CH1, CH2 and CH3
CH1, CH2 and CH3
Group members
Name ID
Amanuel Fentahun ……………………………….1303883
Amanuel Desalegn ………………………….........1308166
Kirubel Deke ……………………………………..1402409
Mebratu Dejene …………………………………. 1402430
Yordanos Mengistu …………………………........1307550
Date: - 1/24/2025
Contents
CHAPTER ONE........................................................................................................................................................ 4
1.1. Introduction................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2. Background of the organization....................................................................................................................4
1.3. Organization Structure..................................................................................................................................5
1.4. Statement of problem.....................................................................................................................................6
1.5. Literature Review and Related Work............................................................................................................6
1.6. Objectives of the project.................................................................................................................................8
1.6.1. General Objective....................................................................................................................................8
1.6.2. Specific Objectives...................................................................................................................................8
1.7. Significance of the Project..............................................................................................................................9
1.8. Feasibility Study............................................................................................................................................. 9
1.8.1. Technical Feasibility Study.....................................................................................................................9
1.8.2. Operational Feasibility Study...............................................................................................................10
1.8.3. Economic Feasibility Study...................................................................................................................10
1.8.4. Legal Feasibility Study..........................................................................................................................11
1.8.5. Political Feasibility Study......................................................................................................................11
1.9. Beneficiaries of the System...........................................................................................................................11
1.10. Methods and tools.......................................................................................................................................13
1.10.1. Requirements gathering techniques...................................................................................................13
1.10.2. System Analysis and Design Methods................................................................................................14
1.10.3. Requirement validation & verification..............................................................................................15
1.10.4. System Implementation Methods.......................................................................................................15
1.10.5. Development Environment and Programming Tools........................................................................16
1.11. Scope and Limitation..................................................................................................................................18
1.11.1. Scope.....................................................................................................................................................18
1.11.2. Limitations...........................................................................................................................................19
1.12. Task and Schedule.......................................................................................................................................19
1.12.1. Time Plan.............................................................................................................................................19
1.12.2. Budget Planning..................................................................................................................................20
CHAPTER 2.............................................................................................................................................................21
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM...................................................................................................21
2.1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................................. 21
2.2. Business Rules and Constraints...................................................................................................................21
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2.3. Functions or Main Activities of Existing System........................................................................................23
2.4. Players of Existing System...........................................................................................................................24
2.5. Documents used in the Existing System......................................................................................................24
2.6. Strength and Weakness of the Existing System..........................................................................................25
2.6.1. Strength of the Existing System............................................................................................................25
2.6.2. Weakness of the Existing System..........................................................................................................25
2.6.2.1. Alternative solutions.......................................................................................................................26
CHAPTER 3.............................................................................................................................................................28
PROPOSED SYSTEM............................................................................................................................................ 28
3.1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................................. 28
3.2. Description of the Proposed System............................................................................................................28
3.2.1. User Characteristics..............................................................................................................................28
3.2.2. Constraints.............................................................................................................................................29
3.2.3. Assumptions and Dependencies............................................................................................................29
3.3. Requirement Specifications..........................................................................................................................30
3.3.1. Functional Requirement.......................................................................................................................30
3.3.2. Non-functional Requirement................................................................................................................32
3.4. System Modeling...........................................................................................................................................32
3.4.1. Actor Identification...............................................................................................................................33
3.4.2. Use-Case Identification.........................................................................................................................34
3.4.3. Use-Case Diagram.................................................................................................................................35
3.4.4. Description of Use-Case........................................................................................................................36
3.5. Requirement Analysis...................................................................................................................................51
3.5.1. Activity Diagram....................................................................................................................................51
3.5.2. Sequence Diagram.................................................................................................................................55
3.5.3. Requirement validation & verification................................................................................................59
3.5.3.1. Validity checks..................................................................................................................................60
3.5.3.2. Consistency checks...........................................................................................................................60
3.5.3.3. Completeness checks.......................................................................................................................61
3.5.3.4. Realism checks.................................................................................................................................61
3.5.3.5. Verifiability.......................................................................................................................................61
References................................................................................................................................................................. 63
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CHAPTER ONE
1.1. Introduction
Cities like Hossana, a rapidly developing urban center in Ethiopia's Central Region, face
challenges in establishing a formalized and automated delivery infrastructure. Based on
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observations and feedback from local residents and businesses, delivery services for essential
items, specially for food are largely managed through informal and as the same time through
semi-automated delivery arrangement. This indicates a potential need for a structured, web-based
delivery platform to improve efficiency and accessibility.
Crowdsourced delivery systems represent a modern solution to such challenges by leveraging the
power of decentralized networks. In these systems, independent drivers or delivery providers,
often equipped with their own vehicles, accept delivery tasks through a digital platform.
Customers place orders through an app or website, which connects them to nearby delivery
Coordinator. This approach is cost-effective, scalable, and efficient, as it utilizes local resources
and reduces the need for dedicated delivery fleets. (Patel, 2024)
The primary objective of this project is to develop a Crowdsourced Delivery Platform that links
customers with local businesses and delivery providers by Eliminate limitation of the current
exiting delivery system in Hossana. This platform will allow customers to place orders from
nearby vendor, features like order tracking for customers, secure payment options to improve
trust, and creating opportunity for local businesses in hossana for effective order management
and increase in exposure. Additionally, creating a job opportunity for the local drivers.
In completion of this project, we aspire to deliver a transformative delivery platform that fulfills
the needs of residents and businesses in Hossana by use the current existing manual delivery
system as reference.
