First Steps

This tutorial walks you through your first actions in the Alpha Platform.

Overview

By the end of this guide, you will have:

1. Navigated the platform interface
2. Created your first product
3. Added a client
4. Created a sales order
5. Generated an invoice

Navigating the Platform

Main Navigation

The platform uses a sidebar navigation with these main sections:

• Dashboard - Overview and quick metrics
• ERP - Business operations (Products, Orders, Inventory)
• Construction - Project management (if enabled)
• Shop - E-commerce (if enabled)
• Administration - System settings and users

Dashboard Overview

Your dashboard displays:

• Key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Recent activity
• Quick action buttons
• Alerts and notifications

Creating Your First Product

Let's add a product to your catalog:

Step 1: Navigate to Products

1. Click ERP in the sidebar
2. Select Products

Step 2: Add New Product

1. Click Add Product
2. Fill in the product details:

3. Click Save

Step 3: Add Initial Stock (Optional)

1. Open the product you just created
2. Go to the Stock tab
3. Click Adjust Stock
4. Enter quantity and stock site
5. Save the adjustment

Adding Your First Client

Step 1: Navigate to Clients

1. Click ERP in the sidebar
2. Select Clients

Step 2: Create Client

1. Click Add Client
2. Enter client information:

3. Click Save

Step 3: Add Contact (Optional)

1. Open the client record
2. Go to Contacts tab
3. Click Add Contact
4. Enter contact details
5. Save

Creating Your First Sales Order

Step 1: Navigate to Sales Orders

1. Click ERP in the sidebar
2. Select Sales Orders

Step 2: Create Order

1. Click New Sales Order
2. Select your client (Acme Corporation)
3. Add order line:
   • Select product (Standard Widget)
   • Enter quantity (10)
   • Confirm pricing
4. Review order total
5. Click Create Order

Step 3: Process the Order

Your order starts in Draft status. The workflow is:

Draft → Confirmed → Processing → Shipped → Completed

1. Click Confirm to confirm the order
2. The order moves to processing for fulfillment

Generating Your First Invoice

Step 1: Create Invoice from Order

1. Open your confirmed sales order
2. Click Create Invoice
3. Review invoice details:
   • Invoice date
   • Due date (based on payment terms)
   • Line items (from order)
4. Click Create

Step 2: Send Invoice

1. Open the invoice
2. Click Send Invoice
3. Choose delivery method:
   • Email to client
   • Download PDF
4. Invoice status changes to Sent

Step 3: Record Payment

When payment is received:

1. Open the invoice
2. Click Record Payment
3. Enter payment details:
   • Amount
   • Payment date
   • Payment method
4. Save

Congratulations!

You've completed your first workflow in Alpha:

• Created a product ✓
• Added a client ✓
• Processed a sales order ✓
• Generated and sent an invoice ✓

Next Steps

Explore more features:

Or check role-specific guides: