INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025

www.rsisinternational.org

Page 1331

Groom Master: A Web-Based Pet Grooming Appointment

Scheduling & Inventory Manager

Kenneth Bontigao, Jasper Mendoza, Mark Rovan Rioveros, Edrian Salatan

Arellano University, Pasig Campus

DOI:

https://dx.doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2025.10100000117

Received: 25 October 2025; Accepted: 31 October 2025; Published: 12 November 2025

ABSTRACT

Groom Master is a web-based application that centralizes appointment scheduling, client management, and

inventory tracking for pet grooming businesses. It allows pet owners to book services online while enabling

administrators and groomers to manage appointments, grooming schedules, and supplies efficiently. Developed

using the Agile SDLC, the system was iteratively refined based on user feedback. Evaluation followed ISO

25010 standards for functionality, reliability, usability, and maintainability. Built with PHP, MySQL, HTML5,

CSS3, and JavaScript, GroomMaster offers a responsive interface accessible across devices, enhancing

productivity, reducing scheduling conflicts, and improving overall service quality for small to medium-sized

grooming businesses.

Keywords: Pet Grooming System, Web Application, Appointment Scheduling, Inventory Management, Agile

SDLC, ISO 25010, PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, Responsive Design

INTRODUCTION

The pet care industry has experienced consistent growth over the past decade, driven by increasing pet ownership

and the perception of pets as integral family members. This change in perspective has fueled demand for a variety

of services, including grooming, boarding, veterinary care, and wellness programs. Among these, pet grooming

plays a vital role not only in maintaining animal hygiene and health but also in satisfying owners’ expectations

for quality care.

Scope

This study focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of GroomMaster, a web-based application

specifically intended for pet grooming businesses.

o Appointment Scheduling Module – Allows customers to book, reschedule, or cancel grooming

appointments online. It provides real-time slot availability, automated booking confirmations, and

reminders to minimize missed appointments and scheduling conflicts.

o Inventory Management Module – Tracks the availability, usage, and replenishment of grooming supplies

such as shampoos, conditioners, disinfectants, grooming tools, and other consumables. It includes low-

stock alerts to assist in timely restocking and prevent service interruptions.

o Customer Management Module – Maintains a database of clients and their pets, including service history,

grooming preferences, and contact details, to enable personalized service delivery and efficient record-

keeping.

LIMITATION

• Business Coverage – Groom Master is developed for small to medium-sized pet grooming shops and may

require additional customization to suit large-scale or multi-branch businesses.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025

www.rsisinternational.org

Page 1332

• Service Scope – The system is designed for pet grooming services only. Veterinary, boarding, or pet retail

services are not included in the current functionality.

• Platform Restriction – Groom Master is accessible only via web browsers and requires an active internet

connection. Offline use is not supported in this version.

• Integration – The system does not integrate with third-party payment gateways, accounting software, or

social media platforms. All payments are assumed to be processed separately by the business.

• Inventory Tracking – Inventory data relies on manual entry by staff; the system does not include barcode

scanning or automated stock detection hardware.

• Security Scope – While the system includes basic authentication and access control, advanced security

measures such as multi-factor authentication or encrypted backups are not implemented in this version.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

Proposed by Davis in 1989, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) explains how users come to accept and

use a technology. It emphasizes two key factors that influence user adoption: perceived usefulness, which refers

to the degree to which a user believes that using a system will enhance their job performance, and perceived

ease of use, which refers to the degree to which a user believes that the system will be free of effort to operate.

Systems Theory

Originally developed by Ludwig von Bertalanffy, Systems Theory views an organization as a set of interrelated

components working toward a common goal. In a grooming business, operations such as scheduling, inventory

management, and customer service are interconnected. GroomMaster aligns with Systems Theory by integrating

these components into one platform. The system ensures that a change or update in one module directly supports

or influences other modules leading to more coordinated and efficient operations.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The researchers used the IPO Model to describe the framework of the study. This diagram focuses on how the

inputs are being processed to generate results. It is composed of the input or the requirements needed, the

processes or procedures, the output or desired result, and feedback.

