Abstract
The evolving landscape of transportation systems has ushered in a new era of convenience and accessibility through automated car hiring information record management systems. This study presents a comprehensive exploration of the design, development, testing, and implementation of such a system, focusing on its application within the context of Lagos State. The research emphasizes the significance of efficient car hiring information management in enhancing mobility solutions in urban environments. By streamlining administrative processes, improving customer experience, and facilitating data-driven decision-making, an automated system has the potential to reshape the car hiring industry. The study begins by delving into the choice of programming languages and databases, demonstrating how Python and MySQL were employed to create a robust and user-friendly interface. The hardware and software requirements necessary for optimal performance are meticulously outlined, providing a clear roadmap for system adoption. Throughout the testing and implementation phases, the system underwent rigorous evaluations, ranging from unit and integration tests to comprehensive system testing. This meticulous approach ensured the functionality, reliability, and usability of the system, further validated through real-world user feedback. The findings of this study not only shed light on the strengths of the automated car hiring information record management system but also highlight areas for potential refinement. The user interface presented seamless interactions for user registration, booking, and reporting, with minor glitches swiftly addressed to enhance overall performance. System documentation serves as a guide for users to effectively load and run the software, fostering a smooth adoption process. With step-by-step instructions, users can readily integrate the system into their operations, fostering efficiency and optimization. In conclusion, this study contributes to the advancement of transportation systems by presenting a comprehensive solution tailored to the specific needs of Lagos State. The automated car hiring information record management system holds the promise of revolutionizing the car hiring industry, augmenting convenience, and elevating urban mobility to new heights. Future directions involve continued refinement and expansion of the system's capabilities, paving the way for even greater impacts in transportation management and service delivery.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1Background of the study
Car hiring System (CHS) is a web based system for a company that rents out cars. This system enables the company to make their services available to the public through the internet and also keep records about their services.
The world has become a place where there is a lot of technological development; where every single thing done physically has been transformed into computerized form. Nowadays, people’s activities have been transformed into work done by computerized systems Umar (2022). One of which is the main target of this project which is about Car hiring System. The system of hiring cars exist back in the previous years, were people rent cars for their personal reasons. Car hiring is essential to many peoples’ plan to travel or move from one place to another for business purposes, tour, and visit or holidays, for these reasons Car hiring is very helpful.
The starting point of Car hiring is really unknown as said by Thomas Pretty; he also mentioned that many beliefs that Joe Saunders was the first man to start a Car hiring company. According to Thomas Pretty, charges were calculated with the help of mileage tracking device. Many people became interested in the Car hiring business and hence got involved. Car hiring became more popular as years pass by. Today Car hiring services is found all over the world, especially in the developed and developing countries. To make this service more popular and accessible to the public it has been transform into a web base system and connected to the internet were everyone can be able to have access to it.
Car Hiring is a web-based system for a company that rents out cars. This system enables the company to make their services available to the public through the internet and also keep records about their services. The world has become a place where there is a lot of technological development; where every single thing did physically has been transformed into a computerized form. Nowadays, peoples activities have been transformed into work done by computerized systems. One of which is the main target of this project which is about Car Hiring System. The system of renting cars exist back in the previous years, where people rent cars for their personal reasons. Car hiring is essential to many peoples plan to travel or move from one place to another for business purposes, tour, and visit or holidays, for these reasons Car, renting is very helpful.
The starting point of Car hiring is really unknown as said by Thomas Pretty (2010); he also mentioned that many believe that Joe Saunders was the first man to start a Car hiring company. According to Thomas Pretty(2010), charges were calculated with the help of mileage tracking device. Many people became interested in the Car hiring business and hence got involved. Car hiring became more popular as years pass-by. Today, Car hiring services is found all over the world, especially in developed and developing countries. To make this service more popular and accessible to the public, it has been transformed into a web-based system and connected to the internet where everyone can be able to have access to it.
The information system designed for managers needs, and the system set was up as major computer application area. The Management Information System (MIS) as a computer-based system makes information available to users with similar needs. Manager used the output information. The earlier studies shown that MIS could used to manage car hiring, expected to accelerate as well as archiving services to customers better and safer, making it easier when required at any time. The online implementation of management information system provided and supported the customers for reservations, assist management in knowing hiring car inventory at a specified time, to process transactions between branches car hiring, transportation transaction processing, which supports satisfactory service to customers and support the company's operational processes. Web based car hiring information system increases the customers, and help promotion. The aim of this research is solving the problems that occur in Avis Indonesia; propose development of web-based car hiring management information system.
