Dormlander: a Smart Dormitory Management System with Utility Metering and Digital Payment Solution

Abstract

The dormitory business offers strong income potential and long-term investment value, but it often faces many challenges including manual operations, time-consuming, human errors, and inefficient payment tracking. This study introduces Dormlander, a smart web and mobile application designed to streamline dormitory management and improve operational efficiency. The primary objective of this project is to analyze, design, and develop an all-in-one platform that benefits dorm owners, staff, and renters. Dormlander integrates Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to automate electricity and water meter readings, significantly reducing manual errors and saving time for dorm staff. The system features a web platform for dorm staff and owners to manage rooms, renters, utilities, billing and receipts. It also includes a comprehensive dashboard that visualizes key business metrics, enabling data-driven decision-making. For renters, the mobile application offers real-time utility tracking, digital bill payments, built-in chat, and calendar features to enhance communication and convenience. By leveraging cloud-based technologies, Dormlander improves operational transparency, enhances communication, and supports efficient dormitory administration. Ultimately, Dormlander helps transform traditional dorm operations into a modern, scalable, and user-friendly experience.