The IPO (Input-Process-Output) model for the Pet Grooming Appointment Scheduling and Inventory

Management System is a structured framework that illustrates how data flows through the system to support its

essential functions. It is divided into three key components: Input, Process, and Output.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025

www.rsisinternational.org

Page 1333

Significance Of The Study

Developing an appointment scheduling and inventory management system specifically tailored for pet grooming

businesses offers substantial advantages to a wide range of stakeholders. For business owners and managers, it

refined operations by automating essential tasks such as appointment bookings, service tracking, and supply

monitoring, thereby reducing human error and increasing overall efficiency. For staff members, including

groomers and receptionists, the system provides a structured workflow, improves communication, and helps

avoid scheduling conflicts, allowing them to focus more on delivering quality services.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Foreign Literatures

Zhao et al. (2017) stated that web-based scheduling systems significantly improve operational efficiency and

minimize administrative workload in service industries. This finding directly supports Groom Master’s objective

of simplifying pet grooming appointments, ensuring that business owners can handle bookings effectively

without being overwhelmed by manual scheduling. Bagheri et al. (2022) emphasized that internet-based

appointment systems enhance accessibility and improve customer satisfaction by allowing users to book services

at their convenience. This aligns with GroomMaster’s core feature of enabling pet owners to schedule grooming

sessions anytime, improving client experience and loyalty. MotoPress (2024) highlights leading pet care

software such as PetPocketbook, MoeGo, and Paw Partner, showcasing how modern platforms streamline

appointment scheduling, client management, and operations.

Foreign Studies

Mahfouz et al. (2023) evaluated patient satisfaction with a web-based appointment system and found that users

valued its convenience and time-saving benefits. This mirrors GroomMaster’s commitment to providing hassle-

free booking options for pet owners, saving them time and effort. Ostadmohammadi et al. (2025) examined

stakeholder experiences with electronic scheduling platforms and concluded that usability and system efficiency

are critical for success. These factors guided GroomMaster’s design to ensure a user-friendly experience for both

clients and business owners. Betancor (2025) found that online scheduling systems lower no-show rates (1.8%

vs. 5.9%) compared to offline bookings, proving that automated booking features enhance attendance.

GroomMaster integrates similar scheduling and reminder functionalities to reduce missed grooming

appointments.

Local Literatures

Quimba and Calizo (2019) identified the challenges and opportunities in digital technology adoption among

Philippine businesses, highlighting the need for user-friendly platforms. GroomMaster addresses this by offering

a simple, accessible digital solution specifically tailored for local pet grooming businesses. Philippine Institute

for Development Studies (2019) reported that Filipino SMEs often struggle with adapting to digital tools due to

cost and complexity. GroomMaster counters these challenges by providing an affordable, efficient, and easy-to-

use system for grooming service providers. Antivola (2023) emphasized that digital adoption is essential for

MSMEs to remain competitive in today’s market. This insight reinforces GroomMaster’s role as a vital tool for

helping grooming businesses stay ahead by embracing digital operations. Atienza et al. (2024) found that

implementing digital solutions leads to significant improvements in business productivity and growth for micro

and small enterprises. This supports GroomMaster’s potential to enhance operational efficiency and increase

profitability in the grooming industry.

Synthesis

The reviewed literature and studies collectively affirm the relevance and necessity of GroomMaster, a web-based

pet grooming appointment scheduling and inventory management system. Foreign literature highlights how

digital scheduling platforms enhance efficiency, reduce workload, and improve customer satisfaction (Zhao et

al., 2017; Bagheri et al., 2022; MotoPress, 2024; Cao et al., 2011), while foreign studies confirm their

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025

www.rsisinternational.org

Page 1334

effectiveness in increasing user satisfaction, reducing no-show rates, and ensuring usability (Mahfouz et al.,

2023; Ostadmohammadi et al., 2025; Betancor, 2025).

METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY

Research Design

This study employed a developmental research design, focusing on the creation and evaluation of a web-based

application. Developmental research is suitable for projects aiming to produce and refine technology-based

solutions. The process involved analyzing the current appointment scheduling and inventory management

practices of selected pet grooming businesses, designing a prototype system based on identified needs, and

evaluating its usability and effectiveness.

