SmartMess is a full-stack web application designed to modernize university canteen services by enabling digital meal ordering, cashless payments, and centralized system management.
The platform connects students, canteen operators, and administrators through a secure, role-based system that improves efficiency, transparency, and user convenience.
An integrated AI chatbot provides instant assistance, helping users navigate the system and resolve common queries.
SmartMess follows a modular, scalable MERN architecture that reflects real-world software system design.
- Frontend: React.js, JavaScript, Tailwind CSS, Vite
- Backend: Node.js, Express.js (REST APIs)
- Database: MongoDB
- Architecture: MERN Stack, RESTful API Architecture
- Tools: VS Code, Postman, Git & GitHub
- Student, Canteen, and Admin registration
- Secure login & authentication
- Role-based access control
- Profile management & password update
- View approved canteens
- Browse meals by canteen
- Filter meals by price, category, and availability
- Add meals to cart
- Update quantities & remove items
- Place orders
- Cancel orders before preparation
- Checkout & payment interface
- Mock/sandbox payment processing
- Payment success/failure notifications
- Secure transaction storage
- View order history & order status
- Monitor monthly meal expenses
- Submit ratings & feedback
- Update canteen details
- Manage operating hours
- Upload canteen images
- Add, edit, delete meals
- Set meal availability & pricing
- Categorize menu items
- View incoming orders
- Accept or reject orders
- Update preparation status
- Mark orders as completed
- Daily sales summary
- Monthly income reports
- View ratings & reviews
- Respond to feedback
- Review canteen registrations
- Approve or reject applications
- Enable or disable canteen visibility
- Students & canteens submit complaints
- Admin reviews & resolves issues
- Maintain complaint history
- View total users & orders
- Monitor system activity
- Track reported canteens
- Block/unblock user accounts
- Moderate reviews
- Maintain audit logs
- Provides instant user support
- Helps students navigate ordering & payments
- Answers frequently asked questions
- Enhances user experience
Make sure you have installed:
- Node.js (v18 or above)
- MongoDB (Local or MongoDB Atlas)
- Git
- VS Code
git clone https://github.com/ShazminaOudeen/SmartMess.git
cd SmartMesscd backend
npm installCreate a file named .env and add:
PORT=5000
MONGO_URI=your_mongodb_connection_string
JWT_SECRET=your_secret_key
npm startServer will run on:
http://localhost:5000
Open a new terminal:
cd frontend
npm install
npm run devFrontend will run on:
http://localhost:5173
- Postman to test backend APIs
Academic Year: 3rd Year – 1st Semester
Module: IT Project Management (ITPM)
Team Size: 4 Members
Contribution Areas:
- User Authentication & Authorization
- Student Ordering & Payment System
- Canteen Management & Revenue Tracking
- Admin Oversight & Complaint Handling
- AI Chatbot Integration