iLunch: Integrated University Cafeteria Management System

iLunch represents a comprehensive digital transformation solution for university cafeteria management, integrating multiple platforms and technologies to create a seamless dining experience for students and staff.

Project Overview

iLunch is a web‑based platform that streamlines every major workflow in a university canteen—from daily meal planning to real‑time reporting—so that students get faster service and staff spend less time on manual administration.

Key Features

Web Platform

• Responsive Design: Optimized for all devices and screen sizes

• User Role Management: Different access levels for students, staff, and administrators

• Bilingual Support: Full Greek/English language support

• SSO Integration: Seamless integration with UOWM university authentication system

Student Services

• Meal Tracking: ID card scanning functionality for meal registration

• Digital Meal Cards: QR code generation for special meal plans

• Real-time Notifications: Announcements and updates system

• Feedback System: Both anonymous and authenticated feedback collection

Administrative Features

• Interactive Menu Management: Nutritional information and periodic rotation

• Analytics Dashboard: Comprehensive graphical reports and statistics

• Top-rated Dishes: Weekly/monthly rankings tracking

• Real-time Reporting: Live data on meal consumption and preferences

Hardware Integration

• Physical Feedback Station: Arduino-based kiosk for quick feedback

• Bluetooth Connectivity: Wireless communication with feedback devices

• ID Card Scanning: Integration with university card systems

Technical Architecture

Frontend Stack

• HTML: Semantic markup and structure

• Blade Templates: Laravel's templating engine

• Vue.js: Interactive frontend components

• Responsive CSS: Mobile-first design approach

Backend Infrastructure

• PHP (Laravel): Robust MVC framework

• MySQL Database: Relational data storage

• RESTful APIs: Clean API architecture

• Authentication: University SSO integration

Hardware Components

• Arduino Platform: Microcontroller for feedback stations

• Bluetooth Modules: Wireless connectivity

• Touch Interfaces: User-friendly interaction points

• Card Readers: ID card scanning capabilities

Multi-Platform Solution

Web Application

• Administrative dashboard for cafeteria management

• Real-time meal tracking and inventory management

• Analytics and reporting tools

• Menu planning and nutritional information management

Android Mobile App

• Student meal selection and ordering

• Digital meal plan management

• Feedback submission interface

• Nutritional information access

Physical Feedback Station

• Arduino-based kiosk for quick feedback collection

• Touch interface for rating meals and services

• Real-time data synchronization with main system

Impact and Benefits

• Streamlined Operations: Reduced manual administrative tasks

• Improved Student Satisfaction: Better feedback mechanisms and service quality

• Data-Driven Decisions: Comprehensive analytics for menu optimization

• Cost Efficiency: Reduced waste through better demand prediction

• Enhanced User Experience: Modern, intuitive interfaces across all platforms

Innovation Highlights

• Integration of web, mobile, and IoT technologies

• Real-time data synchronization across platforms

• University-specific authentication and workflow integration

• Comprehensive feedback collection from multiple touchpoints

• Advanced analytics for operational optimization