Data Collection

Pre-development phase: Researchers gathered baseline information from pet grooming shop owners and staff

through structured interviews and observation checklists. This phase identified operational challenges such as

booking conflicts, inventory shortages, and time-consuming manual record-keeping.

System Development Life Cycle

The Agile Software Development Lifecycle (Agile SDLC) is a flexible and iterative approach to software

development that emphasizes collaboration, customer feedback, and rapid delivery of functional software.

The Agile SDLC process used in the project emphasized iterative development, stakeholder collaboration, and

continuous feedback. Requirements for the grooming shop system were gathered early through interviews and

observations, leading to prototypes featuring core functions like booking, inventory, and user management. Each

sprint involved user testing and feedback, which improved modules such as pet profiles, scheduling, and data

handling. Later sprints added advanced features like automated reminders, inventory alerts, and customizable

reports, developed with active input from groomers and receptionists. Final stages focused on performance

optimization, documentation, and user acceptance testing, with continuous integration and code reviews ensuring

quality and stability.

Database Design

A database plan is the method involved with sorting out information as per a database model. Appropriately

planned databases are not difficult to keep up with, further develop information consistency, and are cost-

effective as far as disk storage space. Database plan outlines are utilized to decide how best to store, administer,

and access data.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025

www.rsisinternational.org

Page 1335

GroomMaster (System/Application)

• This is likely the central application or platform offering the service.

• It connects directly to Administrators, indicating they manage or control it.

Administrators

• They are the central authority in this system.

• Connected to all other entities, showing they play a key role in:

• Managing Customers

• Managing Suppliers

• Interfacing with the Database

• Operating or configuring GroomMaster

Customer

• End-users or clients of the system.

• Likely access services offered through GroomMaster but are indirectly managed via Administrators.

Suppliers

• These are likely service providers (e.g., pet groomers, product vendors, etc.).

• Administrators manage relationships or interactions with them.

Database

tores all system data.

Administrators have direct access, indicating they manage data operations such as:

• Customer profiles

• Supplier records

• App configurations

• Transaction logs

Data Flow Diagram (Level 1 DFD)

CUSTOMER starts the process

The Customer provides: Personal information,Pet details,Appointment requests

Data flows to → Process 1: Customer & Appointment Management

PROCESS 1: Customer & Appointment Management

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025

www.rsisinternational.org

Page 1336

This process: Saves customer info, Schedules appointments, Confirms bookings, Updates appointment status

from staff.

Data flows to → Customer Database (stores personal/pet info)

Appointment Database (stores grooming schedules)

Also connects with → STAFF

STAFF provides service updates

The Staff: Accesses customer appointments, Updates service status (e.g., done, canceled)

This info goes back to Process 1: Customer & Appointment Management, where:

The status is recorded in the Appointment Database

Grooming history is stored in the Customer Database

INVENTORY MANAGER updates stocks

The Inventory Manager: Logs item usage (e.g., shampoo used) Inputs stock deliveries or changes Data flows to

→ Process 2: Inventory Management

PROCESS 2: Inventory Management This process: Records incoming/outgoing stock, Checks stock levels,

Sends low stock alerts if needed Data flows to → Inventory Database

PROCESS 3: Descriptive

Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD)

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025

www.rsisinternational.org

Page 1337

The system’s data model for GroomMaster defines key classes that support user management, scheduling,

inventory, and reporting. The User class represents all system users (administrators, receptionists, groomers)

with roles controlling access. Customer and Pet classes store owner and pet details, linked through a one-to-

many relationship. The Appointment class manages bookings, connecting pets, services, and assigned groomers.

Grooming Service standardizes service types, durations, and prices, while Inventory Item tracks supplies and

triggers restock alerts. The Report class stores analytics on customer activity, service frequency, and inventory

usage. Together, these classes create an integrated structure for managing operations in a pet grooming business.

Use Case Diagram

The main interactions between the two main user types in the system—the client and the administrator—are

shown in the use case diagram. The client has the ability to input pet information and schedule appointments.

