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Download Instructions

Shop Captain - User Manual & Deployment Guide

Version: 2.0

Powered by: Shop Captain™

1. Overview

Shop Captain is a professional ticket management system designed to streamline workflow in fast-paced environments. It allows staff to submit requests from any device and managers to track those requests in real-time.

2. Installation & Launch

1. Download & Unzip

Your download comes in a zipped folder to keep all the system files safe.

  1. Right-click the downloaded folder.

  2. Select "Extract All" (or "Unzip").

  3. Open the new folder you just created.

  4. ⚠️ Important: Keep all files together in this folder. If you move the .exe file out by itself, the program will not work.

2. Launch the Captain

Inside the folder, double-click the application file named ShopCaptain.exe.

Note: A black command window will appear—do not close this window, or the program will stop.

3. Setup Modes

Shop Captain can be used in two different ways depending on your office needs.

MODE A: BASIC SETUP (Single Station)

Best for: A single desk with one computer and two screens.

  • Hardware: 1 Computer + 1 Extra Monitor connected via HDMI/DisplayPort.

  • How it works:

    1. Launch the app. The Landing Page will open automatically.

    2. Click "View Monitor" and drag that browser window to your second screen (TV/Monitor) so it is always visible.

    3. Open a new tab (or window) on your main screen, go to the Landing Page again, and click "Submit Request".

    4. You now have a control screen and a display screen running from one computer.

MODE B: PRO SETUP (Networked Office)

Best for: An office or small shop where multiple people need access from their own desks or stations.

  • Hardware: 1 Host Computer (Server) + Multiple Laptops/Phones on the same WiFi/Network.

  • How it works:

    1. The Host: Launch the app on the main office computer. This computer must stay on.

    2. Finding the Link: On the Host computer, go to the Request Page. Look at the bottom right corner for the Network Link (e.g., http://555.555.5.55:5555). 

    3. Connecting Staff: Tell your staff to type that exact link into their own web browsers (Chrome, Edge, Safari).

    4. The Portal: Staff will see the Portal Selection Screen asking them to choose:

      •  Submit Request (For staff inputting new tasks)

      •  View Monitor (For managers watching the queue)

4. Remote Access (Out of Office)

For remote access, we recommend using a third-party VPN service such as Tailscale. It is free for small teams and secure. Please note that Shop Captain is not affiliated with Tailscale; users must download and set up the application separately according to Tailscale's terms of service.

 

For staff working remotely.

Since the Pro setup works on the local network, users at home or in the field cannot connect directly. To fix this:

  1. Install Tailscale (free app) on the Host Computer.

  2. Install Tailscale on the users laptop/phone.

  3. This creates a secure bridge, allowing the "Pro Setup" to work anywhere in the world as if they were sitting in the office.

5. Quick Tips

  • Audio Alerts: If you see an orange banner on the Monitor page saying "Sound Blocked," click it once to enable the new job chime.

  • Dark Mode: Toggle between Dark and Light mode using the button in the top right corner of the screen.

  • Resetting Data: To wipe your job history and reset the counter to #1, simply close the app, delete the job_queue.db file in the folder, and restart.

  • Connectivity: If other devices in the office can't connect, ensure your Host computer allows "ShopCaptain.exe" through the Windows Firewall.

  • Config: Click the Config (⚙) button in the top corner to change your Company Name.

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