The Ezezugn delivery system was launched on December 31, 2024, in Hossana. It is designed to
facilitate food delivery directly to residents' homes. Its primary objective is to improve the
connection between local restaurants and customers, effectively minimizing logistical challenges
in the delivery process. In addition to improving access to food services, the platform is
committed to supporting local restaurants and hotels, fostering a thriving ecosystem that benefits
the consumers and suppliers within the city.
In the Ezezugn delivery system, the customer places an order by providing their name and phone
number through the web app. Once the customer submits the order, the system generates an order
ID and notifies the call center. Additionally, the order is also visible to administrators.
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The call center then contacts the vendors directly to place the order. Following that, they call an
available driver and provide the order details, including pickup and destination information,
along with the customer's contact details. The driver then goes to the vendor to pick up the order
and delivers it to the destination.Upon arrival, the customer receives the order from the driver
and pays the total fee via cash on delivery.
Despite its efforts, Ezezugn delivery system is semi-automated. It faces several challenges in its
day-to-day operations, particularly with the involvement of multiple parties. For example,
customers are offered only one payment option, and the system lacks real-time tracking. These
issues interfere the system’s ability to effectively and efficiently fulfill its broader objectives.
CEO
Manager
Marketing
Call Center
Team
The existing delivery system presents significant operational challenges, including delayed
deliveries, a lack of order tracking for customers, insufficient payment integration, and issues
with customer responsiveness after order placement, which can lead to dire consequences for
drivers. Vendors find it difficult to manage multiple orders efficiently, limiting their customer
reach and resulting in a suboptimal customer experience.
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Additionally, the current system struggles with driver matching because it does not include third-
party integrations. As a result, delivery fees are fixed regardless of the distance from different
locations. Furthermore, the absence of a driver portal prevents drivers from accessing order
details and customer locations, leading to potential delays in deliveries and customer
dissatisfaction.
Overall, Ezezugn Delivery faces these issues despite having semi-automated features available
only for clients. Other functionalities, such as driver assignment, vendor notifications regarding
orders, and the delivery process, are still handled manually by personnel. These challenges
significantly restrict local vendors' ability to expand their customer base and enhance their
services.
A crowdsourced delivery platform could automate these processes, offering real-time order
tracking, secure online payment integrations, efficient driver management including matching,
and variable delivery fees based on the distance of the order.
Reviewed literature:
Online crowdsourced truck delivery using historical information: (Huili Zhang a, 2021)This
study introduces the Online Crowdsourced Truck Delivery (OCTD) problem, modeled as an
online bipartite hyper-matching problem, and develops algorithms that utilize historical data to
improve delivery efficiency. Two cases, inseparable and separable orders, are addressed with
innovative algorithms like Hyper-Matching and Separable-Hyper-Matching, which
outperform existing methods.
Industry Status and Platform Classification: (Aliaa Alnaggar, 2019)Analyze the industry
landscape of crowdsourced delivery, categorizing platforms based on matching mechanisms,
target markets, and compensation schemes. The study bridges gaps between theoretical
operations research (OR) models and practical applications, identifying critical challenges like
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matching efficiency and real-world constraints. It highlights emerging research areas focusing
on the unique attributes of crowdsourced delivery platform.
Crowdsourced delivery and customer assessments of e‐Logistics Service Quality: (Ha Ta,
2023)This study explores how customers perceive the quality of crowdsourced delivery (CD)
compared to traditional delivery methods, focusing on key dimensions like timeliness, price,
and reliability. Findings reveal that CD is particularly valued for high-turnover products
requiring minimal effort, enhancing customer experience. The research highlights CD's potential
for improving last-mile delivery and tailoring customer segmentation strategies.
Improve deliveries through crowdsourcing: (Arslan, 2017) This research highlights the
growing impact of internet shopping on retail, which pressures retailers to reduce delivery times
and improve speed. It identifies crowdsourced deliveries, utilizing ad-hoc external parties, as a
cost-effective solution to mitigate increased transportation costs and maintain operational
efficiency, compared to using dedicated delivery fleets.
Crowdsourced Delivery as a Dynamic Pickup and Delivery Problem (DPDP): (Alp Muzaffer
Arslan, 2018) introduce a rolling horizon framework to address the DPDP, incorporating ad
hoc drivers alongside dedicated vehicles. Their experiments demonstrate potential cost-
efficiency improvements of up to 37% in vehicle miles. The study emphasizes the need for
adaptive algorithms to manage real-time operations and explores the impact of driver behavior
on system performance, suggesting that hybrid models increase scalability.
Related Works
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In our exploration of related works that inform the development of our crowdsourced delivery
solution, we examine In Ethiopia, local platforms like BeU, Zmall, and Tikus Delivery have
emerged to address challenges in food and package delivery services. BeU offers an intuitive
app-based solution for food delivery, catering primarily to urban areas with a focus on
restaurants. Zmall expands beyond food to include a variety of goods, providing a complete e-
commerce experience. Tikus Delivery, on the other hand, specializes in quick and affordable
delivery of everyday essentials and packages. These platforms aim to increase the delivery
process for local businesses and customers, though they still face limitations in infrastructure and
technology compared to global counterparts.
Internationally, platforms like UberEats, DoorDash, Postmates, and Dropoff have revolutionized
delivery services with advanced features like real-time tracking, optimized route navigation, and
payment integration. UberEats and DoorDash focus on food delivery, offering vast restaurant
networks and personalized recommendations. Postmates extends its services to include groceries
and other goods, while Dropoff caters primarily to businesses with same-day courier services.
These platforms leverage robust technology and data analytics to provide efficient, customer-
centric solutions, setting benchmarks for innovation in the delivery industry.
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Providing ongoing maintenance.
