changes

<UserStory> 1953: Model Refactoring </UserStory>

UserStory #1953

<Changes>
1. Replaced CSV-based Notification serialization and deserialization with SerializedNotification record-based serialization for shared memory storage.
2. Implemented Notification::serialize() to convert Notification objects into fixed-size SerializedNotification structures.
3. Implemented Notification::deserialize() to reconstruct Notification objects directly from SerializedNotification records.
4. Added Notification state persistence by introducing util::State support in constructors, serialization, and deserialization flows.
5. Updated Notification class interfaces to use SerializedNotification types instead of std::string serialization APIs.
6. Removed legacy CSV serialization support, including CSV parsing logic and header generation functionality.
7. Added SerializedNotification dependencies through SerializedRecords.h inclusion and forward declaration support.
8. Initialized Notification objects with ACTIVE state by default and added state getter/setter APIs.
</Changes>

<Test>
N/A
</Test>

<Review>
Sreeja Reghukumar, please review
</Review>

.gitignore

@@ -427,5 +427,5 @@ FodyWeavers.xsd
 *.msm
 *.msp
 
-# DAT Files
-*.dat
+# CSV Files
+*.csv

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem.vcxproj

@@ -181,6 +181,7 @@
     <ClInclude Include="utilities\Config.h" />
     <ClInclude Include="utilities\Enums.h" />
     <ClInclude Include="utilities\FileHelper.h" />
+    <ClInclude Include="utilities\FileManager.h" />
     <ClInclude Include="utilities\InputHelper.h" />
     <ClInclude Include="utilities\Map.h" />
     <ClInclude Include="utilities\OutputHelper.h" />

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem.vcxproj.filters

@@ -242,6 +242,9 @@
     <ClInclude Include="utilities\Config.h">
       <Filter>Header Files\Utilities</Filter>
     </ClInclude>
+    <ClInclude Include="utilities\FileManager.h">
+      <Filter>Header Files\Utilities</Filter>
+    </ClInclude>
     <ClInclude Include="utilities\StringHelper.h">
       <Filter>Header Files\Utilities</Filter>
     </ClInclude>
@@ -273,7 +276,7 @@
       <Filter>Header Files\DataStores\SharedMemory</Filter>
     </ClInclude>
     <ClInclude Include="datastores\DataStoreLockGuard.h">
-      <Filter>Header Files\DataStores</Filter>
+      <Filter>Header Files</Filter>
     </ClInclude>
   </ItemGroup>
 </Project>

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/core/patterns/Observer.h

@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ Date: 19-May-2026
 
 #pragma once
 
+class Notification;
+
 class Observer
 {
 public:

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/datastores/DataStore.cpp

@@ -144,6 +144,11 @@ bool DataStore::initialize()
             success = false;
             break;
         }
+        if (!SharedMemory::createOrOpenMapping(m_payments))
+        {
+            success = false;
+            break;
+        }
         if (!SharedMemory::createOrOpenMapping(m_serviceManagementObservers))
         {
             success = false;
@@ -188,6 +193,7 @@ void DataStore::shutdown()
     SharedMemory::closeMapping(m_serviceBookings);
     SharedMemory::closeMapping(m_jobCards);
     SharedMemory::closeMapping(m_invoices);
+    SharedMemory::closeMapping(m_payments);
     SharedMemory::closeMapping(m_serviceManagementObservers);
     SharedMemory::closeMapping(m_paymentManagementObservers);
     SharedMemory::closeMapping(m_inventoryManagementObservers);
@@ -514,7 +520,7 @@ void DataStore::saveObservers(MappingInfo& mapping, util::Map<std::string, User*
     {
         SerializedObserver serializedObserver;
         User* user = observers.getValueAt(static_cast<int>(index));
-        strcpy_s(serializedObserver.id, sizeof(serializedObserver.id), user->getId().c_str());
+        strcpy_s(serializedObserver.id, user->getId().c_str());
         SerializedObserver* destination = static_cast<SerializedObserver*>(SharedMemory::getRecordAddress(mapping, index));
         *destination = serializedObserver;
     }
@@ -559,6 +565,32 @@ void DataStore::saveInventoryManagementObservers(util::Map<std::string, User*>&
     saveObservers(m_inventoryManagementObservers, observers);
 }
 
+/*
+Function: lockDataStore
+Description: Acquires exclusive access to the datastore.
+Parameters:
+    - None
+Returns:
+    - bool: True if the datastore was successfully locked, otherwise false
+*/
+bool DataStore::lockDataStore()
+{
+    return false;
+}
+
+/*
+Function: unlockDataStore
+Description: Releases exclusive access to the datastore.
+Parameters:
+    - None
+Returns:
+    - bool: True if the datastore was successfully unlocked, otherwise false
+*/
+bool DataStore::unlockDataStore()
+{
+    return false;
+}
+
 /*
 Function: lockDataStore
 Description: Acquires the datastore mutex, providing

