Experience from a prior engineering role at the University of Huddersfield
Overview
ATMAS is a web‑based platform created to bring order, clarity, and automation to a very real problem inside advanced manufacturing labs: keeping track of high‑value assets and coordinating complex test schedules without drowning in spreadsheets.
During a research engineering role at the University of Huddersfield, we co‑developed ATMAS to help the Centre for Precision Technology (CPT) replace manual processes with a system that simply made day‑to‑day work smoother. Cosmokode Ltd does not own ATMAS — but the thinking, discipline, and engineering approach behind it continue to influence how we build products today.
The Challenge
CPT manages a wide range of precision instruments and research equipment. Before ATMAS, scheduling and asset allocation relied heavily on:
- Email threads
- Shared spreadsheets
- Manual coordination
- Guesswork around availability
It worked… until it didn’t. Conflicts happened. Assets went under‑utilised. Researchers lost time. And scaling the process was nearly impossible.
The goal was clear: Create a simple, reliable system that keeps everyone in sync and keeps the lab running efficiently.
What We Built
ATMAS was designed as a lightweight but powerful web application with:
- Real‑time asset availability
- Automated conflict prevention
- A clean scheduling interface
- Role‑based access
- Fast, responsive updates using AJAX
- A backend built for consistency and data integrity
The architecture followed a custom MVC pattern, with:
- PHP + MySQL powering the backend
- HTML, JavaScript, and AJAX driving the UI
- Agile, feedback‑driven iterations shaping the final experience
The focus was always on clarity: Make it easy for researchers to see what’s available, book what they need, and trust the system to handle the rest.
Impact
ATMAS quickly became part of the daily workflow inside CPT. It helped:
- Reduce scheduling conflicts
- Improve operational efficiency (measured internally as a noticeable uplift)
- Cut down the time spent coordinating assets
- Provide better visibility across teams
- Support smoother planning for research activity
Researchers could finally focus on their work instead of chasing availability.
Why This Experience Matters
Although ATMAS wasn’t built under Cosmokode Ltd, it represents the kind of problem‑solving we care about:
- Turning messy workflows into clean digital systems
- Designing tools that feel intuitive, not overwhelming
- Building software that quietly improves how teams work
This project helped shape the product‑first mindset that Cosmokode Ltd brings to every engagement today.
Tech Stack
- PHP (Custom MVC)
- MySQL
- JavaScript
- HTML/CSS
- AJAX
This case study reflects prior professional experience and is included to demonstrate capability. Cosmokode Ltd does not claim ownership of ATMAS.
