EVIDENCE OF COMPONENTS AND SYSTEM BEING DEVELOPED........................................................................ 55

WHITE BOX TESTING.......................................................................................................................................... 58

FAILED CODING .................................................................................................................................................. 58

USER INTERFACE TESTING................................................................................................................................. 60

ERROR MESSAGE (FIGURE 1) ........................................................................................................................................... 70

LOGICAL &RESPONSE TESTING ....................................................................................................................................... 72

ERROR MESSAGES ......................................................................................................................................... 76

MESSAGE REASON ......................................................................................................................................... 76

ERROR ............................................................................................................................................................... 76

EVIDENCE OF MODIFICATION ............................................................................................................................ 78

USER DOCUMENTATION ............................................................................................................................. 79

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................................... 79

INSTALLATION &START UP.............................................................................................................................. 80

INSTALLATION.................................................................................................................................................... 80

START UP............................................................................................................................................................ 82

TYPICAL USE....................................................................................................................................................... 84

MENU ................................................................................................................................................................................... 84

ADD ITEM ............................................................................................................................................................................ 86

ADDING SUPPLIER .............................................................................................................................................................. 87

STOCK SEARCH.................................................................................................................................................................... 88


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SUPPLIER SEARCH .............................................................................................................................................................. 89

BACK UP .............................................................................................................................................................. 92

TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................................................................................... 94

GLOSSARY........................................................................................................................................................... 95

SUPPORT............................................................................................................................................................. 95

EVALUATION .................................................................................................................................................. 97

PROBLEMS AND LIMITATIONS WHEN CREATING THE SYSTEM ............................................................................... 100

GOOD AND BAD POINTS OF THE SYSTEM .................................................................................................................... 100

END USER REPORT .......................................................................................................................................................... 101

EVALUATION OF END USERS REPORT .......................................................................................................................... 103

CONCLUSION...................................................................................................................................................................... 104

APPENDIX ..................................................................................................................................................... 105

MENU FORM...................................................................................................................................................................... 105ADD SUPPLIER FORM....................................................................................................................................................... 117

ADD STOCK ITEM FORM .................................................................................................................................................. 118

SUPPLIER SEARCH ............................................................................................................................................................ 119

STOCK SEARCH.................................................................................................................................................................. 121

EXPORTING FORM ............................................................................................................................................................ 121


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Definition of Task

IntroductionFor this A2 Project Im developing a stock recording solution for Anchor Supplies limited. I

discovered the client had a problem after investigating the clients websites

online and contacted them asking if they had any problems that would could

possibly be solved. The client (Mr T Hedges) has requested to develop a

solution for the problem of stock level recording and management. We shall

accurately define the problem so that we can create a tailored solution that

meets the system/user requirements.

Description of business

My client Anchor Supplies provides Army and Surplus stock to customers around the world. They

have a busy company with a large warehouse that stores their stock. Self described as Anchor

SuppliesLtd, Europes Leading Genuine Government Surplus Supplier. They provide second hand

and spare stock to large companies, military installations and charities around the world.

Initial Brief

My client wants a fully functioning stock solution to track and order their products. They want

something to easily manage their stock and trading system that can help optimise their products and

sales. My client believes themselves to have many problems which effects there daily operations and

productivity.

Brief Description of Problem

My clients ordering process consists of the customer requesting stock items and them doing a

manual count of the currents stock level. If they have enough stock then they provide it to the

customer at an agreed price. However, if they dont have the appropriate stock level required by the

customer they search their invoice tray and sticky notes to find contact details for the supplies. This

leads to problems such as lost sticky notes and information.

Basis for a project

I have found some areas of development to create a foundation for a project that could solve my

clients problem. I have decided to investigate the problem, examine the current methods and try to

create a specification for the users requirements.

I obtained the above information from the client and contacted him asking for the initial brief.

Investigation and examples of current problem

The current problem facing my client is that they dont have a current stock system and cant keep

track of stock levels/ products.


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Investigation Methods

I shall use the following methods for my investigation of the problem that faces my client:

- Investigation of current system and form a basis for questions to ask the client- Interviews with my client on his requirements and with each evolution of the design stage- A sample of users that shall be using the end product (End Users) (Using Survey Monkey)- Questions on the current solution- Research into available solutions/technologies

Investigation of current system

I have compiled evidence below of their current data flows with in the company when ordering an

item.

First I decided to query their team for a stock check on some unpopular products in order to test

their current system. This is there website with their contact details. I called and placed an fake

order.


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I observed the data flow of items being ordered, stock levels being checked and the process of

contacting suppliers. Below is a flow diagram of the processes I observed in the company. As you can

see the stock request is a simple process but there decision option of contacting the supplier caused

the staff problems, as they had to locate the suppliers information from an unorganised invoice

tray.

Below is a sticky note that is from the current system. This is supplier information and could easily

be lost in the current system.

Transcript: Item Name: Watches, Stock Level: +25, Supplier: Royal Watch Company LTD. Purchased:

21st

May 2011. Reference: 2127. Contact No: 01977678951. This shows the current data in use in

the current system.

Below is a sticky note that is from the current system. This is a request for supplier information.


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Transcript: Find money required For New Orders From Watch. Find Supplier. This is a process in the

currents system as request to find the information.

Below is a sticky note that is from the current system. This is a example stock request.

Transcript: Item Name: Jeep, Stock Level: 1. Contact no: 01977 627191 (Outside the scope of my

initial brief) Postcode: WF10 3QR (Outside the scope of my initial brief), Purchase price: 7900, and a

request for who they purchased it from for stock replenishment.


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Below is a sticky note that is from the current system. This is a example of assorted information.

Transcript: Account Details: Supplier Name: Armtech IT Services, Customer No: 29621, Reference:

29621, Contact Details: 01924 767591, [email protected].