The Crowdsourced Delivery Platform solution has a lot of socio-economic value for regional
cities like Hossana, Ethiopia, addressing the delivery ecosystem that is in desperate lag in the
area. Through the system's implementation of a tech-based, web-based solution, it aims to:
Making Life Easier for Residents: Access to food without needing to travel physically
or make informal pickup arrangements.
Local Economic & Business Growth: Businesses can increase operations, visibility and
local sales, leading to sustainable growth of the local economy of regional cities.
Creating Jobs: Providing flexible income streams to individuals with motorbikes or
bicycles, predominantly young people, boosting local employment.
Driving Digital Transformation: Aligning with Ethiopia digital development goals by
introducing modern delivery solutions that will support the adoption of technology in
regional cities.
Promote Digital Literacy: Help the use of online ordering, secure payments, and order
tracking among residents and businesses, promoting digital skills and confidence.
This system aims to bridge the gap between local businesses and customers while contributing to
Ethiopia’s broader goals for economic and technological progress.
The project will utilize a scalable technology stack, featuring React for the frontend, Node.js for
the backend, and Postgres SQL or similar databases for flexible data storage. To enable real-time
delivery tracking, geolocation services such as Google Maps API will be integrated, while secure
payment processing will be managed through Tele-Birr, Chapa, SantimPay or ArifPay. Security
measures will include SSL encryption and password hashing. The platform will be hosted on a
scalable cloud infrastructure to support growth, with real-time notifications provided by Firebase
Cloud Messaging. It will be compatible with Android, iOS, and desktop devices, ensuring wide
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accessibility. Local drivers will operate as freelancers, and vendor will have the ability to manage
their menus and orders through the system.
The project shows strong operational potential, as the semi-automated delivery system has
already gained traction with customers who are familiar with digital platforms, which have
successfully penetrated the local market. This familiarity ensures a smooth transition to the
proposed system. Local drivers, who are comfortable using mobile devices, are eager to work as
freelancers, ensuring that deliveries are made on time. The system will offer affordable payment
options and allow customers to select from a variety of restaurants. There is a clear demand for
reliable and cost-effective delivery solutions in Hossana, and the growing use of digital platforms
is likely to encourage user engagement. Furthermore, the platform will feature essential
Customer Assistance Technology (CAT) support, including real-time order tracking, timely
notifications, driver mapping, and additional support services.
The project’s primary costs include software development, cloud hosting, and third-party API
integrations for payment processing, google map API and notifications, with plans to secure
initial investment for API integration while keeping other development expenses manageable.
Operational costs will be optimized through scalable cloud infrastructure. The revenue model
will rely on an affordable transaction fee per delivery, ensuring sustainable income while
remaining accessible to users. Payments to drivers will be transparent and fair, fostering a
motivated workforce. High market demand from local businesses and customers justifies the
system, as it provides a reliable and cost-effective delivery solution. The platform will be design
to scale beyond Hossana as demand grows, supported by internet access improvements and
added features like business promotions to encourage repeat usage. By creating jobs for local
drivers and expanding customer reach for businesses, the system will stimulate the local
economy and drive digital transformation in the region.
The system will fully comply with Ethiopian Civil and Labour Law, ensuring that all operations
meet local legal standards. This includes adhering to Proclamation No. 1321/2024, (GAZETTE,
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Personal Data Protection, 2024) which safeguards user privacy and ensures the secure handling
of personal information. We will also comply with Proclamation No. 980/2016, (GAZETTE,
Commercial Registration and Licensing Proclamation, 2016) to obtain the necessary business
licenses and permits. Contracts and agreements with drivers, businesses, and customers will be
drafted in accordance with Proclamation No. 1156/2019 on Labour law, (Portal, 2019) .
Additionally, compliance with Proclamation No. 813/2013, (GAZETTE, Trade computation and
consumer protection, 2014) and relevant tax regulations will be ensured. These measures provide
a robust legal framework for the platform, minimize disputes, and build trust among
stakeholders.
The development of this system aligns with Ethiopia's goals for digital transformation and
fostering innovation, as outlined in various national development strategies and reports. For
instance, the Digital Transformation Strategy for Ethiopia (Demissie, 2020), which aims to
improve the country’s digital infrastructure and improve service delivery, emphasizes the
importance of technology-driven solutions, which validate the feasibility of the project.
Additionally, Ethiopia’s policies encouraging the growth of small and medium enterprises
(SMEs), particularly in the digital space, as seen in the (Industry Development Strategy of
Ethiopia, 2002), create a favorable environment for services like ours. These policies align with
national priorities and significantly improve the likelihood of successful implementation.
Customers
o Access to a wide range of products and services, including food, groceries, and
packages.
o Convenience of ordering from anywhere using web app and receiving goods at
their doorstep.
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Delivery Drivers
Local Economy
13
o Increased usage of mobile payment solutions as customers engages with the
delivery platform.
Government Organizations
o Potential for tax revenue from increased business activity and job creation.
We have chosen the Iterative Waterfall methodology as our approach for this project because it
aligns well with our project's scope, structure, size and dynamic needs. This methodology allows
us to follow a structured, phase-by-phase process while incorporating feedback loops to revisit
and refine earlier stages as necessary.
Using this approach, we will first complete the documentation of the requirements and system
design before moving on to the implementation phase. However, unlike the traditional Waterfall
methodology, the Iterative Waterfall approach provides the flexibility to revisit and adjust
previous stages based on feedback from our instructor or unforeseen challenges. This ensures
that potential issues or overlooked requirements can be addressed promptly, reducing errors
during development and ensuring the system meets expectations.
The project team uses the following Requirements gathering techniques to understand the
problem from the existing system.
