DevGenie

So after coming up with the concept of a simple invoicing system, I have managed to get a working draft. There is still a lot of work to do before its the finished article but with only 3 days after obsessing over the system, it's really coming together.

As the program is intended for startups and small businesses I am trying to make the installation as simplistic and quick for all. I was originally going to use SQLite database but with large amounts of transactions and potentially adding a logging system to track changes this could be problematic. I have instead decided to go with an MYSQL database although the installation is a pain, its free to use and can be deployed onto a local PC, it also has potential to be scaled so the application can be used outside of an office environment if needed.

The Application supports multiple databases, restricted login access if required which includes user permissions. Customers entered into the system can be given a credit limit and this will stop any further actions with that customer if exceeded. Depending on the user's access level it will also stop the user from creating an invoice if the credit limit will be exceeded.

Here is a screenshot of the basic customer screen:

As you can see above the customer screen, you can create, edit and delete customers. I have added a deleted flag to the customer so instead of just being outright deleted it will be marked as deleted and only the manager account can physically remove a record from the system.

There is also the ability to search on all fields in the customer's section if there are multiple records and cannot find the desired record.

The config button allows the remove unneeded columns and reorders the columns at user level, this allows users to have there own individual views.

The customer form has all the necessary information to create a customer record, with the addition of creating customer-specific sites, and customer history.

These allow the user to store this information in the system without having to try the same entry multiple time-saving time and potentially money. I will also be adding to the customer screen customer specific prices as some time special rates apply to certain customers. These prices can also be applied to specific sites so potentially the same product could be a different price for 2 sites from the same customer.

From the ground up the system has been designed to scale up with the business although at some point there will be a need for another system. This system can have bolt-ons added to it (order screen, quotes, credit notes, reports) etc.

I would to have some feedback on the system, my blog and any other advice and guidance that can be given. That would be very much appreciated.

Thanks again, until next time...

This is my first post under the Genie Dev name.

The first system that the company will be releasing is a simplistic user friendly invoicing system.

The main purpose of the system is to reduce repetitive tasks by storing customer and stock items. This will then be used to create the invoice which can be created and sent to the client in a matter of seconds.

The platform will first be available as a desktop application before rolling out onto a web/cloud application

I would like to hear your thoughts and ideas on the project. Also product testers at this stage is required. If anyone is interested then please let me know.