Project Overview
The client's operations were bottlenecked by a legacy, desktop-only .NET inventory application. It lacked cloud synchronization, resulting in fragmented data across different warehouses. The reliance on local databases prevented real-time inventory tracking and remote administrative access.
We modernized the entire system by building a unified Next.js web application for administrative and remote access. To maintain the deep OS integration required by warehouse floor hardware, we wrapped the application in Electron for desktop deployments. The fragmented databases were consolidated into a single, highly available PostgreSQL cluster. This seamless hybrid approach allowed warehouse staff to continue using their trusted barcode hardware while management gained global visibility into supply chain metrics.
Hybrid Web and Desktop Architecture
We engineered a modern Next.js React application to serve as the core platform. This provided immediate cloud access for administrators. For warehouse floor operations, we packaged the Next.js app using Electron, allowing seamless integration with local USB barcode scanners and receipt printers while maintaining a single codebase.
Unified PostgreSQL Database
The disparate local databases were migrated and consolidated into a centralized PostgreSQL database hosted in the cloud. We implemented robust offline-sync capabilities in the Electron app to ensure operations could continue during network outages, synchronizing automatically when reconnected.
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Key Challenges
Desktop-Bound System
The legacy .NET application was restricted to desktop environments, completely preventing remote access for administrators and managers.
Fragmented Data Silos
The lack of cloud synchronization led to heavily fragmented inventory data across different regional warehouses.
No Real-time Tracking
Reliance on local, disconnected databases made it impossible to achieve accurate, real-time inventory tracking across the supply chain.
Hardware Dependencies
The system needed to maintain native, low-level OS capabilities to support existing warehouse barcode scanners and receipt printers.
Results & Outcomes
The modernized platform eliminated data silos, providing leadership with real-time visibility into global inventory levels. The hybrid Next.js and Electron approach reduced codebase maintenance by 50% compared to maintaining separate web and desktop apps. Warehouse operational efficiency increased significantly due to the faster, more reliable software.
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