Stage 2 – Final Analysis(PSR) PORCUPINE SKI RUNNERS

Lee Thomas| System Analysis | April 11, 2016

1.0 Introduction As a class in Computer Engineering, our Professor Neal McNair, had a project in mind for (us) his second year students to tackle. The project was to try and accomplish a simple task of taking a paper form application, and turning it into a web based form, using all the skills we learned from PHP, MySQL, CSS, and HTML coding.

1.1 Background of the Project The Porcupine Ski Runners (PSR) have come to a simple realization that their clientele have a different way of booking ski time. They are interested in looking for a solution to a particular need, to keep up with growing change. Staff have agreed to give it a try, and allow Northern College student, in Computer Engineering, to write up a web version to their multiple paper forms. We as a class have accepted the challenge.

1.2 Statement of Problem and Solution

1.2.1 ProblemThe two issues that were discussed was the online individual rental form, and the group / school form. The first part was the length of time it takes to fill out the form (on site) and then waiting for the equipment to be prepared. Next the amount of information needed for groups and schools is a little staggering, and time consuming.

1.2.2 Goal/SolutionThe goal for online individual rental is fairly simple in theory, but the application and implementation is huge, but will pay off in the end. Giving the client faster service, and helping the staff to save time in preparing the equipment ahead of time. The goal is mostly the same for groups and schools, but with a few changes to the application and database.

2.0 Data Gathering Procedure and Findings The class used both the online material, and information found on (PSR) current website, along with an onsite personal feel of what staff had in mind. With the information we have gathered, we feel able to accomplish most of the necessary fields for both personal, and group rental.

3.0 The Existing System Currently, (PSR) utilize a paper based forms, for all their rental needs. A self-contained equipment room, is well maintained and maned for their purpose. Equipment is well labelled, and charts are fixed in key position to help worker figure out quickly what equipment is needed for size of boots from different countries, types of skis for 2 types of styles, and a weight ratio for pounds to color code.

3.1 Company Background Currently, the club is mostly operated by dedicated volunteers, and some of the staff do have payed positions. PSR is situated near Schumacher, in Timmins Ontario. They recently had a huge donation, which helped them build a 1.7 million state of the art, beautifully designed building, which is warm and cozy after a cold time in the great outdoors.

3.2 Description of the System and UsersThe system in place has proven to be a working method for (PSR) on paper, but our hope is to upgrade the existing forms into a web based form. Details are still being formulated.

Update:After a few weeks of in class study, and troubleshooting, we are currently attempting a final version to be submitted to our professor. Our hope is that with us working separately on this task, our unique talents will bring to fruit a form that will combine each of our talents into a beautiful crafted final version.

3.3 Problem Areas As of Feb/23/2016, we have not experienced any problems taking a paper form, and creating a digital copy. This may be updated, at a later date.

Update:As of March 22, 2016, we are inputting new code into the rental program, to allow multiple people to be added as a group. Also to save all information in one session, and display the clients input before committing to the reservation.

4.0 The Proposed System The proposed layout for PSR club is running smoothly, our reconstruction of the paper copy to the digital was successful. Our hope is the client, and future customer will enjoy the new modern update. Our goal is to have a single rental form, along with a group form available.

Update:We implemented an “add” button that will allow customers to add additional people to the single rental session. This ability will save time for both the customer and client. Group rentals is near completions, progress is on schedule for final development.

4.1 System Overview and UsersWe are currently, working on completing the overview for both the client, and customer. All information provided by a simulated customer have been successful, we have seen a few ways to implement better security measures. In addition, we are adding additional support code to capture the simulated information and re-display to the customer in a confirmed reservation form.

4.2 Process Specification Investigating a procedure to allow a “session”, of the pages to capture all data is next on our list.

4.2.1 Data Flow Diagram

Figure 1 - Data Flows4.3 Data Specification

Screen 1

Fill in Information 

&

Choice Activity 

Screen 2

Fill in activity 

Information

Screen 3

Additional

People Information

Screen 4

Confirmation of Rental

With Specifications, People, Contact Information

Rental # Code

The first attempt was a success with little time spent to improve the capturing of inputted data. We needed to add a few lines of code to accept multiple clients, as a group, featured an “add” a button below the submit button.

4.3.1 Table/ Files Layout – Figure 2

School or Group / Individual One Time

Choose Activity

Person in Charge

Contact Information

Address

Email

Fax

Phone

Number of people

Arrival

Departure

Classic Skiing

Contact Information

Address

Email

Fax

Phone

Number of people

Arrival

Departure

SnowshoeingSkate Skiing

Ski

Poles

Boots

# Required

 M / N - Pricing

Color Code

Length

Weight

# Required

M / N - Pricing

Ski

Poles

Boots

# Required

M / N - Pricing

Send Request / Receive Confirmation

4.4 Screen Layout / Specification On our first attempt we successful create a rough version of a single rental. With a few minor upgrading to the code, we were able to capture all necessary input created by a potential client. Now we are attempting to include a button that will add other clients, as a group rental.