The issue I can see with this system is that the sticky notes could easily be lost and they arent

searchable very easily as theyre stored in a miscellaneous order slowing down the clients. Item

information appears to be: Item Name, Item Description, Quantity and Price and Supplier

Information is: Supplier Names, Supplier contact details, Supplier assorted information and supplieraddress. The information is also not stored well as unrelated information is stored in each sticky

note and redundant information is present in the current system. Issues to raise with client:

- Searchablity of information- Easily lost sticky notes- Redundant/irrelevant data- Current data stores- Attributes to store about items and supplier


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Current System Flowchart

NoYes


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Data in use in the current System

Below is a table of information for the current system, Ive collected some attributes that are currently stored in the system so that I have some reference

and information to show the client to accurately define what needs to be stored in the solution.

Record

no

Record

Name

Data Type Range Example Data Description Validation Data Store

1 Item Name Text N/A MarshMallows The Products name N/A Post it Note/Users

Mind

3 Purchase

Price

Decimal 1-5 12.79 The price of the Product

as its currently being

sold

N/A Invoice tray/post

it notes

4 Stock

Quantity

Integer 1-10 2000 The Quantity of the

clients order

N/A Post it Note or Not

stored

6 Supplier

Name

Text 1-50 Confectionary

Company

The name Suppilers

compnay

N/A Invoice Tray

7 Supplier

Address

Text 1-250 19 Person Road,

Milkstreet, West

Yorkshire

The address and

location of the business

N/A Invoice Tray

9 Contact

Number

String 11-19 01977552671 The Phone Number for

contacting the supplier

N/A Invoice Tray

10 Assorted

Information

String 0-1000 Account No

8384848484r8

Any extra details such

as, fax, email etc..

N/A Post it note


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Interview

I intend to interview the client for his requirements and the end user of the software (his employees

that will be using this system on a daily basis).

Interview Plan

These are the questions Intend to ask the client:

- Current Problems facing the companies stock management- Current Technological systems- Whether they need a electronic solution- What needs to be stored-

Users access to database- How will information be amended in DB- What type of data he wants calculating for the information to be useful- Security- The current dataflow that was identified in the analysis- Prompt on sticky notes and temporary storage of other sensitive data

Questions and responses:

- Current Problems facing the companies stock management?We have inaccurate counts of stock information, its often stored onto paper

that is lost. Its inefficient because manual stock counts are required every

time a customer makes an enquiry/order. We have had problems locating

suppliers details and remembering who supplied us with what products

(especially slow selling products). We dont know the last time contacted

the suppliers. Often we have problems finding the price for the products

individually because it requires us to have to search invoices for batches of

the product.

- Do you wish to have a electronic Solution to fix the problem facing yourcompany?

Yes, thats exactly what we need.

- Current Technological systems running at your work place? Such as Hardwareand Operating Systems?

We run 5 PCs with Windows XP.

Follow Up Question: Are They all Networked together?

No (All Standalone)

Follow Up Question: How many are used in the Stock ManagementDepartment?


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Just one machine.

- What needs to be stored?Item Names is estsinal, so it a brief description incase the customer asks

about the product, the Stock Quantity and the suppliers details.

Follow Up: What about Supplier Details? Address etc?Supplier Name, Supplier Address and Contact Number

Follow Up: You mentioned problems with the last time you contacted the

supplier, How about the system records that?

That would be very helpful.

Follow Up: You mentioned a price problem, how about you record the price

for the products in the system too?

That would be perfect

Follow up: Do you have assorted information such as Account Details and

vouchers for suppliers?Yes we do. It would be helpful to be able to record that information, in

relation to the supplier as well.

- How many Users will access the database?Just a few select people that always use the system. I would prefer to not

have to train all the users.

- How will information be amended in system?I would like an initiative interface that would simple to use and not to

cluttered with the supplier and stock details separated.

What type of data he wants calculating for the information to be useful?

I would really like to work out which are the products that we have the

most stock of, sorting them by stock level would be great. Many a most

popular stock list would be great, so we could co-ordinate sales efforts.

- What Security do you want in the system?A Simple Single password would be effective, we just want to stop

unauthorized people from using the system. All the staff would know the

password anyway.

Initial Interview Results

I interviewed the client and compiled list of responses. I discussed the stock systems

idea and the problems facing the company currently. I have underlined key

points/problems that were not initially visible to my client. I established that my client

would like a electronic system that would be run on a single standalone Computer

running Microsoft Windows XP. I understand that the client has problems keeping

account of stock items, the quantity of stock, purchase prices of the items and suppliers

information (Names, Items they supply, Contact Details, Last Time Contacted and

assorted information). It is clear that my system will have to solve these problems and

have some form of database storage to collate the data. He also have expressed an

interest in reports for the system for things such as most popular items, which would be


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calculated in system. I will enquiry as to what information would be the most useful to

my end user by conducting my questionnaire.

The client understood the problem that faced him and I also got the understanding of

what the problem was through observation and explanation. He was interested in

making sure his system was secure with user access to only the information that isnecessary and making sure that only staff can have access to the system. He also

established he wanted some data saving and turning into useful information in some

form such as reports. I wish to follow this up with a few more questions but so far I have

established, my system needs to solve:

- Keeping account of stock items, the quantity of stock, purchase prices of theitems and suppliers information (Names, Items they supply, Contact Details, Last

Time Contacted and assorted information).

- Calculating of reports such as popular items- Security with a password to protect against intrusion- They have windows XP as my distribution platform

As an initial concept, I have created two theoretical Data stores to store the

records. This is just to gather what attributes the client wants permanently

storing.

Stock Store:

- Item Name- Item Description- Stock Level- Purchase Price

Supplier Store:- Supplier Name- Supplier Address- Supplier Contact Number- Supplier Assorted Information- Last Time Contacting the Supplier

A link to make sure it shows which suppliers supply the items.

Follow Up Interview

These are the questions Intend to ask the client:- Record Attributes for Stock and Supplier Store- Output (Email,PDF,Query,Reports,Excel, Print, etc)- Users that will access the system- Rights permission/user access levels

Questions & Responses:

- What Record Attributes for Stock and Supplier Store would you like storing.(shown above diagram)?

All of those will be fine.


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- What kind of Output would you like? (Email,PDF,Query,Reports,Excel, Print,etc)

Im not to sure what would be helpful to my staff and what would allow us

to make the most of your solution.

- What Users that will access the system?As I stated before, Just a few members of staff that will be trained in the

system.

