Kitbox Application Suite

Complete Digital Solution for Modular Cabinet Design and Management

The Kitbox Application Suite is a comprehensive digital solution developed for modernizing cabinet ordering and inventory management processes. This project transforms a traditional paper-based system into an advanced digital workflow using cutting-edge .NET technologies.

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🏗️ Project Architecture

The solution consists of two main components:

1. KitBoxDesigner - Advanced Desktop Application

A sophisticated Avalonia UI desktop application providing:

• Interactive Cabinet Configuration: Visual wizard for designing custom cabinets
• Real-time Stock Management: Live inventory tracking with low-stock alerts
• Price Calculator: Automatic pricing based on component requirements
• Order Validation: Business rule enforcement (max 7 lockers, compatibility checks)
• Multi-platform Support: Windows, macOS, and Linux compatibility

2. KitboxAPI - Production Backend

A robust ASP.NET Core 9.0 Web API featuring:

• RESTful Architecture: Clean separation of concerns with DTOs
• MariaDB Integration: Production database with Entity Framework Core
• Docker Deployment: Containerized with Traefik reverse proxy
• HTTPS/SSL: Let's Encrypt certificates for secure communication
• Comprehensive CRUD: Full lifecycle management for all entities

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🎯 Business Requirements Addressed

The solution addresses Kitbox Company's specific needs:

Cabinet Composition Rules

• Maximum 7 lockers per cabinet
• Height calculation: Sum of locker heights + 4cm for angle irons
• Compatibility validation: Ensuring proper locker combinations

Stock Management

• Multi-supplier support with automatic price comparison
• Minimum stock tracking based on sales history
• Automatic reordering when stock falls below thresholds
• Delivery time optimization for supplier selection

Order Processing

• Deposit management for incomplete stock situations
• Order status tracking (RESERVED, PURCHASED, PAID)
• Component availability checking before order confirmation

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🔧 Technical Stack

Frontend (KitBoxDesigner)

• Framework: Avalonia UI 11.2.7 with Fluent Design
• Architecture: MVVM pattern with ReactiveUI
• Dependency Injection: Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection
• Data Binding: CommunityToolkit.Mvvm for reactive ViewModels
• Graphics: SkiaSharp for cross-platform rendering

Backend (KitboxAPI)

• Framework: ASP.NET Core 9.0 Web API
• Database: MariaDB 11.5 with MySql.EntityFrameworkCore provider
• Architecture: Layered architecture with Repository pattern
• Documentation: Swagger/OpenAPI for API exploration
• Serialization: System.Text.Json with enum-to-string conversion

Infrastructure

• Containerization: Docker with multi-stage builds
• Reverse Proxy: Traefik with automatic SSL certificate management
• Database: MariaDB with connection pooling and retry logic
• CORS: Configured for cross-origin desktop application support

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📊 Database Schema

Core Entities

Entity	Purpose	Key Relationships
CustomerOrder	Client orders with status tracking	→ Cabinet (1:N)
Cabinet	Complete cabinet configurations	→ Locker (1:N)
Locker	Individual compartments with dimensions	→ LockerStock (1:N)
Stock	Inventory items with supplier pricing	→ SupplierOrder (N:1)
Supplier	Vendor information and contact details	→ SupplierOrder (1:N)

Business Logic Implementation

• Enum Status Management: OrderStatus and StockStatus with string conversion
• Foreign Key Constraints: Maintaining data integrity across relationships
• Automatic Calculations: Price computation based on component requirements

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🚀 Deployment Architecture

Production Environment

https://kitbox.msrl.be
├── Traefik (Reverse Proxy + SSL)
├── KitboxAPI (Docker Container)
└── MariaDB (Docker Container)

Development Workflow

KitBoxDesigner ←→ KitboxApiService ←→ REST API ←→ MariaDB
    (Desktop)         (HTTP Client)      (Backend)     (Database)

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🔌 API Integration

The KitboxApiService class provides seamless integration between the desktop application and the production API:

Service Implementation

• Dual Interface Support: Implements both IStockService and IPartService
• Automatic Conversion: Transforms API DTOs to application models
• Error Handling: Robust exception management with retry logic
• Real-time Data: Live stock levels and part availability

Key Features

// Real-time stock checking
var availability = await apiService.CheckStockAvailabilityAsync(requirements);

// Automatic part categorization
var parts = await apiService.GetPartsByCategoryAsync(PartCategory.Door);

// Order validation with business rules
var requiredParts = configuration.GetRequiredParts();

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📈 Key Improvements Over Legacy System

From Paper to Digital

• Manual Forms → Interactive Configuration Wizard
• Error-prone Calculations → Automatic Validation & Pricing
• Inventory Guesswork → Real-time Stock Tracking
• Manual Supplier Management → Automated Price Comparison

Performance Benefits

• Instant Availability Checking: No more stockroom visits
• Automatic Reordering: Prevents stockouts
• Error Reduction: Business rule validation prevents invalid configurations
• Customer Experience: Immediate order confirmation or deposit calculation

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🎨 User Experience

Cabinet Configuration Wizard

1. Select Dimensions: Choose cabinet width, depth, and maximum height
2. Add Lockers: Configure individual compartments with doors/colors
3. Validate Design: Automatic compatibility and dimension checking
4. Calculate Price: Real-time pricing with component breakdown
5. Check Availability: Stock verification with delivery estimates

Inventory Management

• Dashboard Overview: Total parts, low stock alerts, reorder notifications
• Search & Filter: Find parts by category, code, or availability status
• Stock Movements: Track inventory changes with audit trail
• Supplier Integration: Automatic ordering based on stock levels

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🔄 Future Extensibility

The architecture supports planned enhancements:

• Additional Elements: Shelves and drawers (plugin-ready architecture)
• Advanced Analytics: Sales reporting and stock optimization
• Mobile Support: Avalonia's cross-platform capabilities
• API Expansion: Additional endpoints for enhanced functionality

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📋 Development Setup

Prerequisites

• .NET 9.0 SDK
• Docker & Docker Compose

Quick Start

# Clone the repository
git clone [repository-url]

# Start the backend (Docker)
cd kitboxAPI
docker-compose up -d

# Run the desktop application
cd ../KitBoxDesigner
dotnet run

# Access API documentation
# https://kitbox.msrl.be/swagger

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🎓 Academic Context

This project was developed as part of an Electrical Engineering program with a focus on Computer Science & Electronics. It demonstrates:

• Software Architecture: Clean separation of concerns and scalable design
• Database Design: Normalized schema with proper relationships
• API Development: RESTful services with comprehensive documentation
• UI/UX Design: Modern desktop application with intuitive workflows
• DevOps Practices: Containerization and production deployment

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✨ Result

The Kitbox Application Suite successfully modernizes the cabinet ordering process, providing:

• Seamless Integration between desktop and cloud infrastructure
• Business Rule Enforcement preventing configuration errors
• Real-time Inventory Management with automatic supplier integration
• Professional User Experience replacing paper-based workflows
• Scalable Architecture ready for future business expansion

This solution represents a complete digital transformation, bridging traditional manufacturing processes with modern software development practices.