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/datastores/DataStore.h

@@ -12,14 +12,14 @@ Date: 19-May-2026
 #include "MappingInfo.h"
 #include "TrackedRecord.h"
 #include "SharedMemory.h"
-#include "User.h"
-#include "Notification.h"
-#include "Service.h"
-#include "ComboPackage.h"
-#include "InventoryItem.h"
-#include "ServiceBooking.h"
-#include "JobCard.h"
-#include "Invoice.h"
+class User;
+class Notification;
+class Service;
+class ComboPackage;
+class InventoryItem;
+class ServiceBooking;
+class JobCard;
+class Invoice;
 
 class DataStore
 {
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ private:
     MappingInfo m_serviceBookings;
     MappingInfo m_jobCards;
     MappingInfo m_invoices;
+    MappingInfo m_payments;
     MappingInfo m_serviceManagementObservers;
     MappingInfo m_paymentManagementObservers;
     MappingInfo m_inventoryManagementObservers;
@@ -230,17 +231,9 @@ void DataStore::refreshCache(util::Map<std::string, TrackedRecord<TObject>>& cac
     for (int index = 0; index < oldCache.getSize(); ++index)
     {
         const std::string& id = oldCache.getKeyAt(index);
-        const TrackedRecord<TObject>& localTrackedRecord = oldCache.getValueAt(index);
         if (cache.find(id) == -1)
         {
-            if (localTrackedRecord.state == RecordState::NEW_RECORD)
-            {
-                cache.insert(id, localTrackedRecord);
-            }
-            else
-            {
-                delete localTrackedRecord.data;
-            }
+            delete oldCache.getValueAt(index).data;
         }
     }
 }

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/models/ComboPackage.h

@@ -12,7 +12,6 @@ Date: 19-May-2026
 #include "Enums.h"
 
 class Service;
-struct SerializedComboPackage;
 
 class ComboPackage
 {

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/services/AuthenticationManagementService.cpp

@@ -10,8 +10,6 @@ Date:19-May-2026
 #include <stdexcept>
 #include "AuthenticationManagementService.h"
 #include "User.h"
-#include "Utility.h"
-#include "DataStoreLockGuard.h"
 
 User* AuthenticationManagementService::m_authenticatedUser = nullptr;
 
@@ -26,12 +24,11 @@ Return type: bool - true if login successful, false otherwise
 */
 bool AuthenticationManagementService::login(const std::string& username, const std::string& password)
 {
-	DataStoreLockGuard lock(m_dataStore);
-	auto& trackedUserMap = m_dataStore.getUsers();
-	int trackedUserMapSize = trackedUserMap.getSize();
-	for (int index = 0; index < trackedUserMapSize; index++)
+	util::Map<std::string, User*> users = m_dataStore.getUsers();
+	int usersMapSize = users.getSize();
+	for (int index = 0; index < usersMapSize; index++)
 	{
-		User* user = trackedUserMap.getValueAt(index).data;
+		User* user = users.getValueAt(index);
 		if (username == user->getUserName())
 		{
 			if (password == user->getPassword())
@@ -77,18 +74,9 @@ Return type: void
 */
 void AuthenticationManagementService::changePassword(const std::string& newPassword)
 {
-	DataStoreLockGuard lock(m_dataStore);
-	auto& trackedUsersMap = m_dataStore.getUsers();
 	if (m_authenticatedUser == nullptr)
 	{
 		throw std::runtime_error("There is no user currently logged in!");
 	}
-	int index = trackedUsersMap.find(m_authenticatedUser->getId());
-	if (index == -1)
-	{
-		throw std::runtime_error("User does not exist!\n");
-	}
 	m_authenticatedUser->setPassword(newPassword);
-	trackedUsersMap.getValueAt(index).state = RecordState::MODIFIED;
-	m_dataStore.saveUsers();
 }

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/services/InventoryManagementService.cpp

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ Date: 22-May-2026
 #include "Config.h"
 #include "Enums.h"
 #include "Factory.h"
+#include "FileManager.h"
 #include "InventoryItem.h"
 #include "InventoryManagementService.h"
 #include "Timestamp.h"
@@ -89,6 +90,95 @@ void InventoryManagementService::sendLowStockAlerts()
 	}
 }
 
