System Requirements

Hardware, software, network, and user requirements for Smart Shelf implementation.

System Requirements

Smart Shelf is designed to work across a wide range of environments and devices. This section outlines the technical and operational requirements for successful implementation and optimal performance.

Hardware Requirements

Server Infrastructure

Smart Shelf leverages cloud-based infrastructure, minimizing on-premises hardware requirements while ensuring optimal performance.

Cloud Infrastructure (Managed by Supabase/Vercel)

  • Database Server: Managed PostgreSQL with automatic scaling
  • Application Server: Serverless edge functions with global distribution
  • Storage: Distributed file storage with CDN integration
  • Backup Systems: Automated backup and disaster recovery
  • Monitoring: Comprehensive system monitoring and alerting

Recommended Client Hardware

  • Desktop/Laptop:
    • Processor: Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 (minimum), i5/Ryzen 5 (recommended)
    • Memory: 8GB RAM (minimum), 16GB RAM (recommended)
    • Storage: 256GB SSD available space
    • Network: Ethernet or Wi-Fi capability
    • Display: 1920x1080 resolution (recommended)

Mobile Devices

  • Smartphones:

    • iOS: iPhone 12 or newer (iOS 15+)
    • Android: Android 10+ with 4GB RAM
    • Camera: High-resolution camera for barcode scanning
    • Storage: 64GB available space (minimum)

  • Tablets:

    • iPad: iPad Air or newer (iPadOS 15+)
    • Android Tablets: 10" screen with Android 11+
    • Windows Tablets: Surface Pro or equivalent with Windows 11

Warehouse Equipment (Optional)

  • Barcode Scanners: Dedicated barcode scanning devices for high-volume operations
  • Mobile Computers: Ruggedized handheld computers for warehouse use
  • Label Printers: Thermal printers for shipping and inventory labels
  • Wi-Fi Infrastructure: Enterprise-grade wireless networking

Performance Specifications

Minimum Performance Requirements

  • CPU: Dual-core processor (2.0 GHz or higher)
  • RAM: 4GB available memory
  • Network: 5 Mbps internet connection
  • Browser: Modern browser with JavaScript enabled
  • Storage: 100MB available disk space

Recommended Performance Specifications

  • CPU: Quad-core processor (2.5 GHz or higher)
  • RAM: 8GB available memory
  • Network: 25 Mbps internet connection with low latency
  • Browser: Latest version of supported browsers
  • Storage: 500MB available disk space

High-Volume Operations

  • CPU: 8-core processor (3.0 GHz or higher)
  • RAM: 16GB+ available memory
  • Network: 100 Mbps dedicated internet connection
  • Browser: Chrome or Edge on high-performance workstations
  • Storage: 1GB+ available disk space with SSD

Software Requirements

Operating System Support

Smart Shelf is platform-agnostic, supporting all major operating systems through web browsers.

Desktop Operating Systems

  • Windows: Windows 10 (version 1909 or later), Windows 11
  • macOS: macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later
  • Linux: Ubuntu 18.04+, CentOS 7+, or equivalent distributions
  • Chrome OS: Chrome OS 88 or later

Mobile Operating Systems

  • iOS: iOS 13.0 or later (iOS 15+ recommended)
  • Android: Android 8.0 (API level 26) or later (Android 10+ recommended)
  • iPadOS: iPadOS 13.0 or later
  • Windows Mobile: Windows 10 Mobile (limited support)

Browser Compatibility

Smart Shelf is optimized for modern web browsers with comprehensive feature support.

Supported Browsers (Desktop)

  • Google Chrome: Version 80 or later (recommended)
  • Microsoft Edge: Version 80 or later (Chromium-based)
  • Mozilla Firefox: Version 75 or later
  • Safari: Version 13 or later (macOS only)
  • Opera: Version 67 or later

Supported Browsers (Mobile)

  • Safari Mobile: iOS 13+ (iPhone/iPad)
  • Chrome Mobile: Android 8.0+
  • Samsung Internet: Version 10.0+
  • Firefox Mobile: Version 75+

Browser Features Required

  • JavaScript: ES2020 support required
  • Local Storage: For offline capability and caching
  • WebRTC: For camera-based barcode scanning
  • WebGL: For advanced data visualizations
  • Service Workers: For offline functionality and push notifications

Development Environment (For Customization)

Organizations requiring customization or self-hosted deployment need additional software.

Development Tools

  • Node.js: Version 18.0 or higher
  • Package Manager: pnpm 8.0+ (recommended), npm 9.0+, or yarn 1.22+
  • Git: Version control system for code management
  • Code Editor: VS Code, WebStorm, or equivalent IDE
  • Database Tools: PostgreSQL client tools for database management

Optional Development Software

  • Docker: For containerized development and deployment
  • Kubernetes: For orchestrated production deployments
  • Monitoring Tools: Application performance monitoring solutions
  • CI/CD Tools: Automated testing and deployment pipelines

Network Requirements

Internet Connectivity

Smart Shelf requires reliable internet connectivity for optimal performance and real-time synchronization.