- Would you like Rights permission/user access levels?No that would over complicate your system and cause managing issues for

people who would be in charge of the system

Interview Results

After this second Interview we confirmed some details and also expanded upon other

features that will be integrated into the potential solution. Giving more information to

conceptualise and research on. The client also decided upon what record attributes he

wanted storing. We also established that the client wanted reports formats but didnt

know specific ones, so Im going to quiz (with the clients approval) my user group. To

find what formats would be useful for daily use of my solution. Next I established that

my client didnt want a complicated system with different passwords or user access

levels, just a simple single log on.

End User Survey

Select End User(s):

My end users are the staff at the company who needs to check the stock level of the products they

sell. They will check the product amount and the suppliers to see if they can contact them for more

stock. There are many requirements that the users may want so I conducted a focus group with a

select range of staff at the company.


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DFDs

Analyses of investigation

Add

Edit

Search

Append

System Requirements

Discuss with End Users.

Options and justifications

Office 2007. Can Be run, ETC. Has to run on 7. XP not industry standard.

Clear System Objectives, Shouldnt be able to exit a form with out dialog box. No redundant data,

update relevant data, restricted user access.

Initial Research

I researched into stock management systems that exist on the current market with in a reasonable

budget and that would meet most of my clients requirements. After an extensive search I found that

a solution could be made to fit myclients requirements, Microsoft Access could be tailored to my

client however, it is a little lacking and adds to much functionality. It wouldnt also allow the client to

have a nice efficient interface with the stock system.

After a little more research, I came to the conclusion that most generic stock systems are built for

generic products and with a client that has a standardised stock level policy, however it was clear

that this might not be the case for my client. So I called him up to confirm a few details and to

discuss whether or not his system is prone to human error. I asked him whether or not humans that

are double checked for errors record the manual stock counts. He said that they count manually on

delivery and dont double check results. Meaning any solution will be accurate only up to the error of

human counting.

After more research I have decided that Microsoft Access would be an ideal backend solution for my

client with the correct functionality for my solution and I decide to use Microsoft Visual Basic.Net for

my front end development, as I can develop custom functionalityand restrict unnecessary features

from the user, allowing my solution to be initiative and simple to understand.


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Currently the system requires a manual stock check of each item as the customer requests it. It also

requires a count when being delivered. Meaning there are duplicate tasks being done by staff

members daily and it is inefficient. This poses a number of problems:

- Manual Counting is Time Consuming- Error can easily occur when manually counting and having no way of checking

besides counting twice

- It is slow for the customer to receive the details of stock meaning that theclient can lose custom

- The information cant be kept track of for certain reports or pricing. Etc

Potential Solutions

My solution

Advantages:

- Cheap- Built to the clients exact requirements- Works on relevant hardware- Fast development

Bespoke solution

Advantages:

- Built to clients requirements- Will fix the specific purpose- Be efficient

Disadvantages:

- Expensive- Time consuming production

Current system

Advantages:

- User already known how to use/do process- Requires no new training or system- Costs nothing to implement


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Disadvantages:

- Inefficient- Causes inconsistencies in stock levels- User Error possible

Generic Solution (Microsoft Access)

Advantages:

- Fixes the clients problem- Is cheaper than bespoke- Works with a wide range of hardware

Disadvantages:

-

Has generic features, may not solve all problems in the clients way- May offer to many features- May be slow due to amount features- No build for specific hardware

End Requirement SpecificationBased on the results collected above and the interview. The requirements the client wants and has agreed to

are:

Functional:

- Reports- Single logon- Fast Stock Search- Adding of Stock Items- Editing of Stock Items- Deletion of Stock Items- Stock & Suppliers Data Stores- Data Sortable in columns- Adding Suppliers- Editing Suppliers-

Deletions of Suppliers- Relationship between Suppliers and Stock Items- Must work on current hardware- Developed for Microsoft Windows XP and Above- Run on the .Net Framework 3.5 and above- Real time Updating

User:

- Simple Interface- Intuitive- Not cost anything


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- Selectable columns to order data in ascending and descending- Start up form as a menu.

The location distance between the client and myself poses several problem meaning that I have to

email all the stages of my work and get confirmation from the client. Below is evidence that the

client has agreed to the initial requirements and problem definition.


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Requirement SpecificationThe Final System Requirements and justification for each:

Functional:

- ReportsThe client requested other data formats for manipulation of data and to extend the possibilities of the

system.

- Single logonThe showed a desire to have single log on system that allows the user to use just one password that

would between the staff members using the system . The system would only be in use by one person

at a time.

- Fast Stock SearchThe request from the client was to have a fast system that allows for the user to search their data

stores extensively and at speed to increase the effectiveness of the system and to combat the current

systems problem of speed.

- Adding of Stock ItemsThe client has an expanding inventory of items, which is why they need the ability to add more items

into the system. The client also has requested this feature during investigation.

- Editing of Stock ItemsItems could change price, color, etc. and the client requires the ability to change the attributes of

items.

- Deletion of Stock ItemsItem could be no longer stocked or sold by the company meaning that having redundant data would

slow the system and take up space. The client has requested this during investigation.- Stock & Suppliers Data Stores

The need for Stock and Supplier data stores to record the information for the system.

- Data Sortable in columnsThis allows the client to order data in ascending and descending orders for things such as price and

names allowing. Meeting the search requirements, of the client as outlined in my investigation.

- Adding SuppliersThe client could find new suppliers or need to add a new supplier for new items which they need the

ability to add suppliers to the system.

- Editing SuppliersThe client could need to amend details for suppliers such as address/contact details and other

attributes to keep the system up-to-date and relevant.

- Deletions of SuppliersSuppliers could of become irrelevant to the system (e.g no longer trading) and need removing or new

suppliers could be found for items and require deleting.

- Relationship between Suppliers and Stock ItemsA relationship between suppliers and stock items need to be made so that the client can identify the

suppliers with in the system and find the details easily. This was clear from my investigation.

- Must work on current hardwareThe client wants a solution that doesnt cost any money meaning that I must work with existing

hardware.

-

Developed for Microsoft Windows XP


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The client doesnt wish to upgrade or change the current operating system, which is Windows XP

meaning that the system must be usable on that operating system

- Real time UpdatingThe client would like the system to update in real time so that all information will be correct.

