Lot Manager (WASM + Azure Functions)
2025
Boat check-in and logistics tracking with photo uploads and forklift job workflows.
Business Problem
A large boat dealership struggled with tracking inventory as it moved across multiple lots during sales, service, and storage operations. Forklift drivers needed an accurate way to check boats in, upload condition photos, and record lot movements — but their existing low-code tool was slow, prone to data loss, and couldn't reliably sync data across locations. This caused misplaced boats, unclear job assignments, unhappy customers, and wasted labor hours spent searching for units.
Non-Technical Solution Summary
I designed a custom Lot Manager system that allows forklift drivers and staff to accurately check in boats, upload photos, and record every movement throughout the property. The app runs in the browser, loads quickly, and guides the team through a simple workflow so nothing gets missed. The solution also includes an automated job workflow for forklift movements — when a boat needs to be moved to a bay, assigned to a technician, or staged for pickup, the correct job appears in the queue. All information is stored in the cloud so management always knows where boats are, how long they've been in each stage, and what work is still pending.
Technical Architecture and Implementation
Frontend (Blazor WebAssembly) • Built with .NET 8 Blazor WASM for fast, client-side UI. • Uses MudBlazor components for a clean, consistent UI. • Local state caching and deferred upload support for poor connectivity. • Image capture and preview using browser APIs before upload. Backend (Azure Functions) • Isolated-process .NET 8 Azure Function App. • HTTP-triggered functions for Inventory, Jobs, Customers, and Movement Logs. • Queue-triggered function to process and persist photo uploads asynchronously. • Hybrid connections planned/used to integrate with on-prem systems when needed. Storage and Data • Azure Blob Storage for full-resolution check-in photos. • SQL-based data store for inventory, customers, jobs, and movement history. • Movement logs store timestamps, users, and location information to build a complete audit trail. Workflow Engine • Each boat movement generates a Job (Check-In, Move, Bay Assignment, Pickup Prep, etc.). • Jobs are assigned and updated through the WASM client. • Status updates create movement history records and keep the system in sync. Security • Authenticated access (Microsoft accounts / Entra ID planned) instead of public containers. • Photo uploads are protected with backend-generated SAS tokens rather than direct public access.
Key Features
• Guided boat check-in workflow with photos. • Photo capture and upload pipeline using Azure Blob Storage. • Real-time inventory location and history tracking. • Forklift job queue and movement workflow. • Customer lookup and boat ownership management. • Designed to handle spotty Wi-Fi and real-world forklift usage.
Results and Impact
The dealership now has clear visibility into every boat on the property. Search time for units dropped significantly, inventory accuracy increased, and the service team can rely on condition photos to resolve questions and set expectations with customers. Forklift drivers reported the new workflow is faster and more reliable than the previous tool, and management gained a real-time operational view of boats, movements, and outstanding work.