Interview:
Interview was one of our methods used during gathering the requirements for our
crowdsourced delivery platform. We have tried to gathering some important information
by interviewing an existing system owner. In doing so, we collected detailed information
on how the existing system works and other important aspect of its business rules.
In our interview session they told us that first they aimed at automating the manual
delivery system in Hossana. Currently they are accepting order through web app.
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Customer needs to provide some basic information such phone number, name and
password. They have also call center which helps them to contact with the vendors and
drivers for placing order and assigning available free driver. They have also managers,
marketing department and chief executive officer. These stakeholders have different roles
and level of access in the system. They have also told us that they do formal agreement
with the vendors and drivers. Lastly, they said that they will continue improving they
system to make delivery effective and efficient and reach out customers in a better way.
The interview session was very interesting and has laid groundwork for our proposed
system
Observation
As the word observation implies, we tried to closely observe Ezezugn delivery existing system to
get a clear understanding on how the current existing system operate on their daily task and to
get a clear understanding about the problems that exist in the current system. We observed how
orders are handled and delivered to the customers.
To analyze and design the system, we will use the following methods:
We are going to use use-case diagrams to define the functional requirement the
proposed system clearly in a diagram and to identify actors and their role.
ERDs will be used to design the database structure, defining the relationships
between entities such as orders, users, and delivery tasks.
UML diagrams, including class diagrams and sequence diagrams, will be used to
model system behaviors and interactions.
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We aim to ensure that we are building the right product while automating the current existing
system by developing a requirements specification based on the needs and goals of the
stakeholders, including vendors, customers, and drivers. To validate these requirements, we plan
to engage directly with these stakeholders through interviews and discussions. Their feedback
will guide us in aligning the system's design with their expectations, ensuring that the product
addresses their actual needs.
To verify that we are building the product correctly, we will focus on gathering accurate and
complete requirements directly from the stakeholders. This process will involve documenting
their needs thoroughly and reviewing the requirements at every development stage. Regular
reviews and stakeholder feedback will allow us to verify that the system design and
implementation align with the outlined requirements, minimizing any potential gaps between
expectations and the final output.
The System Implementation Methods section outlines the process and strategies for
implementing the proposed system, translating the design into a functional product. The
implementation begins with modular development, where the system is divided into smaller,
manageable modules such as user authentication, order management, and delivery tracking.
Next, these modules are integrated incrementally, allowing the system to be built gradually while
ensuring each module functions as intended.
During development, version control and collaboration tools like Git and GitHub are utilized
to manage code versions and facilitate teamwork among developers. Testing is conducted at
every stage, with unit testing performed on individual components for accuracy and integration
testing used to verify the combined functionality of the modules.
Once the system is functional, user training sessions are conducted to familiarize end-users,
such as vendors, drivers, and administrators, with the system’s features. Feedback is gathered
during these sessions to refine and improve the system, ensuring it aligns with user expectations.
Finally, the system is deployed to a production environment using local hosting service
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providers. These methods collectively ensure that the system is developed, tested, and deployed
in a structured, efficient, and user-focused manner.
Here are most tools and environment we will use for our system development:
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Version Control Git and GitHub Managing code versions,
collaboration, and
maintaining a history of
changes.
Hosting Providers Local hosting services (e.g., Hosting the system in the
Yegara.com) production environment.
1.11.1. Scope
The Crowdsourced Delivery platform initiative seeks to establish a lively, effective, and
community-focused delivery network designed specifically for the needs of regional cities like
Hossana, Ethiopia.
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Customer Registration and Profiles: Secure registration for customers, then they can
manage their account and profile.
Vendor Registration: Providing the access for vendors and businesses so they can be
registered and later be verified by the platform administrators.
Driver Registration: Also allow driver to register to the system and then verified by the
platform administrator to ensure their validity.
Order Placement and Tracking: Order placement and Real-time tracking through a live
map interface for customers.
Payment Integration: Multiple secure payment options, including mobile money
services like Tele-birr and other local methods.
Driver Matching System: An algorithm to assign orders to nearby available drivers,
ensuring timely deliveries, and make the price of the delivery as fair and affordable as
possible by using metered delivery logic.
Customer Support: A dedicated module to assist users with order-related queries and
platform issues.
SEO Optimization: Built-in optimization to make the platform easily discoverable
through search engines.
Prepared User Agreement: For drivers, vendors and customers, outlining the terms of
service and establishing contracts in alignment with our custom business rules.
Product Registration: Service providers can efficiently register and manage their
inventory.
Rating and Review System: Customers can provide feedback on delivery experiences to
promote accountability.
Delivery Notifications: Real-time notifications for order updates, such as acceptance,
driver assignment, and estimated arrival time.
1.11.2. Limitations
Despite the broad range of features, this system has certain limitations:
Driver Verification Process: The system will not include advanced background checks
or verification tools for drivers beyond registering the standard identity verification.
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Offline Accessibility: The platform will not offer offline functionality for users without
access to internet services.
Cross-Regional delivery: The system is only taking order in specific region, like
Hossana and will not initially support deliveries across multiple regions or cities.
Customizable Features: The platform will not allow businesses or drivers to extensively
customize their interfaces or functionalities beyond predefined settings.
Multi-Language Support: Initially, the system will only operate in two and will not
include extensive multi-language options.
Multiple Order Taking: Drivers will not take multiple order at a time, delivery assign to
the next order only after successful order of the first one.
Refund Issue: The platform will not provide an instant refund, after the customer cancel
the order.
