Developing a Smart Locker System
Overview:
As an IT intern at Quicken Loans, my colleague Matthew Brown and I developed a smart locker system aimed at improving the efficiency of the company's technological processes. Our solution automated the process of requesting and distributing technology devices, eliminating the inefficiencies of manual device distribution and increasing overall productivity. We built a working prototype that allowed users to request devices through a web application and receive a unique PIN code tied to their company RFID. Our project was successfully presented to the technology department during Quicken Loans' hack week, and we were fortunate enough to meet with the Senior Vice President of Infrastructure and Operations to showcase our work. This project highlighted the value of intern collaborations and demonstrated the potential of utilizing advanced defense technology to improve organizational efficiency.
Tools Used:
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PHP, SQL, Python, HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, Raspian, 3D Printing
My Role:
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Project Manager, Web Developer, Software Engineer, 3D Modeler
Methodology:
Matthew and I began by building a working API and physical server to support the smart locker system. Matthew's expertise in Python helped us develop the application side of the locker system, while I used my skills in PHP and SQL to lead efforts in creating an interactive database. I also used CSS, JavaScript, and bootstrap to build the front end of the web application. To go beyond the proof-of-concept stage, we transferred the Python script onto a Raspberry Pi with a touchscreen and badge scanner, which we custom 3D printed to create a working prototype.
Results:
The smart locker system was a success, simplifying the process of requesting technology devices for users. They were able to request devices through the web application and receive a unique PIN code tied to their company RFID. By scanning their badge at a locker and typing in the PIN, the smart locker system would open the door to their requested device and track their status with said device. Our hard work paid off, as we were able to present our project to the entire technology department during Quicken Loans' hack week. We were also fortunate enough to land a meeting with the Senior Vice President of Infrastructure and Operations to present our work.
Conclusion:
Developing the smart locker system was an ambitious project, and it demonstrated the potential of utilizing advanced defense technology to improve organizational efficiency. Matthew and I learned a lot during the process, including how to collaborate and leverage our skills to create a working prototype. Our solution successfully eliminated the inefficiencies associated with manual device distribution and improved the overall productivity of the company. Our project also showcased the value of intern collaborations and the impact they can have on an organization.
a live demo of our finished prototype
quicken loans hack week presentation