+/*
+Function: getObserverIDs
+Description: Retrieves the IDs of all observers currently attached to the
+			 InventoryManagementService.
+Parameters:
+	- None
+Returns:
+	- util::Vector<std::string>: Vector of observer user IDs
+*/
+util::Vector<std::string> InventoryManagementService::getObserverIDs()
+{
+	util::Vector<std::string> observerIDs;
+	int numberOfObservers = m_observers.getSize();
+	for (int index = 0; index < numberOfObservers; index++)
+	{
+		User* observer = m_observers.getValueAt(index);
+		if (observer)
+		{
+			observerIDs.push_back(observer->getId());
+		}
+	}
+	return observerIDs;
+}
+
+/*
+Function: loadInventoryItems
+Description: Loads inventory items from persistent storage into the datastore.
+			 Uses FileManager to deserialize inventory items from the configured file.
+Parameters:
+	- None
+Returns:
+	- void
+*/
+void InventoryManagementService::loadInventoryItems()
+{
+	util::FileManager<InventoryItem> inventoryItemFileManager(config::file::INVENTORYITEM_FILE);
+	auto& inventoryItems = m_dataStore.getInventoryItems();
+	auto inventoryItemsMap = inventoryItemFileManager.load();
+	int numberOfInventoryItems = inventoryItemsMap.getSize();
+	for (int index = 0; index < numberOfInventoryItems; index++)
+	{
+		inventoryItems[inventoryItemsMap.getKeyAt(index)] = inventoryItemsMap.getValueAt(index);
+	}
+}
+
+/*
+Function: saveInventoryItems
+Description: Saves inventory items from the datastore to persistent storage.
+			 Uses FileManager to serialize inventory items into the configured file.
+Parameters:
+	- None
+Returns:
+	- void
+*/
+void InventoryManagementService::saveInventoryItems()
+{
+	util::FileManager<InventoryItem> inventoryItemFileManager(config::file::INVENTORYITEM_FILE);
+	auto& inventoryItems = m_dataStore.getInventoryItems();
+	inventoryItemFileManager.save(inventoryItems);
+}
+
+/*
+Function: loadObservers
+Description: Loads observer IDs from persistent storage and attaches corresponding
+			 users as observers to the InventoryManagementService.
+Parameters:
+	- None
+Returns:
+	- void
+*/
+void InventoryManagementService::loadObservers()
+{
+	util::loadObservers(config::file::INVENTORYMANAGEMENTOBSERVERS, this, m_dataStore);
+}
+
+/*
+Function: saveObservers
+Description: Saves the current observer IDs of the InventoryManagementService
+			 to persistent storage for future retrieval.
+Parameters:
+	- None
+Returns:
+	- void
+*/
+void InventoryManagementService::saveObservers()
+{
+	util::saveObservers(config::file::INVENTORYMANAGEMENTOBSERVERS, this);
+}
+
 /*
 Function: addInventoryItem
 Description: Creates a new inventory item using the Factory and inserts it

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/services/InventoryManagementService.h

@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ class InventoryManagementService : public NotificationManagementService
 private:
     DataStore& m_dataStore;
     static util::Map<std::string, User*> m_observers;
+    util::Vector<std::string> getObserverIDs() override;
 public:
     InventoryManagementService() : m_dataStore(DataStore::getInstance()) {}
     util::Map<std::string, InventoryItem*> getInventoryItems();
@@ -32,4 +33,8 @@ public:
     void sendNotification(User* user, const std::string& title, const std::string& message) override;
     void attach(User* user) override;
     void detach(User* user) override;
+    void loadInventoryItems();
+    void saveInventoryItems();
+    void loadObservers();
+    void saveObservers();
 };

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/services/NotificationManagementService.h

@@ -19,4 +19,5 @@ public:
 	virtual void sendNotification(User* recipient, const std::string& title, const std::string& message) = 0;
 	virtual void attach(User* user) = 0;
 	virtual void detach(User* user) = 0;
+	virtual util::Vector<std::string> getObserverIDs() = 0;
 };

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/services/PaymentManagementService.cpp

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ Date: 20-May-2026
 #include "Config.h"
 #include "Enums.h"
 #include "Factory.h"
+#include "FileManager.h"
 #include "InventoryItem.h"
 #include "Invoice.h"
 #include "JobCard.h"
@@ -148,6 +149,123 @@ void PaymentManagementService::sendPaymentReminders()
 	}
 }
 
