A cost-effective web-based ordering system for small food businesses : prototype development of an online ordering and delivery management system for small ethnic food businesses
Piyadasa, Madushani (2026)
2026
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2026052717776
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2026052717776
Tiivistelmä
Rapid development in technology has changed the food delivery sector through the incorporation of online ordering systems that enhance efficiency and convenience. Nevertheless, numerous small food companies in Finland still use third-party services such as Wolt and Uber Eats, which usually come with hefty commissions and restrict business control over consumer information and processes. The purpose of this thesis is to develop an efficient web-based platform for ordering and managing deliveries for small food delivery establishments.
The main aim of the research was to create an independent system for placing orders online, whereby the use of third-party services would be minimised, while still retaining the basic features required for ordering. This was completed by creating an application using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL programming languages in the XAMPP development platform. Rapid Application Development method was used to improve the web site.
Functionalities such as menu browsing, cart handling, order delivery, order pickup, dynamic check-out processes, order storage, and order management via the administration panel were included in the developed software. A relational database schema was introduced to provide organised and effective data storage. All functional requirements were successfully fulfilled after performing functional tests, where operations such as cart modification, delivery validation, order placement, and order viewing via the administration panel were verified.
As can be seen from the above results, the developed prototype has high potential for providing small-sized food companies with the possibility of managing their operations efficiently through a web-based ordering system. In contrast to the costly process of integrating complex commercial delivery systems, the prototype enhances the autonomy of businesses, their usability, and order management. Although important features such as payment processing, tracking, and security mechanisms have not been added, the developed solution offers a good starting point for further work.
The main aim of the research was to create an independent system for placing orders online, whereby the use of third-party services would be minimised, while still retaining the basic features required for ordering. This was completed by creating an application using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL programming languages in the XAMPP development platform. Rapid Application Development method was used to improve the web site.
Functionalities such as menu browsing, cart handling, order delivery, order pickup, dynamic check-out processes, order storage, and order management via the administration panel were included in the developed software. A relational database schema was introduced to provide organised and effective data storage. All functional requirements were successfully fulfilled after performing functional tests, where operations such as cart modification, delivery validation, order placement, and order viewing via the administration panel were verified.
As can be seen from the above results, the developed prototype has high potential for providing small-sized food companies with the possibility of managing their operations efficiently through a web-based ordering system. In contrast to the costly process of integrating complex commercial delivery systems, the prototype enhances the autonomy of businesses, their usability, and order management. Although important features such as payment processing, tracking, and security mechanisms have not been added, the developed solution offers a good starting point for further work.