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Business Challenge
Our customer needed a software solution that would automate a salon’s workflow from
making an appointment to checking out. The client requested the development of two
operation modes and an easy-to-extend reporting system.
Software Solution
Axmor’s .Net programmers developed a software product
that automates daily operations of hairdressing salons. To streamline appointment-tracking
functions, the user can conveniently select any of the calendar views provided by
the application: daily, weekly, monthly, or as a scheduler. The easy-to-use custom
backup/restore utility ensures data safety. Axmor’s .Net programmers helped our
customer target the application at small and midsize salons by the development of
specific capabilities for each of the two operation modes.
Strengths of the developed software:
- Customizable User Interface
One of our customer’s critical requirements was an intuitive user interface that
would accelerate adaptation and facilitate training. After evaluating several options,
we developed an interface that resembles Outlook’s calendar view including similar
customization options. To achieve the desired result at minimum cost, Axmor’s .Net
programmers used DevExpress components library.
The software is developed to flexibly serve diverse needs of various salons. A salon
administrator can set up business related details, such as opening hours or a hairdresser’s
master score, which the schedule engine uses to avoid time and resource conflicts.
At the same time, it is possible to skip the settings’ restrictions; for example,
reducing a recommended time slot or substituting an ill hairdresser.
The software is integrated with POS devices, allowing the user to print a receipt
on the till printer and open a cash drawer directly from the Appointment Scheduler
software. Unavailability of a .Net development kit for the selected POS devices
was development challenge, but our .Net programmers resolved the problem with the
manufacturers. To avoid the extra costs of purchasing and shipping the devices,
Axmor developed special scripts for remote testing that our custom can easily run
to generate test reports.
The developed software provides precise reports on day-to-day operations, enhanced
with analytical summaries. These reports are visualized using Excel templates that
have a habitual look and feel for salon administration. Our customer wanted to be
able to add new reports at minimum cost. Axmor’s .Net programmers addressed this
need by the development of a report engine, which has standard rules for converting
data from the application database to the Excel format. As a result, changing report
style and data representation requires changes in the Excel template only. Implementation
of a new report requires development of business logic and a new template, and the
report engine automatically converts data into the Excel format.
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BRIEF:
A .Net software product for appointment scheduling
and tracking in hairdressing salons.
BENEFITS:
Axmor’s .Net programmers developed a software product
that addressed our customer’s needs:
- Convenient service for varying needs of multiple hairdressing salons;
- Outlook-like interface reduces the learning curve;
- Backup utility ensures data safety;
- The development of new reports requires minimum expense.
TECHNOLOGIES:
- .NET
- VB.NET
- MSDE 2000
- Microsoft Excel 2003
- DevExpress controls
- CalendarGo controls.
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