The project will be completed over a period of 6 months. The key phases of the project and their
estimated durations are outlined below:
Documentation
Frontend Development
Backend Development
Deployment
Start date
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1.12.2. Budget Planning
Below is a cost estimate for each component needed to bring the project to completion:
API Integration 36,000 Integration of third-party APIs (for payment, maps, etc.).
birrs
Training cost 2000 birr The expense incurred for providing training sessions to users or
stakeholders
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CHAPTER 2
2.1. Introduction
Understanding the functionality of existing systems is critical to identifying their strengths and
weaknesses. This analysis allows for the development of alternative solutions, the selection of
the most feasible options, and the definition of the functional requirements for a proposed
platform.
The Ezezugn delivery system is the only semi-automated delivery service in Hossana. Customers
place orders through a web app by providing their name and phone number. The system notifies
the call center, which coordinates with vendors and drivers to assign the order is with available
driver, with payment made via cash on delivery.
In this chapter, we will analyze the business rules, main functionalities, key players, and the
strengths and weaknesses of Ezezugn's delivery system. This analysis will help identify the gaps
and requirements necessary to inform the design of our proposed platform.
The business rules of an existing system refer to the set of policies, procedures, conditions, or
guidelines that govern how the system operates to fulfill its objectives. These rules define the
logic and constraints that dictate how various processes and transactions are carried out within
the system. They ensure that the system aligns with the organization's goals and meets user or
business requirements. So, the business rules of Ezezugn delivery system are:
BR2. Customers must be members of the Ezezugn delivery service to place an order.
BR3. Customers must provide their full name, phone number, and password to create an account.
BR4. The system shall allow customers to remain logged in for up to 100 days.
BR5. The system shall accept payments using the cash-on-delivery option.
BR6. The system's call center shall notify restaurants of incoming customer orders.
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BR7. The system's call center shall register restaurant menu items under their respective
categories.
BR8. The system's call center shall monitor vendors' menu items and incoming orders.
BR9. The system's call center shall assign drivers for order pickups.
BR10 The delivery fee for all orders, regardless of delivery distance, shall be fixed.
BR11. To become a member and work with the Ezezugn delivery system as a driver, applicants
must provide an identification card, a next-of-kin, and the address of their next-of-kin.
BR12. The system shall allow customers to cancel an order if it has not yet been started.
BR13. The customer's device used to place an order must remain operational until the delivery is
completed.
Constraints
The constraint is the element factor or a subsystem that works as a block. It restricts an entity,
project, or system from achieving its potential (or higher level of output) concerning its goal.
Some of the constraints are:
Time Limitation: The system operates only until 1:00 PM local time, which restricts
service availability and may reduce customer convenience.
Fixed Delivery Fee: A fixed delivery fee for all distances might not cover operational
costs for long-distance deliveries.
Login Duration: Allowing users to stay logged in for 100 days may create security risks
or require additional measures to ensure secure sessions.
System Notifications: The reliance on a call center for notifying restaurants might cause
delays or errors due to human dependency.
Device Dependency: Customers must ensure their devices remain operational until
delivery is complete, which might not always be feasible.
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2.3. Functions or Main Activities of Existing System
The Ezezugn delivery system in Hossana currently operates using a semi-automated approach to
meet the delivery needs of the community. Analyzing the functionalities of this system provides
valuable insights into its strengths and weaknesses. The following section outlines the key
features and processes of the existing Ezezugn delivery system.
Order Placement: Customers can place orders through a web app by providing their
name, phone number and address.
Order Confirmation: Upon submitting an order, the system generates an order ID and
notifies the call center.
Administrative Visibility: Administrators have access to order details for tracking and
coordination purposes.
Call Center Coordination: The call center manages orders by contacting vendors and
assigning drivers.
Driver Assignment: The call center manually informs an available driver about the order
details, including pickup and delivery locations.
Order Delivery: Drivers are responsible for collecting orders from vendors and
delivering them to customers.
Cash on Delivery: Customers pay for their orders in cash upon delivery.
Manual Order Processing: Vendors receive orders directly from the call center and
prepare them for pickup.
The players of the existing system refer to the key individuals and entities involved in its
operation. These are the stakeholders who interact with the system to fulfill delivery requests and
other stakeholders which ensure the process runs smoothly. Each player has a specific role and
responsibility, contributing to the overall workflow of the delivery system. Understanding these
roles is essential in analyzing the system's efficiency and identifying areas for improvement.
Here are the players of existing delivery system.
Customer: The individual who places an order for food or other goods by using the web
application.
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Vendor: The vendor prepares the customer's order based on the instructions received
over the phone from Ezezugn Call Center.
Call Center: The Stakeholder which receives the order details from the customer, passes
the order to the vendor and assigns driver which picks up the order and delivers to the
customer.
Driver: An individual which is responsible for picking up the customer order from the
vendor and delivers to customer.
Admin: The individual responsible for managing user accounts, permissions, and system
configurations within an organization, ensuring that all systems operate efficiently and
securely.
These are all the players involved in system provided by the Ezezugn delivery.
Documents refer to any contract, agreement, or form that the system owner signs with the vendor
and driver. However, in the manual delivery system, no documents were available for reference.
Currently, they are in the process of being legalized.
The Strength of the Existing System refers to the positive aspects or advantages of the Ezezugn
delivery system. These are the factors that make the system functional and effective within its
operational context. Identifying these strengths helps highlight what is already working well,
which can be preserved or improved in the transition to a new system.
Semi-automation: The use of a web app for placing orders simplifies customer
interaction and improves accessibility.
Centralized order management: The system notifies both the call center and
administrators, ensuring transparency and coordination in order processing.
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Structured workflow: The workflow integrates customers, vendors, drivers, and the call
center effectively to fulfill orders.
Customer convenience: Customers can place orders easily via the web app without
needing to visit vendors physically.
