This article provides a comprehensive guide to the StartProto user interface, focusing on the main sidebar navigation. The sidebar can be collapsed or expanded at any time for convenience. New users may prefer to keep it expanded initially, while experienced users often collapse it to maximize screen space.
Top of Navigation Bar
Feature | Description | Keyboard Shortcut |
StartProto AI Assistant | Chat-based AI interface for direct interaction and assistance within the application. | — |
Global Search | Quickly locate parts, jobs, orders, or other records by entering a part number or keyword. | Ctrl + K (or Cmd + K on Mac) |
Bookmarks | Pin frequently used pages or modules for one-click access. Drag any page from the sidebar into Bookmarks. | — |
Main Sidebar Modules
Dashboard
Provides high-level reporting and business insights.
Multiple tabs at the top for different views and analytics.
Operator Home
The primary shop-floor interface used by machine operators.
Displays current tasks, job status, and shop screen information.
Sales
Contains all customer-facing order processes.
Sub-module | Description |
RFQs | Requests for Quote received from customers (via website, Quarterly, Pronner, or direct links). |
Quotes | Quotations created in response to RFQs. Can be sent to customers for approval. |
Orders | Approved quotes converted into sales orders. |
Line Items | View of individual order line items (useful when a single customer PO contains multiple parts). |
Invoices | Billing documents (may be hidden depending on your system configuration). |
Invoice Line Items | Detailed breakdown of invoice lines by part number for easier searching and analysis. |
Jobs
Work orders and production planning.
Key sections:
Job Suggestions – AI-recommended jobs to run next.
Jobs Timeline – Visual planning and scheduling view.
Items
Inventory and part management.
Tabs: Manufactured Items and Purchased Items.
Templates – Reusable routing templates for frequently manufactured parts.
Purchasing
Procurement workspace.
Key views:
Suggested purchases (driven by StartProto recommendations).
Purchase Orders.
PO Line Items (detailed line-item view across all POs).
Outside Processing (OSP)
Dedicated module for managing subcontracted services (e.g., plating, heat treat, powder coating).
Tab | Purpose |
OSP Purchasing Needs | Jobs requiring outside services that still need POs created. |
OSP Purchase Orders | Active purchase orders for outside services. |
Waiting Shipping | Parts ready to be shipped to the vendor. |
Receiving List | Parts shipped to vendors and awaiting return. |
OSP Receipts | Completed receipts of returned outside-processed parts. |
Service Definitions | Library of defined outside services and associated vendors. |
Scheduling
Comprehensive production scheduling tools.
Multiple tabs for finite capacity scheduling, dispatching, and resource planning (recommended for detailed review).
Shipping & Receiving
Management of incoming and outgoing shipments and loading dock operations (receiving, shipping).
Business Setup
Administrative and configuration section.
Sub-section | Contents |
Companies | Customers, vendors, and other external entities. |
Processes | Defined manufacturing processes. |
Work Centers | Groups of similar machines or workstations. |
Users | User accounts and permissions. |
File Management | Centralized document and file storage. |
Import Tools | Data import utilities. |
Settings | Global system and company-wide configuration options. |
Bottom Navigation Bar
Icon/Item | Function |
Notifications | Alerts for comments you are @mentioned in and other system notifications. |
Support | Opens a live chat window to contact the StartProto support team. |
Profile | Access account details, shared feedback submission, active devices/sessions, and logout. |
Active Devices | List of IP addresses and devices currently logged into your account (useful for security). |
Logout | Standard logout button. |
Collapse/Expand | Toggle the sidebar width (fully collapsed mode allows hover-to-reveal navigation). |
Tips for Efficient Navigation
Use Bookmarks liberally for daily or frequently accessed pages.
Master the Global Search (Ctrl + K) to jump to any record instantly.
Once familiar with icons, collapse the sidebar to gain more workspace—hovering will temporarily reveal labels.
This structure ensures quick access to all core functions while keeping the interface clean and scalable as your usage of StartProto grows.