Getting Started

This page provides a suggested sequence for getting Commander4j up and running for the first time.

1. Install

If Commander4j is not installed yet, follow the step-by-step Install Guide. It covers the requirements, which file to download, installing the database (leading with Windows and SQL Server Express), running the installer, connecting to the database with Setup4j, and the first login.

In brief you will need:

• A supported operating system (Windows 10/11, macOS, or Linux)
• A supported database (MySQL, MariaDB, MS SQL Server, or Oracle) installed and accessible
• Java 25 (included in the Windows and Mac installers; required separately on Linux)

For shop-floor scanner access you will also need Apache Tomcat 11.x. See Requirements for the full list and Installation for the server components.

2. Log In

See First Login for the initial login credentials. On first login you will be prompted to change the default password.

See Logon for a description of the login process and account states.

3. Configure Core Reference Data

Before the system can be used for production, you need to populate the core reference tables. A suggested order is:

1. Locations — define your warehouse and production locations
2. Units of Measure — define the units used for materials and weights
3. Materials — add your product and material records (this is the most important step)
4. Customers — add your customer records (or edit the default SELF record with your company name)
5. Process Orders — create or import your first production orders

4. Set Up Users and Security

1. Create Groups representing different roles (e.g. Warehouse, Quality, Admin)
2. Assign modules to each group via the Permissions screen
3. Create user accounts and assign them to the appropriate groups
4. Review System Keys for password policy and other global settings

5. Configure Printing

If you are printing pallet or case labels:

1. Define your Printer Queues
2. Assign printers to users or workstations
3. For automatic labelling lines, see Production Lines & Labellers

6. Explore the Modules

With reference data in place, explore the main functional areas:

• Production Confirmation and Despatch for day-to-day operations
• Inspections and Quality Control Sample for quality management
• Waste Recording for waste tracking
• Weight Checks Module for weight compliance

Further Reading

• Overview — a summary of what Commander4j does
• Install Guide — the full installation guide
• Installation — server components: Tomcat, interface services, print queues
• Upgrading — how to upgrade an existing installation
• Standard Reports — the built-in reporting system
• Interface Message Formats — integrating with external ERP systems