The aim of this project is to automate order processing and enhance order management by transitioning from a manual Google Sheets-based system to a more scalable, cloud-powered solution. By leveraging automation and cloud integration, this project will allow the business to streamline order tracking, automate key processes, and set the foundation for future scalability. The solution will incorporate Google Sheets automation with cloud services like Google Cloud or Azure for more advanced features such as real-time data processing, reporting, and integration with other systems.

Deliverables:

Week 1: Requirements Gathering & System Design

• Collaborate with the business owner to define the project’s key objectives and identify current pain points in the manual order management system.
• Conduct a needs analysis to determine which features are most critical (e.g., real-time order tracking, cost calculation, inventory management).
• Design the system architecture, incorporating Google Sheets for order tracking and exploring cloud-based solutions for automation (Google Cloud Functions, Azure Functions, or AWS Lambda for serverless processing).
• Document required API integrations to automate data flow between Google Sheets and the cloud, including data updates and automated reporting.

Week 2: Template Customization & Initial Cloud Automation

• Customize the Google Sheets template to include basic formulas and order tracking features (e.g., automated cost calculations, order totals).
• Integrate cloud automation by setting up cloud functions (using Google Cloud Functions or AWS Lambda) that trigger based on changes in Google Sheets (e.g., when a new order is added, a cloud function could update inventory, send notifications, or log data into a cloud database).
• Implement real-time order processing: Use cloud-based APIs or webhooks to automate data sync between Google Sheets and other backend services or databases.
• Test initial automation with sample order data, verifying basic functionality such as real-time updates and order tracking.

Week 3: Advanced Cloud Integration & Testing

• Introduce advanced features such as inventory management using cloud databases (e.g., Google Firestore, AWS DynamoDB) to track stock levels and prevent overselling.
• Develop reporting functionality using cloud-based tools (Google Data Studio, Power BI, or AWS QuickSight) to generate real-time sales and order reports directly from the cloud data.
• Ensure data consistency across Google Sheets, cloud functions, and databases, conducting thorough testing to validate real-time order synchronization and accurate reporting.
• Work on deployment strategies for cloud functions and automate order data processing flows (CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions).
• Conduct user acceptance testing with the founder, iterating on feedback to refine functionality.

Week 4: Final Integration, Deployment & Team Training

• Complete final cloud integrations, ensuring that all parts of the order management process are fully automated (e.g., inventory updates, sales reports).
• Deploy the system to production, ensuring that all automation features work smoothly and integrate well with other business systems.
• Create a user guide that explains the new automated order management system, including how to manage inventory, view reports, and handle order processing.
• Train the founder and relevant team members on using the automated system, ensuring that they can handle any issues or adjustments without relying heavily on technical support.
• Schedule follow-up meetings to monitor system performance and make adjustments as needed, ensuring that the system continues to meet business needs as it scales.

Weekly Check-ins:

Regular meetings with the founder will take place each week to track progress, discuss any issues or changes in scope, and ensure the solution remains aligned with the business’s goals. These check-ins will also provide an opportunity to gather feedback from the business team, allowing for iterative improvements.

Skills Utilized:

• Cloud Automation: Integration of cloud functions (e.g., Google Cloud Functions, AWS Lambda) for real-time order processing and data updates.
• Backend Development: Use of APIs to integrate Google Sheets with cloud databases and services for inventory management and reporting.
• DevOps Practices: Deployment strategies using cloud DevOps tools (CI/CD pipelines, automated testing) to ensure reliable system updates and maintenance.
• Database Management: Using cloud-based databases (Google Firestore, AWS DynamoDB) for real-time inventory tracking and order management.

Outcome:

By the end of the project, the business will have an automated order processing system powered by cloud technologies, reducing manual effort, improving accuracy, and enabling real-time reporting. The solution will be scalable and capable of integrating with other systems in the future, creating a strong foundation for further automation and cloud-based operations. The system will also be easier to maintain and adapt to growing business needs, fully leveraging the learners' expertise in cloud technologies, DevOps, and backend development.

Students will be fully supported throughout the project with:

• Founder's Guidance: Direct access to the founder for weekly virtual meetings, offering mentorship and feedback.
• Technology Access: Use of necessary tools, including Google Workspace, for project development.
• Data Availability: Provision of relevant data for effective system testing and customization.

This streamlined support ensures a focused and practical approach to achieving project goals.