- Run on the .Net Framework 3.5 and aboveThe clients solution must work on a platform that is supported on Microsoft Windows XP (or Above)and is feasible to be created.

User:

- Simple InterfaceThe client requested a simple interface that would be easy to navigate and use for staff.

- IntuitiveThe client requested a intuitive interface for the staff to use and understand to make the system as

fast and efficient as possible.- Not cost anything

The client wishes my total solution to not cost anything which was outlined in my interviews and

discussions with him.

- Selectable columns to order data in ascending and descendingThe client wants an interface to order data in columns and tables that order the data in the system in

a simple way that also meets the functional requirements.

- Start up form as a menuThe client wishes to have a simple interface that has a menu form on the systems start up.

I agree to the analysis and system requirements:

Tommy Hedges (Client): Scott James Bell (Student)


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DesignSystem Objectives

The Objectives are similar to the requirements specified in my analysis, however I must also consider the

logical flow of data and processing. I must also make the interface and integrate all the features in a useful

and intuitive way. In this section instead of large paragraphs and inlogically written sentences, I would

prefer to bullet point and state the information in a simple way.

It is my ambition to say in ten sentences what others say in a whole book- Friedrich Nietzsche

The New System will have to achieve the following objectives:

General:

- To create reports that export information about Items and Suppliers into reasonableformats.

- To have Single logon security that enables a single password to be used to access thesystem

- Fast Stock Search to find items and suppliers quicklyStock & Suppliers Data Stores that store the following attributes efficiently:

Stock Store:


Supplier Store:

- Supplier Name- Supplier Address- Supplier Contact Number- Supplier Assorted Information- Last Time Contacting the Supplier

- The Data would be sorted in columns on the users request- Selected columns would order data in ascending and descending order according to

the requirements (0-9, A-Z, 9-0, Z-A)

- Simple Interface for user to navigate and understand- To make the system Intuitive and easily used.- A menu that is loaded upon start up of the system allowing access to the other forms

on the system

- A data relationship between the Supplier and Stock Data Store allowing the system tolink them and display the information.

- Must work on current hardware- Developed for Microsoft Windows


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- Updating of Fields and Form in Real time- Developed and Executable on .Net Framework 3.5

Supplier:

- Adding Suppliers to the system- Editing Suppliers on the system- Deletions of Suppliers on the system

Stock:

- Adding of Stock Items to the system- Editing of Stock Items on the system- Deletion of Stock Items on the system

I agree to the design objective of the system:

Tommy Hedges (Client): Scott James Bell (Student):


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Input, Output, Reports and Other Design Elements

I shall now design the data Inputs, outputs and other elements that will be required with in the

system and then get the client to agree to the design.

Data Inputs

- New Stock Items- New Stock Item Attributes- New Supplier Records Attributes- New Supplier Records

Data Outputs

- The Current Stock Item Selected- Search and Results- The reports that are generated in many formats- Stock Levels- Supplier Information

Processes

- Amending of the record automatically when stock is removed and when supplier lastsupplied

- Security Locking of Forms- Updated Stock Record- Sorting Information into a logical order when requested-

Searching through fields

- Processing and formatting the reports correctly


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Data Flow Diagrams of system

Context Diagram

Problems:

- No date for replenished stock levels

to customer.

Customer Order Check Stock

Supply OrderOrder

Store

Item

Insufficient Stock Information

Suppliers

Stock

Order

1 Stock file

2 Su l ier file

D0Stock Store

- Item

- Description

- Stock level

- LAST Suppl ier ID

D1 Supplier Store- Supplier Name- Suppl ier Address

- Last Time Contacting Supplier

- Assorted Information

- Supplier ID


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Draft: Data Flow Diagram (Level 0)

Stock In

Order Out

Stock Level Count

Stock Request0 D0 Stock Store

Find supplier

1

Contact Supplier

2

Order Stock

3

D1 Supplie

r Store

Receive and order

delivery note

6

D3 Delivery note

Process Order

4

D3 Supplier Store

Amend Stock

5

Delivery Note


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After some considerations I have decide that is design is to complex and out of the systems scope. It has the necessary processes however lacks some

context and wouldnt be appropriately designed to slow the logical flow of my system.

Data Flow Diagrams Level 0:

Customer 1

Process Order

3

Supply Order

Order

Store

Item

Insufficient Stock Information

Suppliers

Stock

Order

1 Stock file

2 Su lier f ile

2

Check Stock

Level

0


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Data Flow Diagram Level 1

2 Check Stock Level

2.1

Organise Clients

Requirements

2.2

Search Stock File

2.3

Return Stock Level On

Items


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Designs for Input Screens, Output Screens and Reports

Menu

- Have buttons that load other forms in the system.- Lock button that loads the locking algorithm.

Stock Item Input

- Connection to Stock Item Data Store- Item Attributes stored in Text Boxs- Labels explaining each Text boxs function- Saving Button adding the data to the database- Close Button to close the form without adding the item to the database- Validation with Message Boxes to show incorrect inputs

Stock Item Searching

- Connection to Stock Item Data Store- Data Grid to display the Item Attributes orderable by Columns and selectable rows

for exporting.

- Save and Close button to edit the data in database and close the form.- Export entire table button allowing the data grid to be exported to the export form- Search Field that searchs upon keystroke Enter and returns the results to the data

grid

- Export Selected Item in the tablesSupplier Item Input

- Connection to the Supplier Data Store- Supplier Attributes Stored In Text Boxs- Labels Explaining each Text Boxs Function- Saving Button adding the data to the database- Close Button to close the form without adding the item to the database- Validation with Message Boxes to show incorrect inputs

Suppliers Search

- Connection to the Supplier Data Store- Data Grid to display the Item Attributes orderable by Columns and selectable rows

for exporting.

- Save and Close button to edit the data in database and close the form.


