Velocity Smart.

A smart locker application running on a Raspberry Pi: a React front-end and Python back-end that control the locker's barcode scanner, RFID reader, camera, Modbus controllers and touchscreen.

Smart lockers that make delivery effortless.

Smart lockers are designed to make the package delivery process more efficient and convenient for both businesses and customers. These lockers have integrated technology that automates package delivery, notification, and distribution, allowing customers to easily pick up their packages without having to wait in long lines or during specific hours of operation.

One example of a smart locker system is the Velocity Smart App, which provides clients with full control over the functionality of their smart lockers. The software includes a front-end that allows clients to make requests to the local and cloud back-end, as well as data visualization on the device. The local back-end is responsible for receiving commands and controlling peripheral devices such as Modbus, USB, and OS.

Customers appreciate smart lockers because they can easily access their packages at any time, without having to worry about missed deliveries or long wait times. Additionally, the process is completely end-to-end, allowing customers to "click and collect" their packages with minimal effort.

Some of the Velocity Smart App’s features.

One app to command every part of the locker.

Velocity Smart Services, a company that specializes in smart locker solutions, was in search of a long-term support and development partner who could assist with expanding applications for a variety of different smart locker configurations. Their initial request was to develop an application that would work on a Raspberry Pi device, which would be equipped with a barcode scanner, RFID reader, camera, Modbus controller(s), and a touchscreen display. The front-end application would be responsible for sending messages to the local back-end in order to command the various peripheral devices. These commands would include, but not be limited to:

Opening and closing the smart locker's door

Reading barcodes and RFID tags to identify packages and users

Capturing images of packages and users

Displaying information on the touchscreen display

Communication with the modbus controller to control and monitor the status of the smart locker

Small, fast and managed remotely.

The app would provide a user-friendly interface that allows customers to access their packages with ease and convenience, with minimal input required from the customer. The local back-end would then be responsible for receiving these commands and controlling the peripheral devices to execute them.

A very small memory footprint due to its usage on a Raspberry Pi device

Fast execution of tasks and great overall performance

The application, along with all necessary custom image installations, needed to be updated, installed, and managed remotely

Researched, built and deployed with the client's team.

Velocity Smart Services assigned Generic Soft to develop an application for one of their latest models. The project required extensive research and collaboration between the two teams to determine the most appropriate technologies to be used for the front-end and back-end development.

After thorough evaluation, it was decided that JavaScript with the React library would be used for the front-end and Python for the back-end. This combination of technologies was chosen for its efficiency, flexibility, and scalability.

Throughout the development process, the focus was on achieving maximum performance and minimal memory consumption. The team optimized the code and implemented various techniques to reduce the application's footprint, ensuring that it could run smoothly even on low-power devices.

JavaScript with React for the front-end, Python for the back-end

Front-end and back-end communicate through a web socket that runs on the localhost, ensuring fast and secure data transfer

A custom web browser developed on PyQt5 to render the front-end

Custom drivers for all peripheral devices including the modbus pmc/s, barcode reader, RFID reader, and camera device

An installation process for a fresh Ubuntu server image, done remotely via SaltStack

Efficient, user-friendly and customizable.

After the first major deployment, Velocity Smart Services started testing the application on a test device at their site. They reported any issues and requested various features and improvements. Generic Soft managed to deliver all client requests in a timely and satisfactory manner.

The final product was a highly efficient, user-friendly and customizable smart locker application that met all the client's requirements.

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