DIGITIZING THE INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR FASHION FACTORY

Abstract

In today’s fast-paced business environment, many small businesses still depend on manual inventory tracking, leading to frequent issues such as missing entries, duplicate records, inaccuracies, and potential data manipulation. Fashion Factory, a boutique shop in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, has experienced these challenges firsthand. To overcome these obstacles, the researchers developed a web-based Inventory Management System that offers precise, real-time monitoring of products and sales. This study aims to design and implement a digitized inventory solution for Fashion Factory to significantly reduce manual errors, enhance data security, and optimize store operations. The system empowers the client to efficiently track inventory levels, monitor sales activities, and generate detailed reports and visual analytics, thereby facilitating more informed and effective decision-making. The researchers adopted the Agile Software Development Methodology and leveraged OutSystems Service Studio to develop the system. Through comprehensive client interviews, specific business requirements were identified, informing the design and implementation of critical features including automated stock updates, role-based access controls, detailed sales reporting, best-selling product visualizations, exportable Excel reports, and employee activity tracking. Rigorous alpha and beta testing phases were conducted to validate the system’s performance, ensure reliability, and confirm it met user needs and expectations. The results indicate that the system is intuitive, efficient, and fully compatible with both desktop and mobile browsers. Key features such as automatic inventory updates after each transaction, controlled staff access to editing and deletion functions, and automatic restoration of product quantities upon sales reversal significantly enhanced accuracy and data security. Moreover, the export-to-Excel capability and visual sales analytics empowered management with organized, data-driven insights. Survey feedback from clients and staff affirmed that the system streamlined operations, minimized errors, and improved the effectiveness of restocking and promotional planning. The web-based Inventory Management System developed for Fashion Factory effectively addressed the limitations of manual inventory tracking by enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and security in managing inventory and sales operations. The system’s real-time data updates and robust reporting tools empowered better decision-making, leading to improved overall business performance. This solution is highly recommended for small businesses looking to modernize their inventory management. Future developments, such as integrating barcode scanning and providing an offline mobile application, would further enhance the system’s flexibility and accessibility.