vtu

The VTU project is an online platform that allows users to purchase airtime, data, cable TV subscriptions, and pay electricity bills. Initially developed using PHP, it was later transitioned to Laravel to enhance functionality, security, and scalability. The system is designed to cater to both individual users and vendors, providing a seamless experience for top-ups and bill payments.

Link to project: https://app.ambscommunicom.ng

Technology Stack

Backend: Laravel (Previously PHP)
Database: MySql
Hosting: LiteSpeed server on shared hosting (cpanel)
API: Laravel Sanctum for authentication
Additional Packages:
Spatie (for role management)
Laravel Filament (for admin panel management)

Project Features

  • Airtime Top-Up: Users can buy airtime for various network providers in real-time.
  • Data Purchase: The platform supports the purchase of data bundles for multiple telecom networks.
  • Cable TV Subscription: Allows users to renew their cable TV subscriptions directly from the platform
  • Electricity Bill Payment: Users can pay electricity bills using the platform.
  • User Authentication: Secure user login and session management using Laravel Sanctum.
  • Mobile App Integration: A mobile version of the system is available through a Flutter-based app, providing a smooth user experience for people on the go.
  • Vendor Systems: Vendors can register and manage multiple transactions, providing services to their customers.

Challenges Faced

  • Initial PHP Framework Limitations: As the project scaled, managing security and performance using PHP alone became challenging, prompting the migration to Laravel.
  • Handling Real-Time Transactions: Ensuring that transactions, such as airtime purchases and bill payments are processed in real-time without delays.
  • API Integration: Integrating third-party APIs from network providers for airtime, data, and bill payments was crucial to the success of the platform.

Solution Approach

  • Migration to Laravel: The Transition from PHP to Laravel allowed for better routing, security, and database handling. With Laravel, the use of Spatie for role management and Sanctum for API token authentication made the platform more secure and scalable.
  • Mobile App with Flutter: The decision to build a mobile app using Flutter provided users with an intuitive interface for quick and easy access to services. The use of GetX as the state management simplified navigation and UI management.
  • WebSocket Integration: For real-time notifications and updates, WebSocket was initially integrated using Laravel Reverb but due to the limitations of the shared hosting, it was replaced with Ably.

Project Outcome

  • The VTU system has a growing user base with vendors and individuals using the platform for daily transactions.
  • The platform’s migration to Laravel has improved overall performance and made it easier to add new features.
  • The Flutter mobile app has increased engagement and usage, making services more accessible to users.

Future Plans

  • Expand API Integration: Incorporating more bill payment providers and telecom networks.
  • Advanced Analytics: Building a dashboard for vendors to track sales, top-ups, and customer engagement.
  • Chat and Support Features: Developing a support chatbot system to handle customer inquiries in real-time using Laravel.
  • Improved Vendor System: Offering mote tools and reports to vendors to manage their business on the platform

Conclusion

The VTU project showcases the ability ti handle online transactions, user management, and real-time services. Through a combination of Laravel’s backend capabilities and Flutter’s mobile app development features, it provides aa comprehensive solution fir top-ups, data, and bill payments.