c0de.it/docs/rack-planner/mvp.md

MVP Scope

Objective

Release a public web application that solves the core planning workflow for 10" and 19" racks without waiting for full CAD-grade capabilities.

MVP features

1. Rack editor

• create a rack project
• choose rack type: 10" or 19"
• define rack height in U
• define depth and optional width variant
• front view editor with occupied U grid
• drag-and-drop placement of components
• move and reorder components
• remove and duplicate components

2. Component library

• built-in catalog with common rack elements
• categories such as patch panel, switch, server, PDU, shelf, UPS, blank panel
• searchable component picker
• component detail panel with dimensions and metadata

3. Validation

• enforce rack width compatibility
• enforce U occupancy
• warn on depth overflow
• warn on weight limit overflow if rack limits are defined

4. Bill of materials

• aggregate identical parts
• export as CSV
• show quantity, part number, manufacturer, description, unit price, total price
• optionally list accessories separately

5. Plugin support

• import component packs based on a defined manifest
• metadata-driven components
• 2D visuals via SVG
• optional 3D visual asset reference for future use

6. Cable planning V1

• define cable links between two ports or two devices
• estimate route length using rack positions
• allow manual slack factor
• include cables in bill of materials

Deliberately excluded from MVP

• freeform 3D editing
• native browser editing of STEP or DXF
• multi-rack room layout
• thermal simulation
• live collaboration
• advanced permission and approval workflows
• ERP integration

Recommended MVP stack

• frontend: React + TypeScript
• editor rendering: SVG or Canvas for 2D rack view
• backend: Node.js or PHP API, depending on preferred team stack
• database: PostgreSQL
• storage: object storage for plugin assets and exports

Success criteria

• a user can build a rack layout in under 10 minutes
• the system prevents invalid U placement
• the generated bill of materials is usable for procurement
• plugin packs can be added without code changes in the editor
• cable length estimates are close enough for practical preselection