Supply Chain Requisition System
Cross-Platform Logistics Application for Field Operations
Overview
A cross-platform mobile and tablet application designed for field personnel to submit, track, and manage supply requisitions in environments with limited or intermittent connectivity. Built to optimize logistical workflows in challenging operational conditions.
Problem Statement
Field teams required a reliable system to request and track supplies while operating in locations with unreliable network connectivity. The existing process was paper-based and prone to delays, errors, and communication breakdowns. Personnel needed the ability to submit requests immediately, even offline, with automatic synchronization when connectivity was restored.
Solution
Developed a progressive web application using React Native and Expo that functions seamlessly across mobile phones, tablets, and desktop devices. The application prioritizes offline-first functionality with intelligent background synchronization, ensuring zero data loss regardless of network conditions.
Key Features
Offline-First Architecture
Full CRUD operations available without network connectivity, with automatic queue management and sync retry logic
Intelligent Sync Engine
Smart synchronization that handles conflict resolution and maintains data integrity across distributed users
Responsive Design System
Adaptive layouts optimized for phones (portrait), tablets (landscape), and large displays with breakpoints at 768px and 1024px
Real-Time Status Tracking
Multi-stage request lifecycle with status updates, priority tagging, and estimated delivery windows
Searchable Supply Catalog
Browse and filter items with category organization and detailed specifications
Request History & Analytics
Comprehensive audit trail with filtering by status, date range, and priority level
Technical Implementation
Technology Stack
- Frontend: React Native 0.81, Expo SDK 54, React 19
- Navigation: Expo Router (file-based routing)
- State Management: React Context API with local persistence
- Database: Bolt Database (PostgreSQL) with Row Level Security policies
- UI/UX: Custom design system with responsive layouts using StyleSheet API
- Icons: Lucide React Native for consistent iconography
- Animations: React Native Reanimated for smooth, performant interactions
Architecture Highlights
- Context-driven state management for global application state (requisition data, sync status, pending queue)
- Progressive enhancement approach ensuring core functionality works everywhere while enhancing experience on capable devices
- Optimistic UI updates with rollback capabilities for failed sync operations
- Breakpoint-based responsive design adapting layouts for mobile, tablet, and desktop viewports
- Component composition with reusable UI elements maintaining consistent design language
Performance Optimizations
- Lazy loading of supply catalog items to minimize initial load time
- Efficient re-renders using React.memo and useMemo for expensive computations
- Debounced search inputs to reduce unnecessary filtering operations
- Minimal bundle size through tree-shaking and code splitting
Design Approach
Created a modern, professional interface prioritizing efficiency and clarity over visual complexity:
- Clean white cards on neutral gray backgrounds for reduced eye strain during extended use
- Color-coded status indicators (blue for in-progress, green for approved, orange for pending, red for urgent)
- Minimal cognitive load with clear information hierarchy and scan-friendly layouts
- Touch-optimized controls with generous tap targets for field use with gloves or in motion
- System fonts for optimal performance and native feel across platforms
Impact & Results
in offline scenarios with automatic sync recovery
enabling use on existing hardware (phones, tablets, laptops)
reducing request submission time by eliminating paper forms
improving communication between field teams and logistics
Technical Challenges Solved
- Offline-first architecture: Implemented local queue management with conflict resolution for distributed operations
- Cross-platform responsiveness: Built adaptive layouts that work equally well on 5" phones and 12.9" tablets
- State synchronization: Created reliable sync engine handling intermittent connectivity and partial failures
- Performance optimization: Maintained smooth 60fps animations while handling complex state updates
- Design system consistency: Established scalable component library with responsive variants
Code Quality & Best Practices
- TypeScript for type safety and improved developer experience
- Modular component architecture following single responsibility principle
- Proper error boundaries and fallback UI for graceful degradation
- Comprehensive state management with clear data flow patterns
- Accessibility considerations with proper contrast ratios and touch targets