+/*
+Function: getObserverIDs
+Description: Retrieves the IDs of all observers currently attached to the
+             PaymentManagementService.
+Parameters:
+    - None
+Returns:
+    - util::Vector<std::string>: Vector of observer user IDs
+*/
+util::Vector<std::string> PaymentManagementService::getObserverIDs()
+{
+	util::Vector<std::string> observerIDs;
+	int numberOfObservers = m_observers.getSize();
+	for (int index = 0; index < numberOfObservers; index++)
+	{
+		User* observer = m_observers.getValueAt(index);
+		if (observer)
+		{
+			observerIDs.push_back(observer->getId());
+		}
+	}
+	return observerIDs;
+}
+
+/*
+Function: loadInvoices
+Description: Loads invoices from persistent storage into the datastore.
+             Validates associated service bookings and inventory parts before
+             attaching them to each invoice. Throws exceptions if invalid IDs
+             are encountered.
+Parameters:
+    - None
+Returns:
+    - void
+Throws:
+    - std::runtime_error if a booking ID or part ID is invalid
+*/
+void PaymentManagementService::loadInvoices()
+{
+    util::FileManager<Invoice> invoiceFileManager(config::file::INVOICE_FILE);
+    auto& invoices = m_dataStore.getInvoices();
+    auto& serviceBookings = m_dataStore.getServiceBookings();
+    auto& inventoryItems = m_dataStore.getInventoryItems();
+    auto invoicesMap = invoiceFileManager.load();
+    for (int invoiceIndex = 0; invoiceIndex < invoicesMap.getSize(); invoiceIndex++)
+    {
+        Invoice* invoice = invoicesMap.getValueAt(invoiceIndex);
+        int bookingIndex = serviceBookings.find(invoice->getBookingId());
+        if (bookingIndex == -1)
+        {
+            throw std::runtime_error("Invalid Booking ID");
+        }
+        ServiceBooking* booking = serviceBookings.getValueAt(bookingIndex);
+        invoice->setBooking(booking);
+        util::Map<std::string, InventoryItem*> invoiceParts;
+        auto& partIDs = invoice->getPartIDs();
+        for (int partIndex = 0; partIndex < partIDs.getSize(); partIndex++)
+        {
+            const std::string& partID = partIDs[partIndex];
+            int inventoryIndex = inventoryItems.find(partID);
+            if (inventoryIndex == -1)
+            {
+                throw std::runtime_error("Invalid Part ID");
+            }
+            invoiceParts[partID] = inventoryItems.getValueAt(inventoryIndex);
+        }
+        invoice->setParts(invoiceParts);
+        invoices[invoice->getId()] = invoice;
+    }
+}
+
+/*
+Function: saveInvoices
+Description: Saves invoices from the datastore to persistent storage.
+             Uses FileManager to serialize invoices into the configured file.
+Parameters:
+    - None
+Returns:
+    - void
+*/
+void PaymentManagementService::saveInvoices()
+{
+    util::FileManager<Invoice> invoiceFileManager(config::file::INVOICE_FILE);
+    auto& invoices = m_dataStore.getInvoices();
+    invoiceFileManager.save(invoices);
+}
+
+/*
+Function: loadObservers
+Description: Loads observer IDs from persistent storage and attaches corresponding
+             users as observers to the PaymentManagementService.
+Parameters:
+    - None
+Returns:
+    - void
+Throws:
+    - std::runtime_error if an observer ID is invalid (not found in datastore)
+*/
+void PaymentManagementService::loadObservers()
+{
+    util::loadObservers(config::file::PAYMENTMANAGEMENTOBSERVERS, this, m_dataStore);
+}
+
+/*
+Function: saveObservers
+Description: Saves the current observer IDs of the PaymentManagementService
+             to persistent storage for future retrieval.
+Parameters:
+    - None
+Returns:
+    - void
+*/
+void PaymentManagementService::saveObservers()
+{
+    util::saveObservers(config::file::PAYMENTMANAGEMENTOBSERVERS, this);
+}
+
 /*
 Function: createInventoryItemsMap (static helper)
 Description: Builds a map of inventory items required for a given service and adds them to the booking’s inventory map.

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/services/PaymentManagementService.h

@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ class PaymentManagementService : public NotificationManagementService
 private:
     DataStore& m_dataStore;
     static util::Map<std::string, User*> m_observers;
+    util::Vector<std::string> getObserverIDs() override;
 public:
     PaymentManagementService() : m_dataStore(DataStore::getInstance()) {}
     void generateInvoice(ServiceBooking* booking);
@@ -33,4 +34,8 @@ public:
     void sendNotification(User* user, const std::string& title, const std::string& message) override;
     void attach(User* user) override;
     void detach(User* user) override;
+    void loadInvoices();
+    void saveInvoices();
+    void loadObservers();
+    void saveObservers();
 };

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/services/ServiceManagementService.cpp

@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ Date:19-May-2026
 #include "DataStore.h"
 #include "Enums.h"
 #include "Factory.h"
+#include "FileManager.h"
 #include "InventoryItem.h"
 #include "JobCard.h"
 #include "NotificationManagementService.h"
@@ -198,6 +199,299 @@ void ServiceManagementService::sendNotification(User* user, const std::string& t
     m_dataStore.saveNotifications();
 }
 