Bandwidth Requirements

  • Basic Operations: 5 Mbps download, 1 Mbps upload (minimum)
  • Standard Operations: 25 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload (recommended)
  • High-Volume Operations: 100 Mbps download, 25 Mbps upload
  • Multi-User Environment: Additional 5 Mbps per concurrent user

Latency Requirements

  • Acceptable: Less than 200ms to application servers
  • Good: Less than 100ms to application servers
  • Optimal: Less than 50ms to application servers
  • Real-Time Features: Less than 100ms for optimal experience

Connection Reliability

  • Uptime Requirement: 99.9% availability for business-critical operations
  • Failover: Backup internet connection recommended for large operations
  • Quality of Service: Prioritize business applications over non-essential traffic
  • Monitoring: Network monitoring to identify and resolve issues quickly

Security Requirements

Network security is essential for protecting sensitive business data and ensuring compliance.

Firewall Configuration

  • Outbound Ports: HTTPS (443), HTTP (80) for web access
  • Inbound Restrictions: Block unnecessary inbound connections
  • Application Filtering: Allow Smart Shelf and Supabase domains
  • VPN Support: Compatible with corporate VPN solutions

SSL/TLS Requirements

  • Encryption: TLS 1.2 or higher for all connections
  • Certificate Validation: Proper SSL certificate handling
  • Perfect Forward Secrecy: Support for PFS cipher suites
  • HSTS: HTTP Strict Transport Security support

Corporate Network Integration

  • Proxy Servers: Support for corporate proxy configurations
  • Authentication: Integration with corporate authentication systems
  • Content Filtering: Compatibility with content filtering solutions
  • Bandwidth Management: QoS support for business applications

Mobile Network Considerations

Mobile device usage requires additional network considerations for optimal performance.

Cellular Network Support

  • 4G LTE: Minimum cellular network standard
  • 5G: Enhanced performance and lower latency
  • Data Usage: Optimized for mobile data plans
  • Offline Capability: Core functions available without connectivity

Wi-Fi Requirements

  • Standards: 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) minimum, 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) recommended
  • Security: WPA2 minimum, WPA3 recommended
  • Coverage: Comprehensive coverage in operational areas
  • Enterprise Features: Support for enterprise Wi-Fi management

User Requirements

Technical Skills

Smart Shelf is designed for users with varying technical backgrounds, from basic computer users to IT administrators.

End Users (Basic)

  • Computer Literacy: Basic computer and smartphone operation
  • Web Browser: Familiarity with web browser navigation
  • Email: Basic email skills for notifications and communication
  • Mobile Apps: Comfort with smartphone/tablet applications
  • Learning Ability: Willingness to learn new business processes

Power Users (Intermediate)

  • Data Analysis: Understanding of business metrics and reporting
  • System Configuration: Ability to configure settings and preferences
  • Process Design: Understanding of business workflow optimization
  • Training Others: Capability to train and support other users
  • Problem Solving: Basic troubleshooting and issue resolution

System Administrators (Advanced)

  • Network Administration: Understanding of network configuration and security
  • Database Concepts: Basic understanding of relational databases
  • Integration: Knowledge of API integration and system connectivity
  • Security: Understanding of cybersecurity best practices
  • Project Management: Ability to manage system implementation

Training Requirements

Comprehensive training ensures successful adoption and optimal system utilization.

Initial Training (Required)

  • System Overview: 2-hour introduction to Smart Shelf capabilities
  • Core Functions: 4-hour hands-on training for primary job functions
  • Role-Specific Training: 2-4 hours focused on specific user roles
  • Practice Time: 8-16 hours supervised practice with real data
  • Assessment: Competency verification before independent use

Ongoing Training (Recommended)

  • Feature Updates: Training on new features and capabilities
  • Best Practices: Regular sessions on optimization and efficiency
  • Advanced Features: Training on advanced capabilities and integrations
  • Troubleshooting: Problem resolution and support procedures
  • Refresher Training: Periodic review of core concepts and procedures

Support Resources

  • Documentation: Comprehensive user guides and help resources
  • Video Tutorials: Step-by-step video instruction library
  • Community Forums: User community for questions and best practices
  • Help Desk: Professional support for technical issues
  • Training Materials: Downloadable guides and reference materials

Accessibility Requirements

Smart Shelf is designed to be accessible to users with diverse needs and abilities.

Web Accessibility Standards

  • WCAG 2.1: Level AA compliance for web accessibility
  • Keyboard Navigation: Full functionality via keyboard shortcuts
  • Screen Reader: Compatible with screen reading software
  • Color Contrast: High contrast mode for visual accessibility
  • Text Scaling: Support for browser text scaling up to 200%

Mobile Accessibility

  • Touch Targets: Appropriately sized touch elements
  • Voice Control: Integration with device voice control features
  • Accessibility Services: Support for mobile accessibility features
  • Alternative Input: Support for assistive input devices
  • Readable Text: Clear, readable text at all screen sizes

Device Management

Organizations need to consider device management and security for business use.

Mobile Device Management (MDM)

  • Policy Enforcement: Support for corporate device policies
  • App Management: Controlled application installation and updates
  • Security Features: Remote wipe and device security enforcement
  • User Profiles: Separation of personal and business data
  • Compliance: Meet corporate security and compliance requirements

Security Considerations

  • Authentication: Multi-factor authentication support
  • Data Protection: Local data encryption and secure storage
  • Session Management: Automatic logout and session security
  • Privacy: User privacy protection and data handling
  • Audit Trail: Comprehensive user activity logging

These system requirements ensure optimal Smart Shelf performance across diverse environments and use cases. Regular review and updates maintain compatibility with evolving technology standards and business needs.