However, the administrator has more access to system features, such as the ability to examine reports and manage

user data. This ER diagram supports the design of user access restrictions and database data linkages by clearly

defining the roles and responsibilities of each user type.

Respondents Of The Study

The study involved 100 respondents divided equally into two groups: 50 users and 50 technical experts. The user

group, composed of marketing analysts, staff, and business owners, evaluated the system’s usability,

functionality, and user satisfaction. The technical group, made up of IT professionals such as developers and

system analysts, assessed system performance, reliability, maintainability, and security. Respondents were

selected through simple random sampling, with the sample size determined using Slovin’s Formula:

n =

(1 + Ne

)

Development And Evaluation Procedure

The development of GroomMaster, a web-based pet grooming scheduling and inventory system, utilized several

tools to ensure functionality and reliability. HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Bootstrap were used for frontend

development—structuring content, enhancing design, enabling interactivity, and ensuring responsiveness across

devices. PHP handled backend logic, including authentication, scheduling, inventory management, and

reporting. MySQL managed data storage for users, appointments, inventory, and services, providing secure and

efficient access. XAMPP served as the local development environment, integrating Apache, MySQL, and PHP

for real-time testing and debugging.

Data Analysis Plan

The evaluation of the GroomMaster system uses the ISO 25010 Software Quality Model and selected aspects of

the PASS Theory of Intelligence to assess software quality and user interaction. ISO 25010 provides the main

evaluation framework, focusing on functional suitability, usability, reliability, maintainability, and performance

efficiency. The PASS Theory adds a cognitive dimension, examining users’ planning, attention, and information

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025

www.rsisinternational.org

Page 1338

processing during interaction with the system. User feedback was gathered through a 5-point Likert Scale survey

measuring satisfaction with ISO 25010 attributes. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics—

including frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations—to summarize user perceptions and

identify areas for improvement. This approach offers an objective yet accessible evaluation of GroomMaster’s

functionality, usability, and overall performance.

The System

Groom Master is a web-based management system developed to streamline pet grooming business operations

by integrating two essential features: appointment scheduling and inventory management. It allows pet owners

to book grooming services online with ease, while giving business owners and staff tools to manage client

records, monitor service history, and track product inventory in real time. The system is designed to reduce

manual workload, eliminate booking conflicts, and improve overall service efficiency. Built with a user-friendly

interface and responsive design, GroomMaster supports both desktop and mobile devices to ensure accessibility

and convenience for users.

Assessment: Summary Of Respondents on the System

Statistical Tools

1. Weighted Mean

Σ(f ⋅ n)

Where:

= Weighted Mean

Σ = Summation

f = Weighted Point

n = sample size or number of samples

N = population size

2. Frequency Percentage

P =

× 100

Where:

P = Percentage

f = number of respondents in a grade level

p = population size

3. Likert Scale

Weighted Point

Scale

Difference

Verbal Interpretation

4.00 – 3.01

1.00

Strongly Agree

3.00 – 2.01

0.99

Agree

2.00 – 1.01

0.99

Disagree

1.00 – 0.99

0.01

Strongly Disagree

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025

www.rsisinternational.org

Page 1339

Ethical Considerations

This study upholds strict ethical standards by treating all data provided by respondents with confidentiality and

integrity. Personal information is kept secure and is not shared or revealed without the individual's explicit

consent. Participation in the research is entirely voluntary, and respondents have the right to withdraw at any

stage without facing any negative consequences. Strong data protection protocols are in place to guard against

unauthorized access or misuse. Furthermore, all results are presented truthfully and transparently, ensuring that

the analysis remains free from manipulation or bias, thereby maintaining the study's overall reliability and

trustworthiness.