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Page 33

- Export entire table button allowing the data grid to be exported to the export form- Search Field that searchs upon keystroke Enter and returns the results to the data

grid

- Export Selected Item in the tables-

Exporting

- Accepting of parameters from other forms- Connection to the Supplier and Stock Store- Checkboxs to select which Attributes to be exported- The ability to select the format of the exported file- Close Button to end the connections and dump any parameters-

Export button with a dialogue to save the file

Password Management

- Load password from file- Compares current password to user input- Changes Password- Saves New Password


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Page 34

I agree to and have reviewed the Input, Output, Processes and Forms requirements:



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Page 35

Potential problems replacing the old system

There could be potential problems that could cripple any solutions deployment/the companies daily

operations.

However, for my client I have decided on a full replacement of the system being the most efficient

and useful. My client would perform a full stock check on the day of installation of my solution,

which would, then have all the data input. Creating a fully functioning deployed system that is

installed and working within one business day causing no real economic effect to company.

Staff training could cause problems for the system but we have decided on training them on test

systems before deployment meaning that they would not only help identify any operating bugs

missed while extensive testing had taken place but also understand and use the system. User

Instructions shall also be given with the finished system for new staff members and troubleshooting.

Software/Hardware

Requirements

Justification

Windows XP Operating System used by company and used

to run VB.NET

Visual Basic.NET Software selected to create and run the

system

Desktop PC A desktop pc that is already used by staff will

be integrated into the solution to meet my

clients requirement of not purchasing any

item to make a solution.

Microsoft Excel Used to open Exported files by my solution


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-File and Data Structure

Record

no

Record

Name

Data Type Range Example Data Description Validation Data Store

1 Item ID Integer

(auto

Generated)

1-200 1 An auto generated

Number to keep the

product located and

have an unique

Identification with in the

system.

Auto generated.

Not editable

Stock Store

2 Item Name String 1-25

Char

Marshmallows The Products name. N/A Stock Store

3 Purchase

Price

Single 1-5 12.79 The price of the Product

as its currently being

sold

Only numbers to 2

Decimal Points

Stock Store

4 Stock

Quantity

Integer 1-10 2000 The Quantity of the

clients order

Stock Store

5 Description String 0-500

A spongy

confection madefrom a soft

mixture of sugar,

albumen, andgelatin.

Description of the

product and similar

products!

N/A Stock Store

6 Supplier

Name

String 1-50 Confectionary

Company

The name Suppilers

compnay

Check for

Duplicates

Supplier Store

7 Supplier

Address

String 1-250 19 Person Road,

Milkstreet, West

Yorkshire

The address and

location of the business

N/A Supplier Store


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Page 37

8 Last Time

Contacting

Supplier

DateTime 8 08/09/1998 The last date that the

company contacted the

supplier

Date Thats Current Date

Non Numerical Value Entered Into Contact

Number Field

A Value that is invalid has been entered into the

Contact number Field

I have reviewed the system and tested it against my requirements with comments as above of the

proposed system:



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Page 78

Evidence of modification


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User DocumentationWelcome to the Installation, User and Maintenance Manual for Anchor

Supplies Stock System. Below you will find all the information in various

subheadings in order to make the most of your Stock Management

Solution. A copy of this instructional guide in a PDF (Portable Document

Format) is included with your installation folder.

USER DOCUMENTATION ...............................................................ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

INSTALLATION &START UP...........................................................................ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

INSTALLATION................................................................................................. ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.START UP......................................................................................................... ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

TYPICAL USE.................................................................................................... ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

MENU ....................................................................................................................... ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

ADD ITEM ................................................................................................................ ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

ADDING SUPPLIER .................................................................................................. ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

STOCK SEARCH........................................................................................................ ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

SUPPLIER SEARCH .................................................................................................. ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

BACK UP ........................................................................................................... ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................................ ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

GLOSSARY........................................................................................................ ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.SUPPORT.......................................................................................................... ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

System Requirements

The End User must be running a Windows based Operating system that supports Microsoft .Net 3.5

anything from Microsoft Windows XP and Above (Including Microsoft Windows Vista & 7). The

computer must have a minimum of 256MB of memory and must have 120 MBs of Free Memory.

Peripherals Required: Mouse, Keyboard & Monitor.

Minimum Requirements:

- Microsoft Windows XP (SP3) & Above- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 & Above- 256MBs ofRandom Access Memory- 120 MBs of Free Hard Disk Space- Mouse- Keyboard- Monitor


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Page 80

Important Note: Microsoft Windows XP Operating system is due to expire the support period so our

product cant be guaranteed to work at the end of 2012. We would recommend upgrading to a later

version of the Windows Operating System.

Installation & Start Up

Installation

Installation is a simple and easy for the Anchor Supplies Stock System, all that is required is for you

to open up the Executable File Called Anchor Supplies Installer included with the Document. It will

then take you through an installation wizard as seen below.

Installation Loading Screen:

Installation Welcome Message:Just click next to continue

Installation Directory: Change the Directory to suit your installation needs and Click Next to continue.

(Note Remember the directory as it will be useful later on in this guide)


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Installation information Overview:A final Overview of your installation, confirm this is correct and

click next.

Installation Screen: This is while the product is installing, it may take a few moments to install.

Installation complete: Your new Stock System is ready to be

used.

Your Application is now Available in the start menu and on the Desktop. Click the Short cut to

execute the program.


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Page 82

Start Up

To start the application simply follow the instructions below:

Step 1: Navigate to the Desktop of your Computer. A new Shortcut will appear on your desktop, this

is the Anchor Supplies Stock System.

Method 2:

Step 1: Navigate and open the Start Menu

Step 2: Double click

this icon and the

application will

start.


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Page 83

Step 2: Browse to

All Programs then

Anchor Supplies

Stock System and

Double Click theShortcut to the

executable file to

start the

application

A copy of this

instructional guide

is also included in

this folder


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Page 84

Typical Use

Menu

This is the User Menu which allows you to access the various systems the stock system and is loaded

upon start up of the application. This menu will always be open but in the background of application

allowing you to close one form and open another seamlessly. Below is an explanation of each

feature and button on the menu form.

