Configurating computer-controlled bar system

Nejc Šuštaršič (2010) Configurating computer-controlled bar system. EngD thesis.

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Abstract

The principal goal of my diploma thesis is creating an application for configurating computer-controlled beverages dispensing systems. In the preamble of my thesis I present the theoretical platform for point of sale systems and beverages dispensing systems, which are required for the understanding of the target problematics. As with many other fields, computer tehnologies entered the field of managing bars and restaurants quite some time ago. Basic components of every bar or restaurant are point of sale systems and beverages dispensing systems. Less demanding owners of bars or restaurants are satisfied with simplest of the point of sale systems, which implement only the most basic functions. At the same time they do not invest much in dispensing systems, which are most often made up of only unconnected drink dispensers, such as coffee machines or dispensers for beer. More demanding owners pay more attention to the mentioned systems, which often results in larger investments in them. Thus it si possible to introduce a computerized point of sale system, which in conjunction with beverages dispensing system represents a complete whole that allows the owner a more comprehensive way of controlling the operation of the bar or a restaurant. A computer-controlled beverages dispensing system needs to be configurated before operating. For this purpose I wrote an application that simplifies this process. The application implements communication with dispensing computer which is the essence of computer-controlled beverages dispensing system. Data from the dispensing computer are reprezented in a tabelaric form. Such manner enables a simple entry of new values, which can then be saved on the dispensing computer. Communication between dispensing computer and any other copmuter demands a protocol, whis is also described in this thesis. The application also allows a configuration to be saved in a XML file or to be read from one. In the description of the application I initially describe the basic procedures and functions that allow me to accomplish most of the tasks. Every description also contains a flow chart diagram of the procedure or the function. In continuation I describe the graphical user interface of the application. At this point I also explain some interesting cases of dealing with dynamic graphical interface and assurance of entering data of correct values in the configuration table.

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