Retail Auction Software

This software, written in Python and Qt, provides a complete network-based Point-of-Sale software solution for an auto auction company. The program currently interfaces with a MySQL database hosted on one of the companies machines and can be installed on any number of machines that act as clients and connect to the database. In addition to tracking buyers/consignors, vehicles, and sales, the program includes powerful and extensible reporting capabilities. For instance, reports on buyer participation, vehicle history, car lists, etc. are available and can be exported for use with a spreadsheet. Contract printouts are generated for a dot matrix printer suitable for triplicate form printing.

Note

Here is a quick listing of the major new features present in the latest release:

  • Photo ID Cards
    The software now allows the user to take photos of a customer, attach the photos to the customer's file, and print out a credit card sized photo ID card on a standard card printer made by Evolis, Eltron or Fargo. This feature currently works under both Linux and Windows.

    ID Scanners

    idScan® OCR ID card scanner comes with a variety of scanners. All scanners are twain compatible, color with a resolution of 600 dpi. The scanners connect to the computer's USB port, thus requiring no external power supply. Talk to your South Lake Web representative about the costs and logistics of these devices.

    A6 simplex ID scanner A6 duplex ID scanner A4 simplex ID scanner A4 duplex ID scanner
    A6 simplex ID scanner A6 duplex ID scanner A4 simplex ID card scanners A4 duplex ID scanner
    SnapShell® Camera scanner      
    idScan OCR camera id scanner      


  • Increased Speed
    Several portions of the program ran slowly when 500 or more cars were entered into a single auction. Those portions have been improved dramatically and are now many times faster when dealing with large numbers of cars. Affected components include program Startup Time and Car List Edit.

  • Improved Layout
    Many of the interfaces have been redesigned with speed and efficiency in mind.

  • Additional Error Messages
    Error messages have been added that inform the user when they attempt to do something that is not possible.

  • Mailing List Tracking
    Users now have the ability to specify that a customer would like to receive mailings. Two new reports allow the user to generate snail-mail lists as well as e-mail lists.

  • Password Prompt on Startup
    Although the password can still be stored in the options file, the user is prompted for the password if it is not found. This requires users to login each time they start the program and can help increase security.



    • Here is a listing of various screenshots for this program. (CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR A LARGER VIEW)


    1.6.0 - Customer Screen
    In this example, you can see how the interface has been rearranged, changes to how dealership is displayed, a new look for the Bid Pass number, and the cool Photo ID feature.
    1.6.0 - Vehicle Screen
    Ready to enter a new vehicle. A minimal interface makes data entry quick and effortless.
    1.6.0 - Vehicle Search
    Note that the search fields have been rearranged so Lot Number is first. Almost all searches are done by Lot Number.
     

    1.6.0 - Transaction Screen
    Here is an example vehicle that sold in the auction. Some of the information has been changed to protect the buyer and consignor. In Reno, 2003, a '57 Chevy 210 in perfect condition brought an amazing price of $120,000.
    1.6.0 - Transaction Search
    A quick search by lot number pulls up a vehicle. This feature allows you to correct mistake and you can even edit transactions that happened at a previous auction.
    1.6.0 - Photo ID Card
    A low quality shot of the cards printed in Reno, NV 2003. Take a look at bidder.png in the resources folder of the software for a higher quality sample background.
     

    1.3.1 - Main Screen
    Note that only the Customer, Vehicle, and Transaction tabs are enabled by default. Also, note the new buyer statistic information at the bottom of the customer screen.
    1.3.1 - Tab Control
    Here's where the tabs get enabled or disabled.
    1.3.1 - Car List Edit
    This new interface allows you to easily and quickly correct mistyped make/model information. The other information is for display purposes and is protected from editing. You can also remove duplicate entries through this interface.
     

    1.1.7 - Customer
    Entering customer information
    1.1.7 - Customer
    Customer Interface: Note the auction attendance on the right side.
    1.1.7 - Customer Search
    Notice you do not need to specify the entire name...
     

    1.1.7 - Vehicle
    Adding a vehicle to the auction
    1.1.7 - Transaction
    Entering information for a sale. Some fields are left blank and are calculated based on defaults.
    1.1.7 - Transaction
    All values are calculated and confirmation is required.
     

    1.1.7 - Reporting
    A drop-down showing some of the available reports.
    1.1.7 - Whitesheets
    This interface allows you to edit any part of a transaction after it has been entered.
    1.1.7 - Admin
    Here you can see the list of auctions and do thing like backup the database.
     

    1.1.7 - Printing
    Forms to print are selected on the left side. In this shot, it is ready to print Check-In forms for a consignor.