+/*
+Function: loadServices
+Description: Loads services from persistent storage into the datastore.
+             Validates required inventory items and attaches them to each service.
+Parameters:
+    - None
+Returns:
+    - void
+Throws:
+    - std::runtime_error if an inventory item ID is invalid
+*/
+void ServiceManagementService::loadServices()
+{
+    util::FileManager<Service> serviceFileManager(config::file::SERVICE_FILE);
+    auto& services = m_dataStore.getServices();
+    auto& inventoryItems = m_dataStore.getInventoryItems();
+    auto servicesMap = serviceFileManager.load();
+    for (int serviceIndex = 0; serviceIndex < servicesMap.getSize(); serviceIndex++)
+    {
+        Service* service = servicesMap.getValueAt(serviceIndex);
+        services[service->getId()] = service;
+        util::Map<std::string, InventoryItem*> inventoryItemsMap;
+        auto& inventoryItemIDs = service->getRequiredInventoryItemIDs();
+        for (int inventoryItemIndex = 0; inventoryItemIndex < inventoryItemIDs.getSize(); inventoryItemIndex++)
+        {
+            const std::string& inventoryItemID = inventoryItemIDs[inventoryItemIndex];
+            int index = inventoryItems.find(inventoryItemID);
+            if (index == -1)
+            {
+                throw std::runtime_error("Invalid Inventory Item ID");
+            }
+            inventoryItemsMap[inventoryItemID] = inventoryItems.getValueAt(index);
+        }
+        service->setRequiredInventoryItems(inventoryItemsMap);
+    }
+}
+
+/*
+Function: saveServices
+Description: Saves services from the datastore to persistent storage.
+             Uses FileManager to serialize services into the configured file.
+Parameters:
+    - None
+Returns:
+    - void
+*/
+void ServiceManagementService::saveServices()
+{
+	util::FileManager<Service> serviceFileManager(config::file::SERVICE_FILE);
+	auto& services = m_dataStore.getServices();
+	serviceFileManager.save(services);
+}
+
+/*
+Function: loadComboPackages
+Description: Loads combo packages from persistent storage into the datastore.
+             Validates associated services and attaches them to each package.
+Parameters:
+    - None
+Returns:
+    - void
+Throws:
+    - std::runtime_error if a service ID is invalid
+*/
+void ServiceManagementService::loadComboPackages()
+{
+    util::FileManager<ComboPackage> comboPackageFileManager(config::file::COMBOPACKAGE_FILE);
+    auto& comboPackages = m_dataStore.getComboPackages();
+    auto& services = m_dataStore.getServices();
+    auto comboPackagesMap = comboPackageFileManager.load();
+    for (int packageIndex = 0; packageIndex < comboPackagesMap.getSize(); packageIndex++)
+    {
+        ComboPackage* comboPackage = comboPackagesMap.getValueAt(packageIndex);
+        util::Map<std::string, Service*> packageServices;
+        auto& serviceIDs = comboPackage->getServiceIDs();
+        for (int serviceIndex = 0; serviceIndex < serviceIDs.getSize(); serviceIndex++)
+        {
+            const std::string& serviceID = serviceIDs[serviceIndex];
+            int serviceMapIndex = services.find(serviceID);
+            if (serviceMapIndex == -1)
+            {
+                throw std::runtime_error("Invalid Service ID");
+            }
+            packageServices[serviceID] = services.getValueAt(serviceMapIndex);
+        }
+        comboPackage->setServices(packageServices);
+        comboPackages[comboPackage->getId()] = comboPackage;
+    }
+}
+
+/*
+Function: saveComboPackages
+Description: Saves combo packages from the datastore to persistent storage.
+             Uses FileManager to serialize combo packages into the configured file.
+Parameters:
+    - None
+Returns:
+    - void
+*/
+void ServiceManagementService::saveComboPackages()
+{
+    util::FileManager<ComboPackage> comboPackageFileManager(config::file::COMBOPACKAGE_FILE);
+    auto& comboPackages = m_dataStore.getComboPackages();
+    comboPackageFileManager.save(comboPackages);
+}
+
+/*
+Function: loadServiceBookings
+Description: Loads service bookings from persistent storage into the datastore.
+             Validates associated services, customers, and technicians before
+             attaching them to each booking.
+Parameters:
+    - None
+Returns:
+    - void
+Throws:
+    - std::runtime_error if a service ID, customer ID, or technician ID is invalid
+    - std::runtime_error if a user is not of the expected type (customer/technician)
+*/
+void ServiceManagementService::loadServiceBookings()
+{
+    util::FileManager<ServiceBooking> bookingFileManager(config::file::SERVICEBOOKING_FILE);
+    auto& serviceBookings = m_dataStore.getServiceBookings();
+    auto& services = m_dataStore.getServices();
+    auto& users = m_dataStore.getUsers();
+    auto bookingsMap = bookingFileManager.load();
+    for (int bookingIndex = 0; bookingIndex < bookingsMap.getSize(); bookingIndex++)
+    {
+        ServiceBooking* booking = bookingsMap.getValueAt(bookingIndex);
+        util::Map<std::string, Service*> bookingServices;
+        auto& serviceIDs = booking->getServiceIDs();
+        for (int serviceIndex = 0; serviceIndex < serviceIDs.getSize(); serviceIndex++)
+        {
+            const std::string& serviceID = serviceIDs[serviceIndex];
+            int serviceMapIndex = services.find(serviceID);
+            if (serviceMapIndex == -1)
+            {
+                throw std::runtime_error("Invalid Service ID");
+            }
+
