Modernizing order management for Food Sciences Corporation with a scanner-integrated web app
Health
About this project
We created a web application that works on scanners and connects to the existing database. It helps FSC employees complete orders by allowing them to fetch orders, collect items, submit completed or uncompleted orders, and generate packing slips. The solution was built using HTML5, Python, and Django, with Windows IIS as the server and Microsoft SQL Server for database management.
Region
New Jersey, United States
Region
New Jersey, United States
Project team
1 Developer
1 QA Tester
1 Project Manager
Tech stack
HTML5
Python
Django
Windows IIS
Microsoft SQL Server
About Food Sciences Corporation
Founded in 1976, Food Sciences Corporation (FSC) specializes in researching, designing, and manufacturing innovative nutritional food products. As a full-service private label manufacturer, FSC supports clients from concept to market, offering solutions for obesity treatment, bariatric surgery, chronic illness, general health, and fitness. Through its Robard Corporation division, FSC also provides obesity treatment programs and nutrition products for healthcare providers.
1976
year founded
50+
years of industry experience
100-200
employees
$36.2M
estimated annual revenue
The challenge
Order fulfillment issues
- Resigning from an order
- Handling different item types (with/without lot and location values)
- Submitting unfinished orders
- Collecting identical items from different lots/locations
- Generating packing slips for unfinished orders
Database complexity
- ~1,670 tables with ~100 columns each
- Every operation required specific database changes, posing risks
Infrastructure and compatibility issues
- Running the application on IE6
- Outdated software on virtual machines
- Scanner setup problems and Wi-Fi connection issues
Server and deployment challenges
- Limited access to FSC’s server VM
- Database connection and permission issues
- Issues with the production database schema
- Deploying a Django application on IIS
The solution
Thorough discovery phase
- Conducted regular client meetings to clarify needs
- Created detailed documentation (meeting notes, database manipulation descriptions, shared docs)
- Utilized Django’s capability to generate models from a subset of tables
Optimized project workflow
- Proactively pushed for client responses to minimize delays
- Maintained clean code and well-structured documentation for transparency
Improved system compatibility & performance
- Developed separate frontends for new and legacy devices
- Used old technologies where necessary to ensure compatibility
- Designed a lean frontend with HTML, minimal CSS, and JavaScript
- Investigated and resolved scanner setup and Wi-Fi connectivity issues
Efficient deployment & database management
- Solved accessibility issues through direct communication with the client
- Adjusted IIS and SQL Server permissions for smoother database operations
- Provided SQL scripts for necessary database alterations
- Modified firewall rules and experimented with different IIS deployment strategies
Partnership goal
Before
- Slow, outdated system that was difficult to maintain
- High risk of database errors due to complexity
- Limited access and long waiting times for issue resolution
- Compatibility issues with legacy software and hardware
After
- A modern web application that streamlines order fulfillment
- Secure and efficient database interactions with minimal risk
- Faster project turnaround with proactive client collaboration
- A lean, adaptable system that works on both new and old devices
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