1.2 Statement of Problem
The quick rate of technological advancement in today's urban environment has profoundly changed how people move around their surroundings. The development of automated Car hiring services, which have transformed the idea of transportation, is one important development. These services encourage effective and sustainable mobility by providing people with the comfort and flexibility of on-demand car access without the cost of ownership. Although automated automobile hiring systems have the potential to ease urban transportation problems, managing the data they generate effectively is still a major concern, especially in the case of a dynamic and heavily populated metropolis like Lagos State.
Lagos State, which is located in the southwest of Nigeria, is a thriving economic powerhouse and a center of activity. According to recent estimates, the state's population is over 20 million, and it struggles with a variety of urban problems like traffic congestion, a lack of suitable parking, and environmental deterioration. Automated automobile hiring services have arisen as a viable remedy to these problems, providing an alternative to traditional car ownership and enabling shared mobility. However, the widespread usage of these services has brought to light a number of data management complications, which have effects on both service providers and customers.
The effective management of the sizable amount of data produced by automated Car hiring services is one of the main challenges. Numerous data points are continuously generated, processed, and stored, including booking transactions, vehicle availability, client profiles, invoicing information, and maintenance schedules. For the system to run well, it is essential to guarantee the correctness, integrity, and accessibility of this data. However, Lagos State's current automobile hiring systems sometimes rely on manual, disjointed procedures that are prone to mistakes, which results in unsatisfactory user experiences and operational inefficiencies.
Billing accuracy is yet another crucial issue brought on by poor data management. Inaccurate billing can undermine consumer confidence in service providers, which may deter people from using these services as a practical mode of transportation. A strong and automatic billing method is required because to the complex interplay of several parameters, including hiring duration, distance traveled, peak hours, and additional services. If these billing issues are not resolved, automobile hiring services risk losing their ability to make a profit as well as their ability to cut carbon emissions and relieve traffic congestion.
In addition, the dynamic nature of urban transportation necessitates the use of real-time insights and data-driven judgment. The amount of data created by automated car-hiring systems can be used by city planners, regulators, and service providers to improve traffic flow, distribute resources wisely, and customize services to fit changing demand trends. Harnessing this potential is significantly hampered by the lack of a centralized and all-inclusive data management system. The creation of a more sustainable and effective urban transportation ecosystem is hampered in the absence of an integrated platform for collecting and evaluating data.
These difficulties highlight the necessity for an Automated Car hiring Information Record Management System that is especially suited to the peculiarities of Lagos State. By automating crucial operational aspects, such a system has the ability to expedite every step of renting an automobile, from making the reservation to returning it. In order to increase efficiency and accuracy, a centralized database would compile crucial data, such as vehicle availability, client profiles, transaction history, and maintenance schedules. Additionally, a charging module with clever design might guarantee transparency and reduce inconsistencies, boosting customer confidence and promoting the expansion of these services.
1.3 Aim and Objectives
The primary objective of this thesis is to design, develop, and evaluate an Automated Car hiring Information Record Management System specifically tailored for the context of Lagos State. The system aims to:
- Streamline the process of car hiring, from booking to return, by automating key operations and minimizing human intervention.
- Provide a centralized and robust database to manage information related to vehicle availability, customer profiles, booking history, and maintenance schedules.
- Ensure accurate billing and payment processing, reducing discrepancies and enhancing transparency for both customers and service providers.
- Enable data-driven decision-making for service providers and policymakers by offering real-time insights into car hiring patterns, traffic flow, and demand trends.
- Improve the overall user experience for both car hiring customers and service administrators through an intuitive and user-friendly interface
1.4.1 Practical Significance
The practical significance of developing an Automated Car hiring Information Record Management System tailored for Lagos State's context is profound and far-reaching. This system has the potential to address several pressing challenges faced by urban centers, particularly in densely populated and dynamic environments like Lagos. The following practical implications underscore the significance of this endeavor:
Efficient Urban Mobility: The proposed system can significantly enhance urban mobility by streamlining the car hiring process. By automating booking, vehicle allocation, and customer management, individuals can seamlessly access transportation, reducing congestion and promoting a more efficient use of available road infrastructure.
Traffic Congestion Alleviation: With real-time data on vehicle availability and traffic patterns, the system can contribute to easing traffic congestion. By offering alternative transportation options and encouraging shared mobility, it can help reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, thereby mitigating congestion-related issues.