The Add Item

Button loads the

Add Item Form

The Add Supplier

Button loads the

Add Su lier Form

The Stock Search

Button loads the

Stock Search Form

The Supplier

Search Button

loads the Supplier

Search Form

The Export Button

loads the Export

Form

The Lock Button Locks the

buttons and closes any

open forms. (fig

2)Requiring a password to

be entered before allowing

user (fig 3) interaction

again

Figure 2

All the Buttons

become locked when

the form is in locked

mode and any open

forms are closed

The Change Password Button

loads an Input dialog for the

user to update their

password

The Unlock button load

the Enter password

dialog (fig 3) for the user

to unlock the form


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Page 85

Below is the Enter password Input Dialog for the user to resume their work with the system.

They must enter the password correct to have access back to the system. There is no lockout times r

functions so the user may make as many attempts as they wish.

Figure 3

This shows the password failure

message box.


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Page 86

Add Item

This is the user information for adding items to the system using the Add Item Form. Below is a

detailed account of what each button does on the forms and a step by step guide on how to use this

dialog.

Adding an Item

You must follow the instructions (Top to Bottom) in order to add a new item.

Auto GeneratedNumber

Items Name Field with a

maximum length of 25

Characters

Items Description Field with a


Characters

Items Price Field

Requirements: 2 decimalplaces, Numeric and a positive

integer.

Items Supplier ID Combo Box

with a list of su lier Names

Record Controls ADD

Save

Click Add New Item

ButtonEnter the new Items Name

with a maximum length of 25

Characters

Enter the new Items

Description with a maximum

length of 500 Characters

Enter the new Items Price to 2

decimal places and that is a

positive integer. It also must

be numeric

Select the New Items Supplier

ID from the dro down list.

Click Save Button


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Adding Supplier

This is the user information for adding Suppliers to the system using the Add Supplier Form. Below is

a detailed account of what each button does on the forms and a step by step guide on how to use

this dialog.

Auto Generated

Number

Record Controls ADD

Supplier Name Field with a


Characters

Supplier Address Field with a


Characters

Last Time Contacting Supplier

Date Time Picker, Allows you

to select a date before the

current systems Date.

Assorted Information Field

with a Maximum of 500

Characters

Save

Adding a Supplier

You must follow the Instructions (Top to Bottom) in order to a new supplier

Click Add New Item

Button

Enter the new Suppliers Name

with a maximum length of 25

Characters

Enter the new Suppliers

Address with a maximum

length of 500 Characters

Select a Date on the Last Time

Contacting Supplier Date Time

Picker, select a date before

the current systems Date.

Add Information to theAssorted Information Field

with a Maximum of 500

Characters


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Page 88

Stock Search

This is the user information for Searching Stock on the system using the Stock Search Form. Below is

a detailed account of what each button does on the forms and a guide on how to use this form.

rrent row

lected,

eful for

porting

ngle items

d

vigating

These are the column headers

allowing you to order the data in any

way you wish.

Single row of

data containing

the items

attributes and

can beedited/deleted


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Page 89

Supplier Search

This is the user information for Searching Suppliers on the system using the Supplier Search Form.

Below is a detailed account of what each button does on the forms and a guide on how to use this

form.

Single row ofdata containin

the suppliers

attributes and

can be

edited/deleted

These are the column headers

allowing you to order the data in any

way you wish.

rrent

w

ected,

eful for

porting

gle

ms and

vigating


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Page 90

Exporting

This is the Exporting Form which allows you to Export to a range of formats for your leisure. You

many export to either Microsoft Excel & Text format. Below is an explanation of each feature and

button on the menu form.

This is the Attribute Checkboxs

with the selections for

exporting. With the required

attributes for any export

preselected.

The Export Option

Combination Box Allows the

user to select the format they

wish to export.

The export button shows a file

dialog (fig 4) to save the file in

the users desired directory.

Exporting

You must follow the Instructions (Top to Bottom) in order to a new supplier

Select the desired Attributes

you wish to be exported.

Select which format you wish

to export too.Select the Export button when

everything is right and a file

dialog shall load (fig 4).


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Page 91

Figure 4


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Page 92

Back up

Backing up your system is an essential part of operation; any data loss could be potential threating

to your daily business routine. So we have made several options to back up your system: that

involve manual work as well as automated solutions for ease of use. We would recommend you back

up your system on a regular basis in order to protect against failures to your system and protect any

valuable data.

Solution One: Exporting To Excel

As Shown in the above instructions, you can simply just export your entire database to Microsoft

Office Excel and easily access it in the application should you wish for your data to be backed up.

Solution Two: Exporting to Text Documents

As Shown in the above instructions, you can simply just export your entire database to a plain textfile and easily access it should you wish for your data to be backed up.

Solution Three: Copying your database

Copying the Database

The best and full proof method of backing up is to back up your database file which will allow you to

restore your system should a problem arise. You can simply reinstall the software and replace the

blank database with your pre-existing one. Below is a step by step guide on how to back up your

database file.

Step 1: Browse to the location of the

installed system usually

C:/Windows/Program Files/Anchor

Supplies Stock System (As Below) but

you may of change this during

installation.


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Page 93

Step 2: Open up that directory and select the

anchor supplies.accdb file (This is your

database Be careful not to move it) and

select copy from the right click option menu.

Step 3: Paste the Database file to the backup directory (Choose your own). We would recommend a

location that is not on the computer for maximum safety.


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Page 94

Disclaimers: Disclaimer of Warranty. THERE IS NO WARRANTY FOR THE PROGRAM, TO THE EXTENT

PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. EXCEPT WHEN OTHERWISE STATED IN WRITING THE COPYRIGHTHOLDERS AND/OR OTHER PARTIES PROVIDE THE PROGRAM AS IS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY

KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES

OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE

QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PROGRAM IS WITH YOU. SHOULD THE PROGRAM PROVE

DEFECTIVE, YOU ASSUME THE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION.

Troubleshooting

Error Reason for error Solution

Invalid PasswordYour password is incorrect and

doesnt match the password stored in

the system

Either enter the correct

password or Browse to

C:/Windows/Program

Files/Anchor Supplies Stock

System/ and create a

document called password.txt

with your new desired

password.

Error Connecting to the

database

Your database isnt in the required

location for the application to load it.

Copy/move your database to

your installation location.Typically,

C:/Windows/Program

Files/Anchor Supplies Stock

System or the directory where

your applications executable

file is located.

