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Chapter 7: Technical Requirements

This chapter outlines the technical requirements, system specifications, network configuration, and data security features of SleepCoder. Understanding these requirements ensures optimal performance and compliance with organizational policies.

For installation instructions, see Chapter 1: Installation and Licensing. For ongoing settings management, refer to Chapter 2: Startup, Updates, and User Settings.

System Requirements

Operating System

Supported Platforms:

  • Windows 10 (64-bit) or later
  • Windows 11 (64-bit) recommended
  • Latest security patches and updates installed

⚠️ Note: Windows 7 and Windows 8 are not supported due to .NET framework requirements.

Hardware Requirements

Minimum Specifications:

  • CPU: Intel Core i3 (8th generation or newer) or equivalent AMD processor
  • RAM: 4GB minimum
  • Storage: 500MB available disk space for application and data
  • Display Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD)
  • Font Scaling: 100% (recommended for optimal interface display)
  • Network: Stable broadband internet connection (minimum 5 Mbps)

Recommended Specifications:

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 (10th generation or newer) or equivalent AMD processor
  • RAM: 8GB or more
  • Storage: 1GB available disk space
  • Display Resolution: 2560×1440 (QHD) or higher
  • Network: High-speed internet connection (10 Mbps or faster)

Network Requirements

SleepCoder requires a continuous internet connection for the following functions:

Required Network Services:

  • User Authentication: Secure login and session management
  • Product Library Loading: Access to the latest component catalog and specifications
  • Client Data Synchronization: Saving and retrieving client information
  • Tatchi Body Scanning: Communication with Tatchi scanner hardware (if used)
  • Software Updates: Automatic update checks and downloads
  • API Communication: Real-time scoring and recommendation calculations

Network Configuration:

  • Firewall: Configure firewall to allow SleepCoder API communication
  • Proxy Support: Contact technical support for proxy server configuration
  • Bandwidth: Minimum 5 Mbps download/upload speed
  • Latency: Low latency connection recommended (<100ms to API server)

💡 Tip: For optimal performance, use a wired Ethernet connection rather than Wi-Fi when possible.

API Server Configuration

The application connects to either:

  • Production Server: Live product catalog and real client data
  • Use for all production consultations
  • Connected to live inventory and pricing
  • Client data is permanently stored
  • Test Server: Testing and development environment
  • Use for training and system testing
  • Test data only, not connected to live inventory
  • Data may be periodically cleared

⚠️ Important: Your system administrator configures which server environment to use. Do not change this setting without authorization.

Software Dependencies

Required Software:

  • .NET 8 Runtime: Automatically installed during SleepCoder installation
  • Visual C++ Redistributables: Included with installer
  • Windows Update: Must be enabled for security patches

Optional Software:

  • PDF Reader: For viewing generated client reports (Adobe Reader or equivalent)
  • Email Client: For receiving API access tokens during setup

License Requirements

License Types:

  • Full License: Perpetual license with unlimited usage
  • Trial License: Time-limited evaluation license (typically 30-90 days)
  • Subscription License: Annual or monthly subscription-based licensing

License Restrictions:

  • Valid SleepCoder license required for application launch
  • License checked at startup and periodically during operation
  • Each license is linked to a specific user account and installation location
  • Multi-seat licenses available for larger organizations

License Management:

  • Contact Custom8 (https://www.custom8.be) for licensing inquiries
  • Renewal notifications appear 30 days before expiration for trial/subscription licenses
  • License transfer requires deactivation from original computer

For license activation instructions, see Chapter 1: Installation and Licensing.

Data Privacy and Security

SleepCoder implements comprehensive security measures to protect client data and ensure compliance with privacy regulations.

Client Data Protection

Encryption:

  • All client data encrypted in transit using TLS 1.2 or higher
  • Data encrypted at rest on Custom8 servers using AES-256 encryption
  • API credentials stored locally using Windows Data Protection API (DPAPI)
  • License files protected with cryptographic signatures

Data Storage:

  • Client data stored securely on Custom8 cloud servers
  • Regular automated backups with redundancy
  • Geographic data replication for disaster recovery
  • Data retention policies comply with regional regulations

Access Control:

  • Only accessible by authorized users with valid credentials
  • Role-based access control (RBAC) for multi-user environments
  • Session timeout for inactive users (configurable)
  • Audit logging of data access and modifications

Compliance

GDPR Compliance:

  • Compliant with EU General Data Protection Regulation
  • Right to access: Clients can request their stored data
  • Right to erasure: Data can be deleted upon request
  • Data portability: Export functionality available
  • Privacy by design: Minimal data collection principles

Data Processing:

  • Client data used only for sleep system recommendations
  • Expert review data used for machine learning improvements (anonymized)
  • No third-party data sharing without explicit consent
  • Data residency options available for specific regions

User Authentication and Security

Authentication Methods:

  • Secure login with JWT (JSON Web Token) authentication
  • One-time access codes for API credential validation
  • Email-based verification for enhanced security
  • Automatic session timeout after period of inactivity

Password Security:

  • Passwords encrypted using industry-standard hashing (bcrypt)
  • Minimum password complexity requirements enforced
  • Password expiration policies (configurable by administrator)
  • Password reset functionality via email verification

Session Management:

  • Automatic session timeout for security (default: 60 minutes of inactivity)
  • Concurrent session limits to prevent credential sharing
  • Secure logout functionality clears all cached credentials
  • Session tokens invalidated upon explicit logout

Security Best Practices:

  • Change default passwords immediately after first login
  • Use unique passwords (not shared with other applications)
  • Never share credentials with unauthorized users
  • Report suspected security breaches immediately to your administrator
  • Keep the application updated with latest security patches

Supported Languages

Current Version:

  • English (US) - Fully supported

Future Versions Will Support:

  • Dutch (Nederlands)
  • French (Français)
  • German (Deutsch)
  • Additional languages planned based on user demand

Language selection is configured per-user in the application settings. Interface language, measurement units, and date formats adjust automatically based on selection.

💡 Note: Language packs will be available as free updates when released. Contact Custom8 for information on language availability timelines.

Performance Optimization

For Best Performance:

  1. Keep Windows Updated: Install latest Windows updates for security and performance
  2. Close Unnecessary Applications: Free up RAM by closing unused programs during consultations
  3. Use Wired Network: Ethernet provides more stable connection than Wi-Fi
  4. Regular Maintenance: Run Windows Disk Cleanup and defragmentation periodically
  5. Adequate Cooling: Ensure computer has proper ventilation to prevent thermal throttling
  6. Updated Graphics Drivers: Keep display drivers current for optimal rendering

Troubleshooting Performance Issues:

  • Slow Loading: Check internet connection speed and stability
  • Interface Lag: Verify display scaling is set to 100%
  • Calculation Delays: Ensure adequate RAM available (close other applications)
  • Network Errors: Check firewall settings and API connectivity

Technical Support

Getting Help:

  • Email: support@custom8.be
  • Website: https://www.custom8.be
  • Phone: Contact your SleepCoder vendor for phone support
  • Documentation: This user manual and online knowledge base

When Contacting Support, Provide:

  • SleepCoder version number (found in About dialog - see Chapter 2)
  • Windows version and build number
  • Detailed description of the issue
  • Screenshots or error messages (use Expert Inspector or Debug Report features)
  • Steps to reproduce the problem

Documentation Complete: You've completed all chapters of the SleepCoder User Manual. For a refresher on any topic, use the table of contents in the index to navigate to specific chapters.