Priority order processing: When customers place an order, the call center directly calls
vendors, prompting them to start preparing the order immediately.
Legal agreements with vendors and drivers: The system operates based on formal
agreements, ensuring accountability and smooth coordination among all involved parties.
Provision of bikes and delivery bags: Ezezugn provides employed drivers with bikes
and delivery bags, ensuring efficient transportation and safe delivery of orders.
Quality Packaging: The delivery system utilizes high-quality packaging that ensures the
products are well-protected during transit.
Ezezugn delivery is being reliance heavy on manual coordination for order placement, vendor
communication, and driver assignments, which increases the likelihood of delays and errors. So,
this are weakness of the existing system:
Limited Payment Options: Currently, there is only one payment method available cash
on delivery. This may inconvenient some customers.
Lack of Real-Time Order Tracking: The absence of real-time order tracking for
customers creates uncertainty and negatively impacts the user experience.
Fixed Delivery Fees: Uniform delivery fees are charged regardless of distance, which
does not account for variable costs and may affect profitability.
Driver Challenges: Drivers do not have access to a portal for viewing orders and
customer details, resulting in delays and miscommunication. Inefficient driver matching
contributes to logistical challenges and slower deliveries.
Customer Responsiveness: Delays in contacting customers after they place an order can
led to canceled deliveries and dissatisfied clients.
No vendor dashboard: Vendors are not directly manage their menu item and incoming
order throw a portal for effective order management.
26
2.6.2.1. Alternative solutions
There are different alternative systems of a possible solution to address the weaknesses in the
existing systems. These are:
27
By implementing these alternative solutions, it is possible to improve and resolve the weaknesses
of the existing delivery system, enhancing efficiency, reliability, and user satisfaction across all
aspects of the process.
CHAPTER 3
PROPOSED SYSTEM
3.1. Introduction
The proposed crowd-sourced delivery platform aims to improve and boost the current semi-
automated delivery system by addressing existing system limitations. It introduces new features
such as real-time tracking, flexible payment options, and driver ratings while focusing on
efficiency and scalability.
This chapter details the proposed system's structure, functionalities, and requirements. It
introduces the user characteristics, identifies the constraints, and discusses the assumptions and
dependencies for successful implementation. Furthermore, diagrams such as use-case, activity,
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and sequence diagrams will illustrate the workflow and interactions between different actors.
Finally, the system's requirements undergo validation and verification to ensure accuracy,
consistency, and feasibility.
Customers: Use the platform to browse vendor offerings, place orders, track their order in real-
time and rate their experience on the delivery.
Vendors: Utilize the platform to manage their menu including each items feature, and manage
orders.
Delivery Drivers: Operate as independent workers responsible for collecting orders from
vendors and delivering them to customers.
Platform Administrators: Oversee the overall operation, manage users and maintenance of the
system.
3.2.2. Constraints
The expected Constraints that we may face in this project are:
The platform needs to balance its revenue model to ensure the commission taken from
vendors is fair and sustainable.
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Payment providers may charge significant fees per transaction, which could impact the
overall profitability of the platform.
The system must be designed to handle a growing number of users, vendors, and
transactions without performance degradation.
Developing and maintaining a reliable tracking system can be expensive, involving
software development, server costs, and ongoing maintenance.
Building trust among users and vendors is crucial for adoption, requiring secure payment
methods, reliable delivery, and transparency in operations.
Encouraging local vendors to join the platform and providing them with training or
support may take significant effort and time.
Integrating with widely used local payment systems, such as Tele-birr, could introduce
technical and contractual complexities.
Users of the platform, including vendors and customers, may struggle to adapt to the
system if they are not familiar with its features, requiring user-friendly design and
training support.
Assumptions
The platform assumes that customers, vendors, and drivers have access to smart devices and the
internet to use its services effectively. It also relies on the availability of a sufficient number of
crowd-sourced drivers to ensure timely deliveries. Customers are expected to provide accurate
delivery details, including addresses and contact numbers, and to be open to cashless payment
options and a tipping feature to motivate drivers. Additionally, vendors are anticipated to partner
with the platform willingly and provide accurate item details to ensure an effective service
experience.
Dependencies
30
The platform heavily relies on external factors, including the availability and functionality of
local payment gateways, third-party map and communication API, and telecommunication
infrastructure. It also depends on vendor cooperation for timely updates on menus, price, and
order status and an adequate pool of drivers for fulfilling delivery requests. Regulatory
compliance is another critical dependency, as any changes in laws could affect the system’s
operation.
FR-01: The platform shall allow customers and delivery drivers to register and create their
accounts.
FR-03: The platform must allow the users to manage their account.
FR-04: The platform must allow the customers to make their payment with an online payment
option.
FR-05: Customers can review their ordered meals and personal information such as customer’s
name, phone number, location (address) before they submit the order. Then, they have to check
out the items in the cart.
FR-06: The platform shall enable customers to track their orders in real-time.
FR-07: The platform shall notify customers when the order has been delivered.
FR-08: The platform shall allow customers to rate their delivery service.
FR-09: The platform shall allow customers to filter for a vendor by name, location, or cuisine.
FR-10: The platform shall display a list of restaurants that are currently available for delivery.
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FR-11: The platform shall allow customers to view the menu and prices of each restaurant.
FR-12: The platform shall allow customers to modify their order by adding or removing items
from their cart.
FR-13: The platform shall allow customers to add items from the vendor’s menu to their cart.
FR-14: The platform must allocate a nearby driver to vendor for incoming orders from the
customer.
FR-15: The platform must allow vendors to display and modify (add or remove) their menu,
price and items details on the system.
