About

ScanSmart is a desktop-based inventory management and billing system developed as part of the CS:220 – Database Systems course. The system is designed to support day-to-day retail operations by enabling product scanning, dynamic billing, inventory management, and role-based access for administrators and cashiers.

Built using Streamlit and Python, with a MySQL relational database, ScanSmart emphasizes secure database interactions, modular backend design, and real-time operational insights through analytical reporting.

Implementation Details

Frontend / UI Layer

• Streamlit (Python): Used for page layout, UI components, session state, navigation, and event handling.
• HTML (embedded via st.markdown): Custom structure for headers, panels, branding sections, and layout control.
• CSS (inline & injected): Styling for layout, spacing, colors, typography, icons, and overriding Streamlit defaults.
• Lucide Icons (lucide_icon): SVG-based icon library for visual elements and feature highlights.
• Google Fonts (Inter): External font import for consistent typography.
• Matplotlib for data visualization and analytical graphs

Backend / Application Logic

• Python (Core Backend Logic): Handles authentication flow, session management, role-based routing, and business logic.
• MultiLayered Architecture (MVC with Database layer for CRUD operations)
• Backend logic coupled with the Streamlit app, not exposed as APIs.
• Modular Architecture but No Web Framework (Not a REST API)
• Barcode & QR Code Scanning: Implemented using pyzbar with multithreading support for continuous scanning.

Database

• MySQL R-DBMS
• MySQL Connector (Python)

State & Control

• Streamlit Session State (st.session_state)
• Logged-in user
• Role-based navigation
• Page switching
• Authentication persistence

Security

• Credential validation via backend service
• Password hashing using bcrypt
• Business Rule Validation for invalid operations (e.g., negative stock, invalid scans).
• Use of Parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection.

Development Context

• Desktop / Local Deployment
• Educational Project
• Course: CS:220 – Database Systems

Conventions Used:

• Functions: snake_case
• Class: camelCase