Live Application Technical Implementation Guide

Overview

Developed a comprehensive Progressive Web App (PWA) for the Ymir Sailing Club in Reykjavik, Iceland, to modernize their boat rental and member management system. The application facilitates safe boat checkouts, real-time monitoring, and automated safety notifications for a sailing club with 16 boats and multiple members.

Key Features

Core Functionality

  • Digital Boat Checkout System: QR code-based instant boat rental process
  • Real-Time Safety Monitoring: Automated notifications for overdue boats and missed check-ins
  • Member Management: Complete member database with PIN-based authentication
  • Admin Dashboard: Comprehensive management interface for club administrators
  • Multi-Language Support: English and Icelandic language support
  • Mobile-First Design: Optimized for mobile devices with offline capabilities

Safety & Monitoring

  • Overdue Alerts: Automatic notifications when boats are overdue for return
  • Real-Time Tracking: Live monitoring of all boats currently on the water
  • Force Check-In: Admin capability to handle emergency situations
  • Maintenance Management: System for reporting and tracking boat issues

Admin Dashboard

Activity Monitoring

Technical Architecture

Frontend: Astro Framework

  • Server-Side Rendering (SSR): Pages rendered on server for optimal performance
  • Component-Based Architecture: Reusable UI components for maintainability
  • Zero-JavaScript by Default: Only loads JavaScript when needed
  • Progressive Web App: Installable with offline capabilities and push notifications

Backend: Netlify Functions

  • Serverless Architecture: Auto-scaling serverless functions
  • Event-Driven: Execute code in response to HTTP requests
  • Cost-Effective: Pay only for actual usage
  • Global Distribution: Deploy to multiple regions for low latency

Database: PostgreSQL (Neon)

  • Relational Database: Structured data storage with entity relationships
  • ACID Compliance: Ensures data integrity and consistency
  • Cloud-Hosted: Managed database service with automatic backups
  • Scalable: Handles growing amounts of data and users

Technical Implementation

Database Design

-- Core tables for member and boat management
CREATE TABLE members (
  member_number TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
  name TEXT NOT NULL,
  phone TEXT,
  email TEXT,
  pin TEXT,
  is_admin BOOLEAN DEFAULT FALSE,
  created_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP
);

CREATE TABLE boats (
  id TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
  name TEXT NOT NULL,
  status TEXT DEFAULT 'operational',
  boat_type TEXT DEFAULT 'individual',
  last_maintenance TIMESTAMP,
  notes TEXT
);

Key Technical Features

  • QR Code Integration: Each boat has unique QR code for instant checkout
  • Push Notifications: Web Push API for real-time alerts
  • Service Worker: Background script for offline functionality and notifications
  • PIN-Based Authentication: Simple 3-digit PIN system for mobile optimization
  • Real-Time Updates: Live boat status and member activity tracking

API Endpoints

  • POST /api/member-login - Member authentication
  • GET /api/boat-status - Get boat availability
  • POST /api/check-in - Check out a boat
  • POST /api/check-out - Check in a boat
  • POST /api/push-subscription - Subscribe to notifications

Project Impact

Safety Improvements

  • Automated Safety Monitoring: Eliminates manual tracking of boat returns
  • Immediate Overdue Alerts: Ensures boats are returned safely and on time
  • Emergency Response: Force check-in capability for urgent situations
  • Maintenance Tracking: Proactive issue reporting and resolution

Operational Efficiency

  • Digital Checkout Process: Eliminates paper-based rental system
  • Real-Time Visibility: Admins can monitor all boat activity instantly
  • Member Self-Service: Members can check out boats independently
  • Data Analytics: Comprehensive usage tracking and reporting

User Experience

  • Mobile-Optimized: Works seamlessly on smartphones and tablets
  • Offline Capable: Functions without internet connection
  • Multi-Language: Serves both English and Icelandic speakers
  • Installable: Can be installed as a native app on mobile devices

Development Process

Requirements Analysis

  • Worked directly with sailing club management to understand operational needs
  • Identified key pain points in existing paper-based system
  • Prioritized safety features and real-time monitoring capabilities

Technical Challenges Solved

  • QR Code Integration: Developed seamless mobile checkout experience
  • Real-Time Notifications: Implemented reliable push notification system
  • Multi-Language Support: Created language-specific routing and content
  • Mobile Optimization: Ensured smooth experience across all devices
  • Offline Functionality: Implemented service worker for offline capabilities

Deployment & Infrastructure

  • Netlify Hosting: Global CDN with automatic deployments
  • PostgreSQL Database: Managed database service with automatic backups
  • CI/CD Pipeline: Automated testing and deployment on code changes
  • Environment Management: Secure configuration and environment variables

Results & Outcomes

The PWA successfully modernized the sailing club’s operations, providing:

  • Improved Safety: Automated monitoring prevents boats from being forgotten
  • Enhanced Efficiency: Digital system reduces administrative overhead
  • Better Member Experience: Easy-to-use mobile interface for boat rentals
  • Real-Time Visibility: Club administrators have complete oversight of operations
  • Scalable Solution: System can grow with the club’s needs

This project demonstrates full-stack development skills, real-world problem solving, and the ability to create user-friendly solutions for non-technical users in a professional setting.