+            bookingServices[serviceID] = services.getValueAt(serviceMapIndex);
+        }
+        booking->setServices(bookingServices);
+        int customerIndex = users.find(booking->getCustomerId());
+        if (customerIndex == -1)
+        {
+            throw std::runtime_error("Invalid Customer ID");
+        }
+        User* customer = users.getValueAt(customerIndex);
+        if (customer->getUserType() != util::UserType::CUSTOMER)
+        {
+            throw std::runtime_error("User is not a customer");
+        }
+        booking->setCustomer(customer);
+        const std::string& technicianId = booking->getAssignedTechnicianId();
+        if (!technicianId.empty())
+        {
+            int technicianIndex = users.find(technicianId);
+            if (technicianIndex == -1)
+            {
+                throw std::runtime_error("Invalid Technician ID");
+            }
+            User* technician = users.getValueAt(technicianIndex);
+            if (technician->getUserType() != util::UserType::TECHNICIAN)
+            {
+                throw std::runtime_error("User is not a technician");
+            }
+            booking->setAssignedTechnician(technician);
+        }
+        serviceBookings[booking->getId()] = booking;
+    }
+}
+
+/*
+Function: saveServiceBookings
+Description: Saves service bookings from the datastore to persistent storage.
+             Uses FileManager to serialize bookings into the configured file.
+Parameters:
+    - None
+Returns:
+    - void
+*/
+void ServiceManagementService::saveServiceBookings()
+{
+    util::FileManager<ServiceBooking> bookingFileManager(config::file::SERVICEBOOKING_FILE);
+    auto& serviceBookings = m_dataStore.getServiceBookings();
+    bookingFileManager.save(serviceBookings);
+}
+
+/*
+Function: loadJobCards
+Description: Loads job cards from persistent storage into the datastore.
+             Validates associated bookings, services, and technicians before
+             attaching them to each job card.
+Parameters:
+    - None
+Returns:
+    - void
+Throws:
+    - std::runtime_error if a booking ID, service ID, or technician ID is invalid
+    - std::runtime_error if a service does not belong to the booking
+    - std::runtime_error if a user is not a technician
+*/
+void ServiceManagementService::loadJobCards()
+{
+    util::FileManager<JobCard> jobCardFileManager(config::file::JOBCARD_FILE);
+    auto& jobCards = m_dataStore.getJobCards();
+    auto& serviceBookings = m_dataStore.getServiceBookings();
+    auto& services = m_dataStore.getServices();
+    auto& users = m_dataStore.getUsers();
+    auto jobCardsMap = jobCardFileManager.load();
+    for (int jobCardIndex = 0; jobCardIndex < jobCardsMap.getSize(); jobCardIndex++)
+    {
+        JobCard* jobCard = jobCardsMap.getValueAt(jobCardIndex);
+        int bookingIndex = serviceBookings.find(jobCard->getBookingId());
+        if (bookingIndex == -1)
+        {
+            throw std::runtime_error("Invalid Booking ID");
+        }
+        ServiceBooking* booking = serviceBookings.getValueAt(bookingIndex);
+        jobCard->setBooking(booking);
+        int serviceIndex = services.find(jobCard->getServiceId());
+        if (serviceIndex == -1)
+        {
+            throw std::runtime_error("Invalid Service ID");
+        }
+        Service* service = services.getValueAt(serviceIndex);
+        if (booking->getServices().find(jobCard->getServiceId()) == -1)
+        {
+            throw std::runtime_error("Service does not belong to booking");
+        }
+        jobCard->setService(service);
+        int technicianIndex = users.find(jobCard->getTechnicianId());
+        if (technicianIndex == -1)
+        {
+            throw std::runtime_error("Invalid Technician ID");
+        }
+        User* technician = users.getValueAt(technicianIndex);
+        if (technician->getUserType() != util::UserType::TECHNICIAN)
+        {
+            throw std::runtime_error("User is not a technician");
+        }
+        jobCard->setTechnician(technician);
+        jobCards[jobCard->getId()] = jobCard;
+    }
+}
+
+/*
+Function: saveJobCards
+Description: Saves job cards from the datastore to persistent storage.
+             Uses FileManager to serialize job cards into the configured file.
+Parameters:
+    - None
+Returns:
+    - void
+*/
+void ServiceManagementService::saveJobCards()
+{
+    util::FileManager<JobCard> jobCardFileManager(config::file::JOBCARD_FILE);
+    auto& jobCards = m_dataStore.getJobCards();
+    jobCardFileManager.save(jobCards);
+}
+
+/*
+Function: loadObservers
+Description: Loads observer IDs from persistent storage and attaches corresponding
+             users as observers to the ServiceManagementService.
+Parameters:
+    - None
+Returns:
+    - void
+Throws:
+    - std::runtime_error if an observer ID is invalid (not found in datastore)
+*/
+void ServiceManagementService::loadObservers()
+{
+    util::loadObservers(config::file::SERVICEMANAGEMENTOBSERVERS, this, m_dataStore);
+}
+
+/*
+Function: saveObservers
+Description: Saves the current observer IDs of the ServiceManagementService
+             to persistent storage for future retrieval.
+Parameters:
+    - None
+Returns:
+    - void
+*/
+void ServiceManagementService::saveObservers()
+{
+    util::saveObservers(config::file::SERVICEMANAGEMENTOBSERVERS, this);
+}
+
 /*
 Function: restoreInventory
 Description: Restores inventory quantities for all required items in the services associated

