Web Based Online Auction System

(Project proposal)

Submitted by:
Muhammad Umer Imtiaz
Sharyar Azhar

BS (Computer Science)

Supervisor:
Ms.Fizza Asif

Department of Computer Science

Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology
Islamabad
Session 2021-2025
Table of Contents

Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………... 03
Problem Statement ……………………………………………………………………… 03
Proposed System ………………………………………………………………………... 03
Survey Analysis ………………………………………………………………………… 03
Modules and Sub-modules ……………………………………………………………… 04
Primary Actors ………………………………………………………………………….. 05
Tools & Techniques Used ………………………………………………………………. 06
Process Model & Design Approach Used ……………………………………………… 06
Project Plan …………………………………………………………………………… 06
Introduction
The Auction Management System allows users to register, create auctions, and participate in real-time bidding
from anywhere, removing the need for physical presence. The system ensures transparency by displaying current
bids and past auction history, so users can track all activities. Security features like user authentication and
encrypted payments are integrated to protect sensitive information. Bidders receive real-time notifications about
bids, helping them stay updated and adjust their offers quickly. Auctioneers can easily manage their auctions,
monitor bids, and close auctions securely. The system is scalable, ensuring it can handle multiple auctions and
users at once without performance issues.

Problem Statement
Traditional auctions have some major problems:

· People need to be physically present to take part.

· There is often a lack of transparency, meaning people may feel that bidding isn’t fair.

· Managing the auction process manually is time-consuming and prone to errors.

To solve these problems, this project aims to build an online auction system that allows anyone to participate in
auctions from anywhere. It will ensure transparency, fairness, and ease of use for all users involved.

Proposed System
The proposed system is an online platform that allows users to:

· Register and log in to the system.

· Create and manage auctions.

· Participate in real-time bidding.

· Receive notifications when bids are placed or when they win.

The system ensures transparency by displaying all bid histories and securing all user data. The platform will be
built to handle many users at the same time, making it easy for people to join auctions in real time.
Survey Analysis
A survey was conducted to gather opinions from potential users about online auctions. Here’s what we found:

· People prefer online auctions because they are more convenient than traditional ones.

· Some users worry about security and want to ensure their data and payments are safe.

· Users want a system that is simple to use and easy to understand.

Based on this survey, the proposed system will focus on:

· User-friendly design: Easy for people to navigate.

· Security: Strong protection for user data and payments.

· Real-time interaction: Allowing users to see updates and bids instantly.

Module and Sub-Module:

Here’s the updated version with the additional feature for Upcoming Auctions:

1. User Authentication

· Registration: Users can create an account by providing their email, username, and password.

· Login/Logout: Secure login and logout functionality with session management. Passwords
are hashed for security.

· Profile Management: Users can update their profiles, including personal information and
payment methods.

2. Online Bidding System

· Create Auction Listings: Sellers can create auction listings by uploading item details, images,
and setting a starting bid price.

· Real-Time Bidding: Users can place bids in real-time. The highest bidder is updated instantly
using Socket.io for seamless interaction.

· Bid History: A record of all bids placed on an auction item is accessible, showing bid amounts
and user details.

3. Auction Management
 · View Active Auctions: Users can browse and filter active auctions based on categories, ending
soon, and highest bids.

· Watchlist: Users can add auctions to a watchlist to receive updates about bidding activity.

4. Search and Filter Functionality

· Users can search for auction items using keywords and apply filters such as category, price
range, and auction duration.

5. Payment Integration

· Integration with payment gateways (e.g., EasyPaisa, JazzCash) for processing payments once
an auction ends.

· Secure transaction handling to protect user data during payment processing.

6. Admin Dashboard

· Admins can manage users and auction listings, monitor ongoing auctions, and handle disputes
or reports.

· Analytics on auction performance, such as the number of bids per item and user engagement
statistics.

7. Responsive Design

· The application will be fully responsive, ensuring a seamless experience on both desktop and
mobile devices.

8. Upcoming Auctions

· Users can view a list of **upcoming auctions** with details like starting time, item
description, and a countdown timer. This feature helps users prepare in advance for items they
want to bid on. Notifications can be sent as reminders before the auction starts.

Primary Actors
There are three main types of users (actors) in the system:

· Bidders: These are users who join auctions to place bids on items.

· Auctioneers: These are users who create auctions and sell items.
 · Administrators: They have special permissions to manage the platform, making sure
everything runs smoothly.

Technologies Used
· Frontend:
· React.js
· Redux (for state management)
· Axios (for API calls)
· Tailwind CSS (for styling)
· Backend:
· Node.js
· Express.js
· MongoDB (database)
· Socket.io (for real-time communication)
· Development Tools:
· Git (version control)
· Postman (API testing)

Process Model
We are following the Agile development method. This means that instead of building everything at once, we
work in small pieces, test each piece, and get feedback regularly. This way, if any changes need to be made, they
can be done early in the process.
· Frontend Design: The user interface will be built using React. It will be made of small components,
making it easier to manage.
· Backend Design: The backend will use Node.js and Express.js to manage auctions, bids, and user data.
All communication between frontend and backend will be through RESTful APIs.

Project Plan
The project will be completed in several stages:

1. Requirement Gathering and Planning:

We gather all the requirements for the auction system and plan how to build it.

2. Designing the System:

Design how the website will look (UI/UX) and create a system architecture (how all the parts will work
together).

3. Development:
· Frontend Development: Create the user interface using React.

· Backend Development: Set up the server using Node.js and Express.js.

· Database Setup: Use MongoDB to store all data.

4. Testing:
Test each part of the system to make sure it works properly. Fix any bugs or issues.

5. Deployment:
Launch the system on a server so that it is available for people to use online.

6. Maintenance:
Regular updates and improvements based on user feedback after the system is launched.