Effectiveness Of Database With Automation Apps Using Appsheet For Controlling Atec (Automative Technology Centre) Data

Abstract

The Automotive Technology Centre (ATeC) at Polytechnic Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin struggles with disorganized data management due to the lack of a centralized digital system, causing inefficiencies across the units. The primary objectives of this study are to centralize all lecturer-related data into a single digital database and to develop a zero-cost mobile application platform for managing and automating data processes. The development process was carried out in three key phases to ensure a structured and efficient implementation. The first phase, data preparation, involved cleaning and transforming raw data into a consistent and usable format. This included tasks such as removing duplicate entries, standardizing formats, and organizing data fields to align with the overall database structure, ensuring accuracy and reliability for further use. The second phase, application design (UI/UX development), focuses on designing a user-friendly interface and intuitive user experience for the mobile application. Elements such as forms, buttons, and navigation menus were created to facilitate seamless data entry and retrieval, making the app accessible and efficient for users on mobile devices. The final phase, report generation, involved developing an automated system to create structured reports based on the collected data. These reports are generated in PDF format and automatically stored in Google Drive, allowing for easy access, sharing, and documentation. The analysis shows that the core performance of AppSheet received an average score of 4.13, indicating a high interpretation. Similarly, the data control capabilities of the platform achieved an average score of 4.00, also reflecting high interpretation. A comparison between Google AppSheet and traditional software development highlights the key reasons for selecting AppSheet as the preferred platform for this project. In terms of cost, AppSheet is either free or low-cost when used with Google Workspace, whereas traditional development often incurs high expenses due to developer fees, hosting services, and software licensing. Regarding development time, AppSheet offers a fast, no-code environment that allows for rapid application creation, while traditional methods can take weeks or even months to complete due to custom coding and testing. Technical skill requirements are minimal with AppSheet, making it accessible to non-programmers. In conclusion, this mobile solution provides a streamlined, cost-effective method for managing academic data, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making within the ATeC environment.