Runtime Error Either your Operating Systems .Net

Framework is damaged or The

applications Executable file isdamaged.

Initially reinstall .Net

Framework (Minimum Verison

3.5). If this doesnt fix the errorthen reinstall the application

following the instructions

below. However, make sure

you back up your database and

replace the default database

after installation.


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Page 95

Glossary

Microsoft Windows XP:an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personalcomputers, including home and business desktops, laptops, and media centers. It was first

released in August 2001, and is currently one of the most popular versions of Windows. The

name "XP" is short for "eXPerience." [Wikipedia Source -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_XP]

Microsoft Windows Vista: an operating system released in several variations developed by

Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs,

and media center PCs. [Wikipedia Source -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Vista]

Microsoft Windows 7:the current release of Microsoft Windows, a series of operating systemsproduced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops,

laptops, netbooks, tablet PCs, and media center PCs. [ Wikipedia

Source -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_7]

Microsoft .NET Framework:The Microsoft .NET Framework is a software framework that can beinstalled on computers running Microsoft Windows operating systems. [ Wikipedia Source -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_net_framework]

Microsoft Excel:is a commercial spreadsheet application written and distributed by Microsoftfor Microsoft Windows. [Wikipedia - Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Excel ]

Random Access Memory: the most common computer memory which can be used by programs to

perform necessary tasks while the computer is on; an integrated circuit memory chip allowsinformation to be stored or accessed in any order and all storage locations are equally accessible.

[Princeton University Source - http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=ram]

Hard Disk: A storage medium for data inside your computer.

MB: Megabyte is a unit of information that is used in a computer system. It is a size of memory

equating to (1024KB)

Runtime Error: A run-time error is detected after or during the execution of a program [ Wikipedia

Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Run_time_(program_lifecycle_phase) ]

Database: is an organized collection of data, today typically in digital form. The data are typically

organized to model relevant aspects of reality (for example, the availability of rooms in hotels), in a

way that supports processes requiring this information (for example, finding a hotel with vacancies).

[Wikipedia Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database]

Support

If any issue arises with the system and you require additional help contact support on

[email protected]

Thank you for co-operation
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Page 96


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Evaluation

Requirement Met? Proof Comments

To create reports that export information about Items

and Suppliers into reasonable formats.

Yes Above Yes as stated above the

System Exports to

Microsoft Excel allowing

for data to be

manipulated

A data relationship between the Supplier and Stock

Data Store allowing the system to link them and display

the information.

To have Single logon security that enables a single

password to be used to access the system

Yes Above Yes the software is

secured with an input

box and this meets the

criteria of the client

Fast Stock Search to find items and suppliers quickly Yes Above The user can search as

well as organise and edit

the searchs fast.

Stock & Suppliers Data Stores that store the

following attributes efficiently:

Stock Store:


Supplier Store:

- Supplier Name- Supplier Address- Supplier Contact Number- Supplier Assorted Information- Last Time Contacting the Supplier

Yes Above From day one of

development I have

included the agreed

upon attribute with

appropriate file sizes.

The Data would be sorted in columns on the users

request

Yes Above The User can select any

column or row in the

Searching Forms for

both Supplier and Item.


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Selected columns would order data in ascending and

descending order according to the requirements (0-9,

A-Z, 9-0, Z-A)

Yes Above The data is sorted on

user interaction with the

and can identify the

solution

Simple Interface for user to navigate and understand Yes Below The clients comments

agree with this and end

user survey too

To make the system Intuitive and easily used. Yes Above After some

considerations and due

to the time constrains on

the project, I decided to

integrate a simple and

helpful user guide that isaccessible in paper and

digital formats for the

user for them to

understand the system. I

believe that the system

however could be used

and understood without

prior knowledge

A menu that is loaded upon start up of the systemallowing access to the other forms on the system

Yes Above Yes as can be screen byscreenshot evidence.

A data relationship between the Supplier and Stock

Data Store allowing the system to link them and display

the information.

Yes Above Yes the entity

relationship diagram

shows the relationship

between the tables with

a foreign key.

Must work on current hardware Yes Above Yes works on the current

machines

Developed for Microsoft Windows Yes Above It is developed for

Microsoft Windows XP

and Above

Updating of Fields and Form in Real time Yes Above Yes upon interaction

with the system

Developed and Executable on .Net Framework 3.5 Yes Above Yes it works on the .net

framework 3.5 and


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Page 99

The solution didnt cost any money and met the requirements as specified above


above

Adding Suppliers to the system Yes Above Easy for the client to add

new suppliers to the

system

Editing Suppliers on the system Yes Above Easy for my Client to edit

the supplier attributes

for system.

Deletions of Suppliers on the system Yes Above Easy and simple for the

client to delete suppliers

from the system.

Adding of Stock Items to the system Yes Above Easy for the client to add

new stock items to the

system

Editing of Stock Items on the system Yes Above Easy for my Client to edit

the stock attributes for

system.

Deletion of Stock Items Yes Above Easy and simple for the

client to delete stock

from the system.


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Page 100

Problems and Limitations When Creating The System

The Main Problem after agreeing upon the solution requirements with my client was implementing

them all with the required time frame and keeping a certain complexity in the system even though

my clients requirements were quite simple. I soon realised that my approach was to overcomplicate

the design and development of the solution by thinking to generic and big. I had to prioritisereconvene with my client on regular intervals to make sure I was completing the system in a user

friendly way. For this I decided not to include the following:

- A popular products section for stock itemsThis feature was really outside of my designs scope and added to much complexity

to the system. Because of the way Stock Levels and History would have had to of

been complied for the this to be calculated.

- Help Menu on the applicationHelp Menus were a pointless feature to the user because the system is very intuitive

and an extensive but usable user guide was included with installation.

If I had the necessary time to complete this project I would of tried to rescope my solution to include

them. I also encountered problems during the programing of my solution these were:

- Using a database into this system was a challenge as I had only ever used SQL serverand Visual Basic.Net together and not ever used Microsoft Access database files. I

now more confident in using Access and VB.Net

- The Access file only allowed strings to be 255 characters long when I hadrequirements of 500. I found a work around that allowed my system to work andinclude the required components.

