SMJ - Save My Job
SMJ - Save My Job
I recently became part of an organization that uses an intranet with internet access only. I am the sole software developer in the entire institution, though many hardware engineers are also present. My expertise is limited to programming on a single PC using VBA or other tools. Here, the tasks are quite straightforward for a single machine. However, my supervisors request that I develop an LMS (Leave Management System) accessible across the whole institute. This task is equally simple, but it presents a challenge because I have never worked with networked PCs before. I haven’t used server applications such as SharePoint or Microsoft Exchange Server, nor any similar tools.
The goal is clear:
Employees must access a webpage (intranet or cloud) in a "Browser". It should display a count of available leaves, showing only that number. We currently just need a Label control with a caption, which I can update dynamically based on the user operating the PC.
Please advise...
With Hope,
Prabhakaran
The leave calculation process is quite intricate across various counties. There are numerous types of leave such as sick leave, annual leave, and long service leave, each with distinct accumulation rates and formulas. It is typically connected to the payroll system, which in turn integrates with accounting and HR systems. Avoid reinventing the wheel—especially since you lack existing expertise in this field. Simply purchase a ready-made package that has been tested and includes interfaces with other systems.
The requirements are definitely not straightforward. The main issue is that your bosses have overlooked documenting 90% of the requirements.
Here are a few examples from what seems to be a long list of likely forgotten items:
- Adding new employees
- Removing employees
- Initializing leave values
- Managing various types of leave (multiple totals per employee)
- Adjusting totals when leave is taken
- Formulas for calculating different leave types
- Allowing negative leave balances?
- Whether calculations are done for whole days, hours, or minutes
- Administrative access and HR functions
- Backups
- Security measures
- Employee authentication
- Devices needing support (e.g., iPhones)
- Data synchronization with payroll systems
Your bosses have no background in software development. It’s your responsibility to teach them and propose a solution. Begin by exploring ready-made packages, then present them with choices.
I adore MS Access and have created numerous large applications with it...but there are many opportunities for someone trying to do the wrong thing if you're not vigilant. And even if you are careful. A long-term secretary in my office was recently released from a four-year prison sentence, owing $1.5 million in restitution. She had been falsifying her work hours and vacation days for ten years.
Constructed a query in Ms Access titled "Leave Balance".
Developed an ASP.NET WebForm using vb.net called "Leaves.aspx".
Attached a DataGrid control to the datasource, resulting in "Leave Balance".
Deployed it on IIS.
Testing?