Criteria D - Evaluating

Evaluation of Investigation

This part of my work was all about researching necessary information that would guide me and help with completing the task. The software Access developed by Microsoft was suggested to me by my client for the creation of the database so I had to conduct research in my own time by experimenting with its features. This was because I have never encountered or used this software prior to this. We analysed the problem Roti Hut is facing and how a database made in MS Access could solve it, evaluated the ups and downs of using it with a SWOT analysis and then I found the information that was to be included in the database. I struggled most with finding useful features like macros that I had to manually set up by writing a code, which I have also not done or learnt about in the past. I was able to successfully complete all of my research on time to move on to designing the database.

Evaluation of Design

I began the process of designing by creating an action plan which I will follow to efficiently accomplish short term targets and eventually complete this part of the project over the limited amount of time I have. I then undertook the first part of my task, which is creating different variations of design styles for my database, one of which will be chosen as final. I created both designs from scratch both on paper and digitally, by using the famous software / tool, Microsoft Paint. I carefully evaluated both designs while comparing it to the requirements of the design brief. A summary detailing the criteria by which I was to create the product. After doing that, I selected the option meeting the specifications most. Of course, I would not be able to know that my design is a 100% foolproof if a test plan of some sort was not considered. I took into account the possible ways that the end product could be tested for flaws and made sure to run it after creation of the finished product.

Interview with Client Mr. Mai Sanikantha

Mr. Mai: Greetings.

Me: Hello again!

Mr. Mai: I am glad to say that the new database you crafted up is working great. The restaurant's grand opening is next week and have finally wrapped up one of the final projects.

Me: I am glad to hear that myself. I understand you have installed the database onto your computer system?

Mr. Mai: Correct, I'm impressed by the professional look, however there are a few minor issues I would like to make known.

Me: What would that be?

Mr. Mai: We did transfer the database to our system, however it took a while. Especially with a cheap WiFi router at our workplace, setting up the database and loading it up took ages. Also, I was filling in some information about an experimental dish our cooks are working on and when I tried clicking on 'Next Record' the database started to lag.

Me: It is very possible that the size of the database file is causing disruptions with the performance.

Mr. Mai: Is there a possible fix for this?

Me: I believe upgrading your computer would minimise the slow performance.

Mr. Mai: Thank you, I have no concerns otherwise. I feel the database will help us massively and I have already sent out a copy to our foundation restaurant in India. Now we won't have to rely on pen and paper to record our information.

Me: No problem. Good bye and good luck with your future endeavours!

Mr. Mai: I wish the same to you. Good bye.

Obstacles Faced During Creation of the Product

My biggest problem was the creation and setup of the login screen security measure that would appear as you launch the database. I had a hard time figuring out just how exactly to get the login button to function the way it is meant to and how I can notify the user that they have typed in an incorrect username or password. After consulting with one of my peers however, I was linked to a helpful internet tutorial that helped me understand the 'on-click event' function for designing the button. I also had some minor problems while designing the product. The forms would have a header that would overlap some of the main content and I was not sure how to get rid of it. After some thinking I moved the content out of the way and inserted the company logo on the header while the main content can still be seen.

Improvements

Probably everything has pros and cons. This product does too, for that matter. My client was happy with the appearance and functionality of the product, however did not find the performance as appealing. Roti Hut hired a group of professional photographers with high quality cameras to take pictures of the dishes, staff and equipment in the restaurant to be transferred to the new database. The resolution of the images being quite big caused the database to operate slower than expected, especially when moving between individual forms containing detailed information about one dish or item using the buttons. The digital weight of the database file made it difficult to transfer to the Roti Hut system. A solution was found nonetheless and the file was placed into a zip folder which shrunk the size of the file until unzipped at the destination. The file size remains heavy at this moment and the database functions slowly. My client was also worried about the fact that all information could be lost in the unlikely but possible case of the login details being forgotten and the employees being unable to access the vital information.

Personal Evaluation and Conclusion

I feel like throughout this work I succeeded in meeting the expectations of my client and acquired many new and exciting skills. I got experience with using a software new to me which meant I had to do my own research which was tricky at first but experimenting with features became more interesting. I learnt a little code language along with how to set up macros and buttons in Microsoft Access. I find that this program has a vast array of applications it could be used for in fields apart from restaurant database creation. Library book database to keep record of the books in and out of the library, a database for a hospital to keep track of the information about patients and more.

Sources:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqs8LIgKZTA
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=356ylQn6kkA