Donut Logs: Task Management System Boosting Efficiency at Dunkin' Donuts

Donut Logs is a task management system designed specifically for Dunkin’ Donuts. Our primary goal was to develop both a web-based management system module and a mobile application that empowers administrators to create daily task templates. These templates can then be shared with network administrators or managers who have the capability to craft their own customized master tasks derived from these templates, as well as assign daily tasks to other network employees.
Our application provides managers with a versatile toolkit for generating employee tasks, allowing for customization across various parameters such as frequency, due dates, and configurable escalation data. Furthermore, it streamlines inventory and shift schedule management.
Project Overview:

• Location: USA
• Product: Website and mobile application
• Scope of our work: Back-end, Front-end, Mobile Development
• Technologies: Node.js, CodeIgniter, jQuery, Swift, HTML, and CSS
• Team: Back-end Developer, Front-end Developer, Project Manager
• Timeline: 4 months of development

The workflow within was this: managers logged into the system through a web or mobile application, where they created tasks for individual employees or groups. Employees, in turn, received notifications on their mobile devices regarding the tasks assigned to them. These notifications were enabled through the use of a web socket server.

To support these functionalities, we crafted and deployed our own database and Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) system for all the necessary entities, utilizing CodeIgniter. Based on these entities, we created menus and interface elements for the web application, employing JS, jQuery, and CSS. This comprehensive toolkit allowed us to cater to the diverse needs of all user types.

A big part of what we did was switching from the PHP web socket server to Node.js. Think of it like a 'proxy' server that manages different functions in the web app based on mobile requests. This smart move reduced repetitive database calls, sped up the server, and let it handle more connections. We made sure all communication between mobile devices and the server happened through a special API.

In terms of the mobile app, we migrated a substantial synchronization logic feature from Simperium to our in-house web socket server. Additionally, we implemented an In-App Purchase system and introduced a flexible task template structure.

One remarkable trait that distinguishes this app from other task management solutions is its extraordinary flexibility. Imagine the power to recreate your very own Dunkin’ Donuts franchise experience right on our website, transferring all aspects of management there. This entails effortlessly scheduling tasks using a wide array of templates, optimizing inventory management, and setting up user-friendly calendars for shift managers.
As for the business results, not only did the business produce greater efficiency but also had an enhanced ability to boost and sustain that efficiency by 17% in terms of increasing task completion, resulting in an even more delightful experience.