Chapter 3
Technical Background
Greencart is an online shopping platform designed to provide a superior customer experience while promoting environmental sustainability by managing packaging waste, particularly bubble wraps. It offers a seamless ordering system where customers receive well-protected parcels, along with a structured process for returning used packaging in exchange for discount vouchers, contributing to recycling efforts and minimizing solid waste.
This chapter introduces the individuals responsible for developing Greencart and presents various diagrams that illustrate the flow of both the current and proposed systems. Each diagram is accompanied by a narrative to provide a clear understanding of system interactions, user roles, and data flow. These visual representations help in analyzing and improving the overall efficiency of Greencart.
Figure 3.1
Organizational Structure
In Figure 3.1, the organizational structure presents a straightforward flow beginning with the online seller, who is responsible for listing and managing product sales. Following the online seller, the logistic personnel handle the processing, packaging, and coordination of the orders. Lastly, the delivery driver ensures the safe and timely delivery of the parcels directly to the customers.
Figure 3.2
Floor Plan
Figure 3.2 illustrates the deployment of the system within the logistics facility. The layout includes designated areas such as the parcel holding area, packing materials storage, personnel’s desk for processing orders, and a waiting area for customers. Staff are trained on handling, recording, and dispatching parcels to ensure smooth operations.
Figure 3.3
Figure 3.3 shows the workflow of the package handling process, involving the Online Seller, Customer, Logistic Personnel, and Delivery Driver. The Online Seller lists products, and the Customer places an order after browsing. The Logistic Personnel handles packing and checking package contents before proceeding to shipment. Finally, the Delivery Driver delivers the package to the customer, ensuring the smooth flow of order processing and delivery.
Figure 3.4
Figure 3.4 illustrates the interactions of the Logistic Current System with the Online Seller, Logistic Personnel, Delivery Driver, and Customer. The system manages customer details, product information, payments, package specifications, delivery information, and tracking numbers. The Online Seller provides product details and actual products, while the Logistic Personnel manage package specifications and logistics information. The Delivery Driver receives the delivery list and transports the packages to customers. The Customer receives the ordered products along with tracking information and receipts. These interactions ensure efficient package management, order tracking, and delivery operations.
Figure 3.5
Level 0 Data Flow Diagram of the Current System
Figure 3.5 illustrates the flow of package management in the logistic system, showing how orders move from customers to delivery through various processes. Customers browse products, place orders, and make payments, while Online Sellers post product details for viewing. Once an order is placed, the system processes the order, confirms product availability, and generates tracking numbers. Logistics Personnel manage package specifications, ensuring proper packing and labeling before shipment. The Delivery Driver receives the delivery list and transports the packages to customers. Upon delivery, customers receive receipts and unpack the products. Throughout the process, the system maintains records of order details, shipment tracking, package verification, and delivery information to ensure smooth and efficient logistics operations.
Figure 3.6
Greencart System Architecture
Figure 3.6 illustrates the system architecture, where a user browses products, places orders, and tracks their purchases through an integrated platform. Requests are processed through an API gateway, acting as a security checkpoint to ensure proper routing to the product, payment, and logistics services. The middleware, powered by a messaging system, manages communication between components, ensuring reliable and seamless data exchange. The integration layer connects to the database, payment gateway, and third-party logistics services for order fulfillment. Delivery drivers access order details through a dedicated application to complete deliveries. This architecture ensures efficient, secure, and coordinated processing of all user transactions.
Figure 3.7
Activity Diagram of the Proposed System
Figure 3.7 illustrates the activity diagram of the proposed system. The Admin verifies and approves online seller applications to ensure only eligible sellers can post products. Online sellers upload their products and process incoming orders. Customers browse products and place orders if they wish to proceed to checkout. Logistic personnel pack and label orders, ensuring all shipment details are correct before uploading proof and managing pouch stock. After verification, packages are handed over to the delivery driver for final delivery. Customers can then track their packages, receive their shipments, and complete the process by unboxing or unpackaging their items.
Figure 3.8
Context Level Data Flow Diagram of the Proposed System
Figure 3.8 illustrates the Greencart System and its external entities. The Greencart Admin manages the system by approving seller requirements and overseeing the platform’s overall operations. Customers interact with the system by placing orders and providing product details. Online Sellers supply customer information, product details, and payment records, while receiving receipts and tracking numbers from the system. Logistic Personnel input package specifications to assist in the organization and transport of products. Delivery Drivers receive package and delivery information to ensure that orders are properly dispatched and delivered to customers.
Figure 3.9
Level 0 Data Flow Diagram of the Proposed System
Figure 3.10
Entity-Relationship Diagram of the Proposed System
Figure 3.10 illustrates the Entity-Relationship Diagram of the Greencart E-commerce System. Users interact with the platform by browsing available products and adding them to their shopping cart. Once users finalize their selection, an order is created and proceeds to secure payment processing. Each order leads to packaging, where products are wrapped according to their size category using a designated number of bubble wrap rolls. The packaging is documented with a photo and marked with a wrap status to confirm eco-compliance. Packages are assigned to a shipment, which is tracked through waybills containing sender and recipient details. Users can access coupons, which serve as incentives for returning used bubble wrap in good condition. A document module stores verification files such as valid IDs and certificates to authenticate users, particularly store owners. This flow supports sustainable packaging, efficient order fulfillment, and incentivized recycling—aligning with Greencart mission of promoting eco-friendly online shopping.
Figure 3.11
Project Organization
Figure 3.11 illustrates the project's organizational structure, ensuring clear roles and responsibilities. At the top, the Project Manager oversees the entire operation, coordinating tasks and ensuring smooth execution. The Researcher gathers relevant information, while the Documenter records essential details. The Developer is responsible for implementing technical aspects based on the research and documentation. This structure promotes efficient collaboration, streamlined workflows, and effective project management.
Activity Diagram of the Current System
Context Level Data Flow Diagram of the Current System
Figure 3.9 illustrates the flow of package and order management within the Greencart system, highlighting interactions between the Greencart Admin, Customer, Online Seller, Logistic Personnel, and Delivery Driver. The process begins with the Greencart Admin approving seller requirements to ensure only authorized sellers can operate. Online Sellers post product details and manage orders received from Customers. Customers place orders and receive tracking numbers for their purchases. Logistic Personnel handle the packaging and shipping processes, ensuring proper labeling and movement of items. Delivery Drivers are responsible for picking up and delivering packages to customers, while proof of delivery and receipts are generated to confirm successful transactions.