FR-16: The platform must send notification to vendors when an order has been placed.
FR-17: The platform shall allow vendors to accept or decline an incoming order and update the
status of the accepted order.
FR-18: The app shall allow delivery drivers to view and accept delivery requests.
FR-19: The app shall allow delivery drivers to view the details of the order and the customer's
location.
FR-20: The app shall allow delivery drivers to update the status of the delivery.
FR-24: The platform shall allow the administrator to manage review or rating.
NFR-01: The platform shall be able to handle a large number of concurrent users without any
performance issues.
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NFR-02: The platform shall process an order and allocate a nearby delivery driver within short
time.
NFR-03: The platform shall encrypt sensitive data, including passwords, payment details, and
personal information, using industry-standard encryption protocols.
NFR-04: The platform interface shall be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing users to perform
core functionalities with no more than three clicks.
NFR-05: The platform shall be compatible with major web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari,
Edge).
NFR-06: The platform shall support multiple languages, starting with English and Amharic, with
the ability to add more languages in the future.
NFR-07: The platform must comply with Ethiopian e-commerce and digital payment regulations.
NFR-08: In case of system failure, the platform must recover within short period of time to
ensure service continuity.
Vendor: The Vendor provides the items that customers order through the platform.
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Create an account and manage their profile.
Manage menu items available for order.
Respond to order requests.
Collect payments for completed orders.
Driver: The Driver is responsible for delivering the orders from vendors to customers.
Create an account and log in.
View and manage delivery requests.
Navigate using the GPS system.
View their earnings after completing deliveries.
Admin: The admin oversees the entire platform and manages users and system settings.
GPS System (Google Maps API): The GPS System provides location services to track
deliveries and find nearby drives.
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3.4.2. Use-Case Identification
Use Cases are an effective technique for narrating the ways a platform works in fulfilling a User
requirement. Use Cases explain what happens when someone uses the system to (try to) achieve
a goal; this will help us understand how it should work in detail. Use cases of the platform are
the following.
login Checkout
Review order & personal information View customer & vendor location
Use case diagram shows the interaction between the actors and the use cases which are found in
our proposed Crowdsourced delivery platform. Use case diagrams describe what a platform does
from the viewpoint of an external observer. A scenario is an example of what happens when
someone interacts with the platform. Our platform is represented using a use case diagram in the
figure below:
35
Figure 3.1 Use Case Diagram
3.4.4. Description of Use-Case
Use case description explains in detail the general flow of use case diagrams. Each table contains
the use case name, use case ID, the actor that initiates and interacts with the use case, and flow of
event that shows the interaction between the actor and the use case which enables the user to
easily understand the functions of the proposed system.
36
Actors Primary Actor: Customer
Precondition ● The Customer must have an active account and be logged into the
system.
● The Customer must have items in their cart.
Description This use case describes how a Customer places an order on the system.
37
the Customer.
7. The use case ends
successfully.
Alternative Events ● A5. If the delivery address or payment method is not fulfilled:
○ A5.1 The system displays an error message: “Invalid
address or payment method. Please try again.”
○ A5.2 The use case returns to step 2.
Post condition ● If there is no error, the order is successfully placed, and the
Customer receives a confirmation notification.
● Otherwise, the order is not placed, and the Customer is prompted
to resolve the issue.
Actors Customer
Precondition ● The Customer must have an active account and be logged into the
system.
● The Customer must be on the platform’s vendor or menu browsing
page.
Description This use case describes how a Customer filters vendors and items based on
specific criteria such as vendor name, location, or cuisine type.
38
Basic Flow of Events Actor Request System Response
● A4.1 The system displays a message: “No vendors or items match your
filter criteria.”
● A4.2 The Customer may adjust the filter criteria or clear the filters.
Post condition ● The system displays the filtered results if there are matching vendors or
items.
● Otherwise, the system informs the Customer that no results were found
based on the applied filters.
Table 3.3 Use Case Description for Filter Vendor and Items
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Actors Primary Actor: Customer
Precondition ● The Customer must have an active account and be logged into the
system.
● The Customer must have placed an order that is in progress or
completed.
Description This use case describes how the Customer tracks the status of their placed
order, including updates on its current delivery status and estimated delivery
time.
1. The Customer accesses 1. The system fetches the order status from
the "My Orders" or the database.
"Track My Order"
2. If the order is ready for pickup:
section of the platform.
2. The Customer selects the The system updates the
order they want to track. order status to "Ready for
3. The Customer presses Pickup."
the "Track Order" The system notifies the
button. Customer that the order is
ready for pickup.
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The system checks if a
driver has been assigned.
If a driver is assigned, the
system fetches the driver's
current location from the
Map Provider and displays
it to the Customer.
Alternative Events A4. If the order cannot be tracked (e.g., due to system error or missing
details):
Post condition ● The Customer successfully tracks the order's status and is kept
informed of its progress.
● If the order is delivered, the Customer is notified accordingly.
41
Table 3.4 Use Case Description for Track Order
Actors Customer
Precondition ● The Customer must have an active account and be logged into the
system.
● The Customer must have completed an order with a driver assigned for
delivery.
● The Customer must be able to access the order details for the
completed delivery.
Description This use case describes how the Customer rates the driver after the order has
been delivered, providing feedback on their delivery experience.
42
driver about the new rating and
comment.
6. The use case ends successfully.
Alternative Events A4. If the Customer enters invalid data (e.g., rating exceeds the allowed
range):
Post condition ● The Customer’s rating and comment are successfully saved, and the
driver’s profile is updated with the new rating.
● The driver is notified of the feedback if required by the system’s
design.
Actors Administrator
Precondition ● The Administrator must be logged into the platform with appropriate
administrative privileges.
