Web-based Agricultural Machinery Rental Business Management System

Abstract

Seung-Yeoub Shin, Chang-Ho Kang, Seok-Cheol Yu, Byounggap Kim, Yu-Yong Kim, Jin-Oh Kim, Kyou-Seung Lee* National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Jeonju, Korea Department of Bio-Mechatronic Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea Received: October 6th, 2014; Revised: November 6th, 2014; Accepted: November 12nd, 2014 Purpose: This study was conducted to develop a web-based business management system to ensure the efficient operation and transparent management of government-subsidized agricultural machinery rental businesses. Methods: An MS_SQL2000 database management system (DBMS) solution was utilized in the system for high system compatibility and integrated management. This system was targeted to be compatible with Internet Explorer 6.0 or later and to ensure security and seamless web operations. The system administrator is able to manage a fleet of agricultural machinery, including various inventory codes, release and return, fleet registry, and business performance. Users (farmers) may search the database of rental machinery and reserve them. Results: With respect to rental reservations, the system administrator can manage the fleet by setting the rental status to Approved, Released, or Returned. Through the web, the administrator can also create a database that includes machinery specifications, features, and rental rates. In addition, business performance data can be analyzed using a diverse array of tools to streamline the rental business. Without having to go to the rental office, users can save time and money by searching for and renting agricultural machinery through the information available on the website, including availability, specifications, and rental fees. After deploying the system, the time required to analyze monthly performance and create reports was dramatically reduced from 20 days per person to one day per person. Conclusions: Since 2014, AMRB has been installed and is operating in agricultural machinery rental businesses in 31 cities and counties in South Korea. This study recommends continued expansion and dissemination of AMRB for the systematic and efficient management of agricultural machinery rental businesses.