Figure 3 - Prototype

4.5 Report / Form Specifications In the screenshot above, we have a prototype with specifications needed from a potential customer that the client needs, and to finalize a possible reservation of a single or group.

5.0 System Coding (Prototype)Prototype for this program was first introduced of early February, and then created sometime in March. Our first prototype, was to see if basic input information would be captured and written properly into MySQL database. We then further developed form by form, the next pieces of the program that would finally be our working final edition of the program.

5.1 Programming Languages and DatabaseProgramming used to create this digital form is called Notepad++, a reliable and intuitive program editor. To have been familiar with MySQL database, we decided to continue using this free program as our primary database. There are many programs available both in program editor, and database, but we are confident that both these programs will help cut cost for our client, and be easy to use. They are other comparable editors for instance Sublime, and database programs other than MySQL. We feel confident in recommending the use of these present systems as a perfect programing program for our client particular requirements.

5.2 System Infrastructure (servers, clients etc …)System infrastructure in a small scale to show our client the

PSR

Customer apparatus

Website

Server / Database

Client Staff 

Computer

5.3 Files/Modules We have been able to achieve all page form information, to a single digital page form. This will be utilized onsite, and an original copy will be provided to management / technician on site. We recommend to copy a file onto USB stick, and a DVD cd, as a backup, if any equipment failure or power outage ever causes damage to equipment.

6.0 System Testing Plan

Since we started this project for (PSR), we have been eagerly awaiting for the opportunity to take this project from a paper form, to a modern digital form. We will be making sure that every aspect of the digital format, is enjoyable and easy to use for both the client and the customer.

6.1 Testing Stages Presently, we are testing up to six different forms of code, which encompasses the full digital copy of the (PSR) form. Throughout the testing phase, we are analysing one form at a time, in order to ensure that any data received by a potential customer is properly stored into the database, and returned as a completed reservation form.

6.2 Testing Schedule The length of time scheduled for testing is flexible, and dependent upon any difficulties we encounter. During our testing for the (PSR) form, we only came across familiar obstacles which were corrected. We are in our final testing phase, and looking forward to present our final version to the client.

7.0 System Implementation Plan Our recommendation is for our client to ensure a qualified technician install a wired / wireless connection to the room which houses the computer, and printer. Also, we recommend the computer have a login screen with user name and password.

7.1 Resource RequirementsDuring our onsite visit, we were aware that our client will be in need of a computer, or laptop, and a personal printer. Which management has already taken into consideration, and will provide the necessary technology.

7.1.1 Hardware Requirements These are the minimum and recommended system requirements for MySQL database system to operate:

Minimum Hardware Requirements2 CPU Cores2 GB RAM1.1 GB MemoryDisk I/O subsystem applicable to a write-intensive database

Recommended Hardware Requirements4 CPU Cores or more8 GB RAM or more2 GB Memory or moreRAID10 or RAID 0+1 disk setup

Please Note: These recommendations are directly from MySQL website. Our recommendation is for our client to invest in a current computer system greater than the website recommended requirements to avoid unnecessary upgrading, and loss of potential earnings.

7.1.2 Software Requirements We recommend using MySQL database program, and download Notepad ++, as code editor.Both software we presently utilize for creating the digital form for (PSR), with the bonus of using free.

7.1.3 Human Resources Requirements We recommend that most of the key staff members be trained on the basic everyday operation of the equipment, and programs. A primary backup computer would be beneficial, but not necessary. As a secondary backup we recommend to keep copies of the original forms for walk-in, due to a maintenance, or equipment failure.

7.2 Implementation PlanWe have finalized the program for our professor’s approval, with his endorsement, this program will be implemented in the next season.

7.2.1 Site Preparation As previously discussed with management, the site will be prepared in advanced with the necessary computer equipment, and workplace equipment. If needed, we do have staff willing to help finalized in the site preparation process.

7.2.2 Personnel Training We recommend that all staff be trained on the computer equipment, and printer functions. Allowing every staff to perform these simple everyday task, will help staff to feel qualified, comfortable and at ease, when helping customers.

7.2.3 Implementation Schedule The schedule for implementation to the digital form falls into the professional hands of Neil McNair, who we are confident will succeed in the installation, and maintenance of the Porcupine Ski Runners club. Presently, the digital form will be available for use as early as the beginning of the next winter season of 2016.

8.0 System Maintenance PlanWe recommend that the maintenance of the computer and printer be done monthly, as your season is short. Please follow proper cleaning procedures, and ink replacement procedures according to the manual guidelines.