An electronic shopping system with a recommendation agent

Abstract

There is an inevitable need to improve the operation portfolio of the boutique, and erase problems like time consumption, inconsistency and a host of other problems encountered by most business enterprises. This research study focused on the design of a web based shopping system. The reason for the development of this system is because every shopping software system is precipitated by some business need which are: the need to correct a defect in an existing application, the need to adapt a legacy system to a changing business environment, the need to extend the functions and features of an existing application or the need to create a new product, service or system. A feasibility study was carried out through interviewing an entrepreneur (business proprietor) in order to acquire knowledge about the mode of operation of the boutique; also specialists in the field of fashion designing were interviewed to acquire knowledge that will be used by the proposed software agent to give recommendations online. The existing system was studied and deficiencies such as long queues, customer dissatisfaction and staff impatience, as well as the need for customers to get professional guidance. The Scripting language used for developing the database is MYSQL, and the application used in developing the database for this site is an SQL application called SQLYOG and it is compactable with MYSQL Server which is either wamp, xammp or zends. The system accepts input from the user whether an administrator or a customer, processes the input i.e. (carries out the required action on the input collected as specified by the system design) and produces an output (either a completed transaction report and receipt or an outfit recommendation). Interfaces were designed using PHP on Dreamweaver platform. MySQL Query Language on SQLYOG platform was used as a database tool to develop, organize and store all vital details about customers, suppliers, sales, product, and product categories. The proposed system is designed in a bid to improve speed, accuracy, storage capability, customer satisfaction, job flexibility for the staff as well as shopping flexibility for the customer and consistency in the boutique; it can be used by trained personnel as well as for general public due to its simplicity. This work elaborates on the implementation and use of software agents in global transaction i.e. people can transact from the various locations and their goods are delivered at their doorstep enabling them to save time and the stress involved in physically doing the shopping.