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/services/ServiceManagementService.h

@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ class ServiceManagementService : public NotificationManagementService
 private:
     DataStore& m_dataStore;
     static util::Map<std::string, User*> m_observers;
+    util::Vector<std::string> getObserverIDs() override;
 public:
     ServiceManagementService() : m_dataStore(DataStore::getInstance()) {}
     util::Map<std::string, Service*> getServices();
@@ -44,4 +45,12 @@ public:
     void sendNotification(User* user, const std::string& title, const std::string& message) override;
     void attach(User* user) override;
     void detach(User* user) override;
+    void loadServices();
+    void saveServices();
+    void loadComboPackages();
+    void saveComboPackages();
+    void loadServiceBookings();
+    void saveServiceBookings();
+    void loadJobCards();
+    void saveJobCards();
 };

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/services/UserManagementService.cpp

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ Date:19-May-2026
 #include "Config.h"
 #include "Enums.h"
 #include "Factory.h"
+#include "FileManager.h"
 #include "InventoryManagementService.h"
 #include "Notification.h"
 #include "PaymentManagementService.h"
@@ -180,6 +181,7 @@ util::Vector<Notification*> UserManagementService::getUserNotifications(const st
 				notificationsVector.push_back(notification);
 			}
 		}
+		m_dataStore.unlockDataStore();
 		return notificationsVector;
 	}
 	else
@@ -211,19 +213,16 @@ void UserManagementService::deleteNotification(const std::string& notificationID
 	{
 		throw std::runtime_error("No user found with given UserID");
 	}
+	User* user = trackedUsersMap.getValueAt(userIndex).data;
 	int notificationIndex = trackedNotificationsMap.find(notificationID);
 	if (notificationIndex == -1)
 	{
 		throw std::runtime_error("No notification found with given NotificationID");
 	}
-	Notification* notification = trackedNotificationsMap.getValueAt(notificationIndex).data;
-	if (notification->getRecipientUserId() == userID)
-	{
-		notification->setState(util::State::INACTIVE);
+	trackedNotificationsMap.getValueAt(notificationIndex).data->setState(util::State::INACTIVE);
 	trackedNotificationsMap.getValueAt(notificationIndex).state = RecordState::MODIFIED;
 	m_dataStore.saveNotifications();
 }
-}
 
 /*
 Function: getUsers

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/utilities/FileHelper.h

@@ -43,4 +43,67 @@ namespace util
             position++;
         }
     }
+
+    /*
+    Function: loadRecords
+    Description: Loads records from a given file path into a vector of strings.
+                 Skips the header line if present. Creates the file if it does not exist.
+    Parameters:
+        - filePath: const std::string&, path to the file
+    Returns:
+        - util::Vector<std::string>: Vector containing all records (excluding header)
+    Throws:
+        - None (creates file if missing)
+    */
+    inline util::Vector<std::string> loadRecords(const std::string& filePath)
+    {
+        util::Vector<std::string> records;
+        std::ifstream file(filePath);
+        if (!file.is_open())
+        {
+            ensureDirectoryExists(filePath);
+            std::ofstream newFile(filePath);
+            newFile.close();
+            file.open(filePath);
+        }
+        std::string line;
+        bool isHeader = true;
+        while (std::getline(file, line))
+        {
+            if (isHeader)
+            {
+                isHeader = false;
+                continue;
+            }
+            records.push_back(line);
+        }
+        return records;
+    }
+
+    /*
+    Function: saveRecords
+    Description: Saves records to a given file path. Overwrites existing content
+                 and writes a header line followed by all records.
+    Parameters:
+        - filePath: const std::string&, path to the file
+        - records: const util::Vector<std::string>&, vector of records to save
+    Returns:
+        - void
+    Throws:
+        - std::runtime_error if the file cannot be opened for writing
+    */
+    inline void saveRecords(const std::string& filePath, const util::Vector<std::string>& records)
+    {
+        std::ofstream file(filePath, std::ios::trunc);
+        if (!file.is_open())
+        {
+            throw std::runtime_error("Failed to open file " + filePath);
+        }
+        file << "Values" << '\n';
+        int numberOfRecords = records.getSize();
+        for (int index = 0; index < numberOfRecords; index++)
+        {
+            file << records[index] << '\n';
+        }
+    }
 }