Environmental Sustainability: The system's potential to promote shared mobility aligns with efforts to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution. As more individuals opt for Car hiring services over private vehicle ownership, the cumulative effect can lead to a reduction in the overall carbon footprint of urban transportation.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: City planners, policymakers, and transportation authorities can leverage the comprehensive data collected by the system to make informed decisions. Insights into travel patterns, demand trends, and peak usage hours can inform resource allocation, infrastructure development, and urban planning strategies.
User Convenience: The user-friendly interface and streamlined booking process can enhance the overall user experience, encouraging more individuals to adopt Car hiring services. This convenience extends beyond customers to service administrators, who can manage operations more efficiently.
Billing Accuracy: The automated billing module ensures accurate and transparent billing processes, reducing disputes and building trust between service providers and users. This can positively influence user perceptions and contribute to the sustained growth of the Car hiring industry.
Economic Growth: The successful implementation of the system can stimulate economic growth by creating opportunities for job creation, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship within the Car hiring ecosystem.
1.4.2 Theoretical Significance
The theoretical significance of this research lies in its potential to contribute to the fields of transportation management, urban planning, and information systems. By addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with automated Car hiring services, this study advances theoretical understanding in the following ways:
Transportation and Mobility Studies: The research provides insights into the dynamics of shared mobility and its impact on urban transportation. It contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable mobility solutions and alternative transportation modes in the context of rapidly growing cities.
Information Systems and Technology: The development of the Automated Car hiring Information Record Management System showcases the application of cutting-edge technology to streamline complex processes. This can serve as a case study for information systems scholars interested in designing and implementing innovative solutions in real-world scenarios.
Urban Planning and Policy: The study offers a nuanced understanding of how data-driven decision-making can influence urban planning and policy formulation. By highlighting the importance of accurate data in shaping transportation strategies, it contributes to the theoretical foundation of urban planning practices.
Sustainable Development: The emphasis on reducing traffic congestion, promoting shared mobility, and minimizing environmental impact aligns with the principles of sustainable development. The research contributes to the theoretical framework for creating more sustainable and livable urban environments.
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): The design of a user-friendly interface for the system delves into HCI principles and best practices. This can serve as a case study for HCI researchers interested in creating intuitive and efficient user experiences in digital platforms.
In essence, the development and evaluation of the Automated Car hiring Information Record Management System offer theoretical insights that transcend disciplinary boundaries. By addressing practical challenges while contributing to theoretical frameworks, this research has the potential to influence both academia and industry, fostering more efficient and sustainable urban transportation systems.
1.6 Limitations of Study
The study's focus is exclusively on the case of Lagos State, Nigeria. Consequently, the system's applicability and effectiveness in other geographical locations or cultural contexts might vary and require further investigation.
The accuracy and comprehensiveness of the system's data depend on the cooperation and data sharing from car hiring service providers. Limited access to complete and real-time data could affect the precision of the system's insights and outcomes.
1.7 Definition of Terms
To ensure clarity and common understanding, key terms used throughout this research are defined as follows:
Automated Car hiring Services: Technologically-enabled platforms that provide individuals with access to vehicles on a short-term basis, often via mobile applications, allowing users to rent vehicles for specific durations.
Information Record Management System: A digital system designed to organize, store, and manage data related to car hiring transactions, customer profiles, vehicle availability, billing records, and maintenance schedules.
Shared Mobility: A transportation concept focused on optimizing the use of vehicles by allowing multiple users to share a single vehicle for their travel needs, contributing to reduced congestion and environmental impact.
Traffic Congestion: The excessive accumulation of vehicles on roadways, resulting in reduced traffic flow, longer travel times, and increased environmental pollution.
Urban Mobility: The movement of people and goods within an urban area, encompassing various transportation modes and infrastructure that enable such movement.
Billing Accuracy: The precision and correctness of the financial charges and invoicing associated with car hiring services, ensuring transparency and fairness in transactions.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: The process of making informed choices based on data analysis and insights, often facilitated by technology and aimed at optimizing operational efficiency and strategic planning.
User Interface (UI): The graphical and interactive elements of a digital platform that users interact with, including menus, buttons, forms, and visual design components.
User Experience (UX): The overall experience and satisfaction of users as they interact with a digital platform, encompassing factors such as usability, accessibility, and ease of interaction.
Sustainable Transportation: Modes of transportation that minimize environmental impact, promote energy efficiency, and contribute to long-term environmental, economic, and social well-being.
