🔑 Key Features & Technical Details

1. Customer Registration

• Functionality: New customers can self-register through a simple onboarding form.

• Technical:

  • Unique customer records stored in a secure relational database (PostgreSQL / MySQL).

  • Validation rules (phone number, email, national ID if required).

  • Duplicate detection to prevent multiple accounts for the same customer.

2. Authentication via OTP

• Functionality: Customers log in securely without passwords, using One-Time Passwords (OTP).

• Technical:

  • OTP delivered via SMS or WhatsApp through local gateways (Safaricom SMS API, Africa’s Talking, Twilio).

  • Short validity period (e.g., 5 minutes) with retry limits to enhance security.

  • Configurable to support multi-factor authentication if required.

3. Product Ordering

• Functionality: Customers can browse and place orders for available products.

• Technical:

  • Dynamic product catalog synced from ERP/Inventory (e.g., Odoo, custom DB).

  • Real-time stock availability check.

  • Cart management with support for bulk and repeat orders.

4. Payments using M-PESA

• Functionality: Customers pay seamlessly via M-PESA STK Push or Paybill/Till.

• Technical:

  • Direct integration with Safaricom Daraja API.

  • Secure callback URL to confirm transactions instantly.

  • Automatic reconciliation of payments against orders.

5. Order Submission

• Functionality: Customers confirm orders after payment or on credit terms (if enabled).

• Technical:

  • Orders are logged with a unique reference ID.

  • Automatic order acknowledgment (SMS/WhatsApp/Email).

  • API-ready for integration with warehouse/fulfillment systems.

6. Order Tracking

• Functionality: Customers track real-time status (Pending, Processing, Shipped, Delivered).

• Technical:

  • Status updates tied to backend ERP workflow.

  • Push notifications & SMS alerts for major status changes.

  • Secure customer dashboard with order history.

7. Payment Reminders

• Functionality: Customers receive automated reminders for pending balances.

• Technical:

  • Scheduled jobs (cron/queue workers) trigger reminders.

  • Multiple channels: SMS, WhatsApp, Email.

  • Configurable reminder frequency and escalation workflows.

8. Customer Statements

• Functionality: Customers can download or view detailed statements of their transactions.

• Technical:

  • Generated dynamically from financial records in ERP/Accounting system.

  • Export options: PDF, Excel, Email delivery.

  • Secure access with role-based permissions.