Summary

The capstone project, GroomMaster, is a web-based system developed to enhance the operational efficiency of

pet grooming businesses by integrating two essential features: appointment scheduling and inventory

management. It allows pet owners to book services online, while enabling staff to manage bookings, monitor

grooming histories, and track grooming supplies in real time. The system was evaluated using the ISO 25010

software quality standards, focusing on key attributes such as functionality, usability, reliability, maintainability,

and performance efficiency. Feedback from respondents, gathered through Likert-scaled surveys, indicated a

"Very Satisfactory" rating across all evaluated criteria. Ethical considerations were strictly followed throughout

the research process, ensuring data confidentiality, voluntary participation, and honest reporting. Overall,

GroomMaster effectively addresses the common challenges in pet grooming service management by offering a

reliable, secure, and user-friendly solution.

CONCLUSION

The development and implementation of GroomMaster successfully addressed the key operational challenges

faced by pet grooming businesses, particularly in managing client appointments and inventory. By providing an

accessible and user-friendly platform, the system streamlined the booking process for customers while enabling

business owners and staff to efficiently monitor schedules, client records, and product supplies. Evaluation based

on the ISO 25010 standards confirmed that the system met essential software quality attributes, receiving high

marks for functionality, usability, and reliability. With positive feedback from users and strong performance

during testing, GroomMaster demonstrates its potential as a practical and scalable solution for improving service

delivery in the pet grooming industry.

RECOMMENDATION

For future improvement, it is recommended that GroomMaster include the following enhancements:

• Integration of online payment systems such as GCash or PayPal for easier transaction processing.

• Multi-branch support for grooming businesses operating in multiple locations.

These recommendations aim to further enhance GroomMaster’s usability and scalability for broader

implementation in the pet grooming industry.

REFERENCES

1. Mahfouz, M. S., et al. (2023). Evaluation of patient satisfaction with the web-based appointment system

“Mawid.” Patient Preference and Adherence, 17, 881–892.

https://www.ecommerce.dti.gov.ph/madali/baseline_survey.html

2. Ostadmohammadi, F., et al. (2025). Stakeholders’ experiences with electronic appointment system.

BMC Health Services Research, 25, 102. https://mb.com.ph/2025/04/06/he-future-is-digital-helping-

msm-es-thrive-in-a-tech-driven-economy

3. Betancor, P. K. (2025). Efficient patient care in the digital age: Impact of online scheduling on no-show

rates. Journal of Medical Internet Research, Meta-Analysis, e12345.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12081397/

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025

www.rsisinternational.org

Page 1340

4. Quimba, F. M. A., & Calizo, S. C. (2019). Determinants of e-commerce adoption of Philippine

businesses. PIDS Discussion Paper 2019-24. https://www.pids.gov.ph/publication/discussion-

papers/determinants-of-e-commerce-adoption-of-philippine-businesses.

5. Philippine Institute for Development Studies. (2019). Low adoption rate of e-commerce among PH

firms. https://www.pids.gov.ph/details/pids-study-finds-low-adoption-rate-of-e-commerce-among-ph-

firms.

6. Antivola, M. H. L. (2023, December 27). MSMEs prioritize digital adoption to tackle economic

challenges. BusinessWorld. https://www.bworldonline.com/special-

reports/2023/12/27/565338/msmes-prioritize-digital-adoption-to-tackle-economic-challenges-experts/

7. Atienza, J. A. P., et al. (2024). Digital tools adoption and business growth of micro and small enterprises

in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 24(3), 2410–

2430.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387526193_Digital_Tools_adoption_and_business_growth_

of_Micro_and_Small_Enterprises_MSEs_in_Calapan_City_Oriental_Mindoro

8. University of the Philippines Digital Archives. (2024). Enhancing the resilience of Philippine MSMEs

through adoption of new technologies [Undergraduate thesis, University of the Philippines Diliman].

https://digitalarchives.upd.edu.ph/item/61235/1091/

9. Parilla, E. S., Evangelista, J., Aurelio, R., & Bullalayao, C. M. (2022). Inventory management practices

and service delivery of healthcare facilities in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Logistics and Operations

Management Research, 1(1), 16–33.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361585805_Inventory_Management_Practices_and_Service

_Delivery_of_Healthcare_Facilities_in_Ilocos_Norte_Philippines

10. De Mesa, R. Y. H. (2024). Exploring user acceptance of electronic health records in urban, rural, and

remote settings in the Philippines. BMC Health Services Research.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11029422/