● There must be an active user account (Customer, Vendor, or Delivery
Driver) that requires management (e.g., update, delete, or block).
● The system must have a list of all users (customers, vendors, and
delivery drivers) in the platform database.
Description This use case describes how the Administrator manages user accounts
(customers, vendors, or delivery drivers), including tasks like updating account
details, deleting users, or blocking/unblocking accounts. This ensures that the
43
platform’s user base is effectively managed, ensuring security and accuracy.
44
7. The use case ends.
Post condition ● The user’s account is successfully updated, deleted, or blocked as per
the action chosen by the Administrator.
● If the user is blocked, their access to the platform is restricted.
● If the user was deleted, they are completely removed from the platform,
and their data is deleted.
Actors Administrator
Precondition ● The Administrator must be logged into the platform with appropriate
administrative privileges.
● The system must have active transaction records (orders, payments,
fees, etc.) stored in the database.
● The platform must have a defined revenue model, including vendor
45
commissions, delivery fees, and any additional revenue sources.
Description This use case describes how the Administrator manages and tracks revenue on
the platform. It includes activities like viewing total revenue, adjusting
commission rates, generating financial reports, and ensuring that all
transactions are accounted for correctly.
46
6. The system notifies the
Administrator of any critical
revenue-related issues (e.g., a
significant drop in revenue, or
failed transactions).
7. The use case ends.
Alternative Events A4. If the Administrator selects an invalid date range for the report:
Post Condition ● The revenue data is successfully updated or modified according to the
Administrator’s actions.
● Financial reports are generated and available for review.
● If commission rates or fees were adjusted, the new rates are reflected in
the system’s future revenue calculations.
● The system maintains accurate records of all revenue-related
transactions.
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Use Case Identifier UC #7
Actors Administrator
Precondition ● The Administrator must be logged into the platform with appropriate
privileges to manage orders.
● Orders must exist in the system with a status such as "Pending,"
"Processing," "Delivered," or "Cancelled."
● The system must maintain a database of order details, including
customer information, order items, and delivery status.
Description This use case describes how the Administrator manages customer orders,
including viewing order details, updating order statuses, addressing disputes,
and canceling orders when necessary.
48
6. If needed, the Administrator 5. If the order is canceled, the
cancels the order or resolves system processes the
disputes reported by the cancellation and updates the
customer or vendor. status to "Cancelled."
6. The system ends the use case.
Alternative Events A5. If the Administrator tries to update the status of an invalid or
already completed order:
Post Condition ● The order details are successfully managed (status updated, canceled,
or resolved).
● Notifications are sent to all relevant parties about the updates.
● The system maintains accurate records of order management activities.
Actors Vendor
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● The vendor’s profile must be active and verified.
Description This use case describes how a vendor manages their menu, including adding,
updating, and deleting menu items to keep their offerings current for customers.
Alternative Events A4. If the Vendor provides invalid or incomplete information for
adding/updating:
● A4.1 The system displays an error message (e.g., "Invalid input: Please
complete all required fields").
● A4.2 The Vendor is prompted to correct the details and retry.
A4. If the Vendor attempts to delete an item that is part of an active
order:
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Post Condition ● The vendor’s menu is updated accurately to reflect current offerings
and availability for customers.
Actors Driver
Description Describes how the driver manages assigned delivery requests, including
updating the status, viewing request details, and accepting the request.
51
The system updates
the status to "Declined."
Alternative Events A5. If the driver attempts to update the status without selecting a request:
52
Figure 3.2 Activity Diagram for Create Account
53
Figure 3.4 Activity Diagram for Place Order
54
Figure 3.6 Activity Diagram for Driver Matching
55
Figure 3.8 Activity Diagram for Track Order
56
Figure 3.9 Sequence Diagram for Login
57
Figure 3.11 Sequence Diagram for Manage Incoming Order
58
Figure 3.13 Sequence Diagram for Driver Matching
59
Figure 3.15 Sequence Diagram for Track Order
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traveling in a car and tracking landmarks, such as exit numbers. Let’s say the goal is to arrive at
a hiking trail. A few questions might be asked when you arrive.
Does the hiking trail look as expected?
Can I see a marked trail and trailhead sign?
Does the location meet my expectations?
Validation is focused on the same types of questions. It’s not concerned with how you got there,
but that you arrived at the correct location.
3.5.3.1. Validity checks
The functions proposed by stakeholders should be aligned with what the system needs to
perform. This validation process is concerned with checking the requirements for omissions,
conflicts, and ambiguities and for ensuring that the requirements follow quality standards. The
validation guidelines which we suggest are as follows:
Verify that requirements link to existing documents. Verify that requirements link to
valid locations (e.g., bookmarks, line numbers, anchors) within documents.
61
Requirement uses terms in a manner consistent with their specified meanings.
The requirement should be understood in the same way by every person who reads it.
The requirement must be complete and should be defined (which means the type of
requirement should be defined).
It implies that all users' needs will be met when the system is implemented.
3.5.3.5. Verifiability
Requirements should be written so that they can be tested. This means you should be able to
write a set of tests that demonstrate that the system meets the specified requirements. In our
project we used verifiability to check that:
Checking our product against some standards and conditions imposed on this product and
of its development.
Verify whether or not the products of the given phase fulfill the specifications established
during the previous phase.
Verify whether or not the products of the given phase fulfill the specifications established
during the previous phase.
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We conclude that Requirements validation and verification is a fundamental activity of the
requirements engineering process. Different validation techniques have been discussed above. To
complete the software projects successfully without correctness and completeness problems in
requirements.so in our project we use the v-v model as follows and the process.
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