Overview
A digital transformation project for the University of Memphis cafeteria system, aimed at improving service efficiency and the student dining experience through a mobile-friendly ordering platform.
Role: Project Manager and Backend Developer — led a team of 6, designed backend services and database architecture.
Problem
Students faced long wait times during peak hours, and the cafeteria lacked digital infrastructure for ordering, menu management, and service analytics. The university needed a system that could scale to thousands of daily users.
Solution
Built a full-stack ordering platform:
- Backend: Java Spring with RESTful APIs for order management, menu CRUD, and user accounts
- Frontend: React-based mobile-responsive web app
- Database: PostgreSQL with optimized schemas for order throughput
- Process: Agile/Scrum with 2-week sprints, managing a cross-functional team of 6
Results
- 15% reduction in wait times through streamlined digital ordering flow
- 65% user adoption within the first semester of deployment
- 22% improvement in service efficiency via better order batching and queue management