Technology Stack Recommendations
🖥️ Backend
Great for real-time features, good QBO SDK support
Excellent for data processing, good libraries
Better ecosystem for integrations
🗄️ Database
Robust, handles complex queries, great for FIFO logic
PostgreSQL has better JSON support and advanced features
🎨 Frontend
Component-based, great for admin dashboard
Simpler learning curve, also excellent
More libraries, better mobile support
📱 Mobile Approach
One codebase, works on all devices
More complex but better camera access
Faster to build, easier to maintain
📷 QR Code
Simple, reliable QR generation
Browser-based scanning, no app needed
🔐 Authentication
Stateless, works great for mobile
Handles login, sessions, security
📊 QuickBooks Integration
Official-ish SDK for Node.js
QBO uses OAuth for security
⚡ Zapier Integration
Your system POSTs JSON to Zapier URL
{job: "Site A", material: "I-Beam", qty: 10, cost: 1500}
🚀 Hosting
Heroku = easiest, AWS = most scalable
Heroku Postgres or AWS RDS
Easy deployment for React apps
Sample Tech Stack (Recommended)
- Backend: Node.js + Express.js
- Database: PostgreSQL (with Sequelize ORM)
- Frontend: React + Tailwind CSS
- Mobile: Progressive Web App (PWA)
- Authentication: JWT + Passport.js
- QR Codes: qrcode (generation) + html5-qrcode (scanning)
- QuickBooks: node-quickbooks SDK
- Zapier: Webhooks by Zapier
- Hosting: Heroku (backend) + Vercel (frontend)
⚠️ Important Technical Considerations
- QBO API Limits: 500 calls per minute, plan accordingly
- QR Code Format: Use UUIDs to ensure uniqueness
- Mobile Camera: HTTPS required for camera access
- Zapier Limits: Free plan = 100 tasks/month, may need paid plan
- Data Security: Encrypt sensitive data, use HTTPS everywhere