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/utilities/FileManager.h

@@ -0,0 +1,119 @@
+/*
+File: FileManager.h
+Description: Declares and implements a generic FileManager template class for
+			 loading and saving objects to and from files. Uses serialization
+			 and deserialization methods defined in the object type T.
+			 Provides persistence support for system entities such as Users,
+			 Services, InventoryItems, etc.
+Author: Trenser
+Date: 22-May-2026
+*/
+
+#pragma once
+#include <stdexcept>
+#include <string>
+#include <fstream>
+#include "Vector.h"
+#include "Map.h"
+#include "FileHelper.h"
+
+namespace util
+{
+	template <typename T> using objects = util::Map<std::string, T*>;
+
+	template <typename T>
+	class FileManager
+	{
+	private:
+		std::string m_filePath;
+	public:
+		FileManager() : m_filePath("") {}
+		FileManager(const std::string& filePath) : m_filePath(filePath) {}
+		objects<T> load();
+		void save(const objects<T>&);
+	};
+
+	/*
+	Function: load
+	Description: Loads records from the file into a map of objects.
+				 Skips the header line, deserializes each record into an object of type T,
+				 and stores them in a map keyed by object ID.
+	Parameters:
+		- None
+	Returns:
+		- util::Map<std::string, T*> containing deserialized objects
+	Throws:
+		- std::runtime_error if deserialization fails for any record
+	*/
+	template <typename T>
+	objects<T> FileManager<T>::load()
+	{
+		objects<T> records;
+		std::ifstream file(m_filePath);
+		if (!file.is_open())
+		{
+			ensureDirectoryExists(m_filePath);
+			std::ofstream newFile(m_filePath);
+			newFile.close();
+			file.open(m_filePath);
+		}
+		util::Vector<std::string> lines;
+		std::string line;
+		while (std::getline(file, line))
+		{
+			lines.push_back(line);
+		}
+		int numberOfLines = lines.getSize();
+		bool isHeader = true;
+		for (int lineIndex = 0; lineIndex < numberOfLines; lineIndex++)
+		{
+			const auto& record = lines[lineIndex];
+			if (isHeader)
+			{
+				isHeader = false;
+				continue;
+			}
+			auto object = T::deserialize(record);
+			if (!object)
+			{
+				throw std::runtime_error("Failed to deserialize record");
+			}
+			records[object->getId()] = object;
+		}
+		return records;
+	}
+
+	/*
+	Function: save
+	Description: Saves records to the file. Serializes each object of type T into a string,
+				 writes a header line, and then writes all serialized records to the file.
+	Parameters:
+		- records: const util::Map<std::string, T*>&, map of objects to save
+	Returns:
+		- void
+	Throws:
+		- std::runtime_error if the file cannot be opened for writing
+	*/
+	template <typename T>
+	void FileManager<T>::save(const objects<T>& records)
+	{
+		util::Vector<std::string> lines;
+		lines.push_back(T::getHeaders());
+		int numberOfRecords = records.getSize();
+		for (int recordIndex = 0; recordIndex < numberOfRecords; recordIndex++)
+		{
+			const auto& record = records.getValueAt(recordIndex);
+			lines.push_back(record->serialize());
+		}
+		std::ofstream file(m_filePath, std::ios::trunc);
+		if (!file.is_open())
+		{
+			throw std::runtime_error("Failed to open file " + m_filePath);
+		}
+		int numberOfLines = lines.getSize();
+		for (int lineIndex = 0; lineIndex < numberOfLines; lineIndex++)
+		{
+			file << lines[lineIndex] << '\n';
+		}
+	}
+}

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/utilities/InputHelper.h

@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ namespace util
         if (!(std::cin >> value))
         {
             std::cin.clear();
-            std::cin.ignore((std::numeric_limits<std::streamsize>::max)(), '\n');
+            std::cin.ignore(std::numeric_limits<std::streamsize>::max(), '\n');
             throw std::runtime_error("Invalid console input");
         }
     }

Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/Trenser.VehicleServiceSystem/utilities/Utility.h

@@ -54,6 +54,52 @@ namespace util
         return cost;
     }
 
+    /*
+    Function: loadObservers
+    Description: Loads observer IDs from a file and attaches the corresponding users
+                 to the notification management service. Validates that each observer ID
+                 exists in the datastore before attaching.
+    Parameters:
+        - filePath: const std::string&, path to the file containing observer IDs
+        - service: NotificationManagementService*, pointer to the notification service
+        - dataStore: DataStore&, reference to the datastore containing users
+    Returns:
+        - void
+    Throws:
+        - std::runtime_error if an observer ID is invalid (not found in datastore)
+    */
+    inline void loadObservers(const std::string& filePath, NotificationManagementService* service, DataStore& dataStore)
+    {
+        auto observerIDs = util::loadRecords(filePath);
+        auto& users = dataStore.getUsers();
+        for (int index = 0; index < observerIDs.getSize(); index++)
+        {
+            const std::string& observerID = observerIDs[index];
+            int userIndex = users.find(observerID);
+            if (userIndex == -1)
+            {
+                throw std::runtime_error("Invalid Observer ID");
+            }
+            service->attach(users.getValueAt(userIndex));
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*
+    Function: saveObservers
+    Description: Saves the current observer IDs from the notification management service
+                 to a file for persistence.
+    Parameters:
+        - filePath: const std::string&, path to the file where observer IDs will be saved
+        - service: NotificationManagementService*, pointer to the notification service
+    Returns:
+        - void
+    */
+    inline void saveObservers(const std::string& filePath, NotificationManagementService* service)
+    {
+        auto observerIDs = service->getObserverIDs();
+        util::saveRecords(filePath, observerIDs);
+    }
+
     template<typename TObject>
     Map<std::string, TObject*> getObjects(const Map<std::string, TrackedRecord<TObject>>& trackedRecords);