Section 13.3. The Business Rule

13.3. The Business Rule

Between them, Don and Emily worked out anew the business rules involved in late returns. After looking unsuccessfully for some old user documentation, Don looked over his old tests, and Emily refreshed her memory from the code. They figured that it would be good to get Seth to look over the tests once he had returned from his latest business trip.

This is the business rule they worked out, an hour later, according to Don.

A late fee may be charged if equipment is expected to be returned by a certain time. The fee depends on

• How long the item was rented for. There is usually one hour's grace. However, the longer the time, the longer the grace period.

• If the return is beyond the grace period, the late fee is based on either the extra time or the extra time minus the grace period. The choice of approach is defined in a database configuration table that's set up for a specific rental company and is not likely to change.

• Usually, the late fee is simply the extra time, as defined, charged at the usual rate for that item.

• However, when the item is in high demand, the grace period is reduced and an extra late fee is charged. This is especially important for rental items that have been booked out, as the rental company staff would need to source replacement equipment from elsewhere at some cost.

• The extra late fee may be associated with each rental item.