- I had never exported to Microsoft Excel before and it took a long time to write anapplication wrapper, which caused many problems for my program exporting

functionality. I have since leant the knowledge and even made it so my module could

be easily adapted to future projects

- I originally forgot the scope of the password leaving it as a variable only to relies itwould be reinitialized on restart meaning my security would be useless. I wrote a

text file, which was securely scrambled and allows the password to be stored safely.

Good and Bad Points Of The System

Some of the good points of the system are:

After examining the Initial specification, interviews and definition of the problem I have accurately

fixed the problem that faced my client and met the system requirements in an efficient manner. One

of the best things about my system is the export feature, as it gives my client versatility and

flexibility with data from the system. This not only allows backing up but the data to be manipulated

in other applications to allow extra user ability and features outside of the scope of my product.

My system also keeps track of the item level very well with the column reordering, allowing the user

to manipulate and interpret the data in my system in an effective and useful way. As for using the


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Page 101

system its self, my users have found it easier to use and it means that the various staff members

could take over the system with minimal training as requested by my client.

Some Bad Points of My system:

Unfortunately, my system allows for problems with the export feature, such as if the data is neededto be selected individually it is often unreliable to make sure the currently selected row is exported

meaning the user would possibly have to try several times to make sure the correct information is

selected.

Another bad point is that data entered could always be prone to human error as mentioned in my

analysis meaning that the system could possibly be inaccurate due circumstances out of its control.

End User Report

I have asked 5 end users to evaluate the system against the requirement; I have done this by

creating a scenario:

Scenario:

Add a new item (Item Name: Tent, Item Description: A 2x2 tent, Purchase Price: 12, Stock Level: 25,

Supplier ID 1)

Was this task easy to-do?

Yes 5

No 0

User Comment(s):

Easy

Simple

Edit the stock item changing the stock level to 12 and the supplier ID to 2


Yes 5

No 0

User Comment(s):

Easy

A little bit hard to change the supplier ID, if there wasnt an supplier in the system, lucky there was.

Delete a stock item


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Page 102


Yes 5

No 0

User Comment(s):

Was easy todo

I tried right clicking first but the buttons make it easy

Add a supplier (Supplier Name: Test, Supplier Address: Test Street, Contact number: 01977562621,

Assorted Information: 123344, Last time contacting supplier: 12/02/2012)


Yes 5

No 0

User Comment(s):

Easy todo

A error message was shown for an incorrect input in the date.

Edit a supplier (Last time contacting supplier: 23/02/2012)


Yes 5

No 0

User Comment(s):

Allowed me to change it easily

Delete a supplier


Yes 5

No 0

User Comment(s):

Allowed me to delete the record quickly.

Sort a column



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Page 103

Yes 3

No 2

User Comment(s):

Without proper instruction it was difficult but was easy once I read the documentation.

Export a table


Yes 5

No 0

User Comment(s):

Exporting a table was quite easy and quick

Evaluation of End Users Report

The users responded well to the system and the feedback was useful to show that the system had

met the requirements. The system shows that the user can use the system with little to no

instruction, which means that its intuitive and easy to navigate. The systems validation was simple

and understood by the user meaning that they could respond to the problems and correctly enter

the information. The information collected has provided insight into the how the users have

interacted the system, it is clear that the users struggled slightly with sorting columns which could be

improved upon by adding a tooltip on mouse over of the columns/table fields with the information

on how to reorganise columns. This would be possible in extensions of the system (see Possible

Extensions). Overall my end users seem to have a positive review of the system.

Possible Extensions

Adding a popular stock item calculations

This could be achieved by storing stock history for items and suppliers. It would allow for calculations

of the most popular products, which was a request by my client but was not able to be completed in

my systems scope. It would improve the system, as the client would be able to keep track of popular

products and order more in bulk to be efficient. It would also allow my client more control of stock

flow, with a consistent flow of popular stock into his warehouse. I would go about adding this, bystoring a stock added level and date added into a separate database with a separate interface


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Page 104

allowing the client to select criteria to search the stock level history against the current level with

reference to how long it took to sell the amount of products recorded. It would check the stock

added history against the current systems time to provide a accurate timescale for my client.

Printing

It would allow my user a direct function to print out data from the system. Instead of requiring the

document to be sent out to excel before being able to print. It would have been useful for my end

users and allowed for a better system/interaction. I would implement this using the Visual Basic,

Printing Library and Dialogue Box functionality to create a simple intuitive layout for the client to use

which would have to meet my system requirements about navigation and user interactions.

Automated Back Ups and restores

It would allow for the client to have a data efficient system that is safe and not prone to manual back

up error. This would be integrated into the closing down of the application, as the application is

closed, I would implement Visual Basics System.IO library to save a copy of the current data in the

database which could be restored upon boot, if an error is to occur with the database/solution. It

would allow my client to have a reliable and safer solution that could would be more stable.

Tool Tips for Column Sorting

In the User Scenario it was evident that some users struggled when trying to reorganise the columns

with out the user documentation, which means that it would be useful to add some tool tips(

information dialogue on mouse over of certain elements of applications). I would of liked to

integrate this to help the user understand the system easier and make the system more intuitive. I

would do this by adding the tools tips on the columns headers and the fields that can be sorted in

the tables.

Conclusion

I am satisfied with my solution and the documentation above:



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Appendix

Menu Form

Public Class MENU

Friend WithEvents btnlock As System.Windows.Forms.Button

Friend WithEvents Button1 As System.Windows.Forms.Button

Friend WithEvents btn_additem As System.Windows.Forms.Button



Friend WithEvents Btnlock1 As System.Windows.Forms.Button



Friend WithEvents GrpMenu As System.Windows.Forms.GroupBox

Private Sub Form1_Load(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs)

Btnlock1.Hide()

End Sub


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Page 106

Public Sub Button1_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles

btnlock.Click

Try

Dim Passwordtextloader As System.IO.TextReader

Passwordtextloader = System.IO.File.OpenText("C:/Windows/Program Files/Anchor Supplies Stock

System/password.text)

Catch Ex As Exception

Dim password As String = Passwordtextloader.ReadToEnd

Passwordtextloader.Close()

End Try

'Password in a variable

Do While InputBox("Enter passwor