hotel reservation system using MS Access

[bludstorm]

Hey, I need some help. Got a project to do for IT: to create a Hotel Reservation System using MS Access, that's all the details about the guest including their assigned room, food etc that contributes to the final bill. Teach. says "Create a software that the hotel can use (install)...if I give them a CD with the system on it". I'm not sure how to go about creating a software within the software, get it? Help needed on creating and linking the tables and presenting in an impressive way.

My main focus needs to be on utilizing Access but, I can use a bit of Visual Basic (6), which btw I don't know how to use.

Thanks much.

[W01fgang]

it's a project from a teacher? using MS Access? What exactly is the name of your IT class? I'm asking because it is strange to be asked to create a hotel reservation and customer management system with little knowledge in VB.

First you have to map out the processes of reserving a room and dining, itemize both the goods and services with a price, then break them into groups. This will tell you how to create your access database. The question is how compllex you want to make it.

Second... learn vb if that is your teacher's choice. But, access can create a frontend as well. Once you have coded in vb6 with access database, you could use Visual Studio Installer to package your whole software.

Hmm... i will give you a summarized idea in how and what we do on an actual project:

Logic and System Analysis - Findout exactly the current processes that is being used. "How is it currently being done?" Then imagine the user doing the same thing on screen, followed by steamlining the process.

Technical Parameters - What language, which database, time frame, set features lock-down date, reporting needs, networking or standalone system, complete map of software functionaility.

There are many approach in doing the design part.

Front-end Visualisation - Often once we got the logic and processes ironed out, we used a front-end visual prototyping (grids, buttons and layout stuff) to work with the clients to get feedback and confirm our understanding. This is important, because many people jump into coding the software from the core and end up with many problems due to lacking consultation with the final user.

Database Design - 90% of potential problems can come from here if not careful. This is related to the logic how data relate to each other. Try google "database design" Design how tables are structured and data files are related.

Coding - At this stage we pretty much know what needs to be done. The 1st stage coding is done without any error handling, no fancy stuff and no User Interface Design implementation. Development Testing Cycle is continuous until we got everything done and leave it for one big testing phase by pretty much everyone. This will result in a pile of notes for final refinement. Then Alpha is out for client testing at our office with all error handling, logging and auditing. Somewhere along, there is a stress test on the database with simulated 5 years worth of data.

Packaging and Deployment - This is when we use software like InstallShield or WISE Installation or even Visual Studio Installer to wrap everything into a nicely packed setup file.

Generally, the client will have the beta (which we don't tell) until we release an update to fix minor bugs in the first few weeks. Only then we announce project completion with a final release.

The funny thing is that the actual coding is not as long as some might imagine.

[mendhak]

Bludstorm, the "software within software" you're worrying about is nothing but the teacher asking you to create a setup package. This can be done easily through VB-Addins.

The rest has been explained real well by wolfgang.

[bludstorm]

Yes, thanks for your reply.

[bludstorm]

hi, would u mind taking a look at the database? it's not something a real hotel could use as it's really, really basic, but i'd just like some feedback on the tables and relationships so far. I think it's been done well, you get the info. clearly. i'd appreciate any tips you might have after looking at it, if you want, not necessary.
thanks.

[mendhak]

Sure. Where is it?

Keep in mind that most of us don't run hotels, so wouldn't know the perfect structure for the db. But yeah, you can get tips on what can be separated, merged, etc.

[bludstorm]

if u could send ur email id i could send it to that. my computer's virus free so no worries about that.

[let_me_in]

I do not even think its appropriate to ask students to design and develope Hotel Management System with little knowledge of VB ??? Its a complex module and requires deep knowledge of system domain and structure.

[bludstorm]

Yeah, how do you think I feel? We haven't even had a semester's worth of studying MS Access itself. My group, including me and 2 other girls, presented the project today to him, and he plainly said he was not happy with it. I don't know, he expects us to create something an actual hotel would use. They use more sophisticated applications than Access. Anyways, sorry, I just needed to vent over there.

[mendhak]

You can't post it here?

[bludstorm]

i dont think u can do that with Access files. i tried but didnt work. here's my email id: [email protected]. u can get in touch with me there since u dont want to post it here.

[mendhak]

Sorry, can't use my work email for that. You could always zip it up, btw. Or just change the extension.

Perhaps someone else with less restrictions....

soz.