Introduction to Mantis

Learn about Mantis, a comprehensive project management system built with Django and Vue.js for managing field operations, equipment, and technical resources.

Introduction to Mantis

Mantis is a comprehensive project management system designed for managing field operations, equipment tracking, and technical resource allocation. Built on a modern web stack, Mantis provides robust tools for managing projects from initiation through completion.

System Overview

Mantis is built on a powerful technology stack that combines:

• Backend: Django 4.2.14 with Django REST Framework for robust API services
• Frontend: Vue.js 3.5 with Vite build system for a modern, reactive user interface
• Database: PostgreSQL for reliable data persistence
• Additional Technologies:
  • Grappelli for enhanced Django admin interface
  • Simple History for audit trail functionality
  • Pinia for state management
  • TailwindCSS with DaisyUI for styling

Key Features

Mantis provides comprehensive functionality for field operations management:

Project Management

• Create and manage projects with client (partner) associations
• Track project locations with cardinal point references
• Manage contact information and project timelines
• Support for project lifecycle from start to closure

Resource Management

• Allocate equipment and service resources to projects
• Track resource costs (rental and maintenance)
• Flexible maintenance scheduling with multiple frequency types:
  • Day intervals (every N days)
  • Specific weekdays
  • Specific days of the month
• Resource retirement tracking with documentation

Technical Personnel Management

• Comprehensive technician profiles with work area assignments
• Certificate and license tracking with expiration monitoring:
  • Driver’s licenses
  • Defensive driving certificates
  • MAE (environmental) certificates
  • Medical certificates
• Vaccination record management
• Document attachment support (PDFs)

Field Operations

• Custody chain management for tracking equipment and samples
• Sheet project workflows for field documentation
• Maintenance sheet tracking
• Shipping guide generation
• Final disposition certificate management

Administrative Features

• Audit trail with django-simple-history
• User session management
• Email-based authentication system
• Data export/import capabilities (JSON format)
• Multi-environment support (Development, Test, Production)

Architecture Overview

Mantis follows a modern client-server architecture:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│           Vue.js Frontend Client            │
│  (Vite + Vue Router + Pinia + TailwindCSS)  │
└─────────────────┬───────────────────────────┘
                  │ HTTP/REST API
                  ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│         Django Backend API Server           │
│    (Django REST Framework + Grappelli)      │
└─────────────────┬───────────────────────────┘
                  │
                  ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│          PostgreSQL Database                │
│     (Relational data with audit trails)     │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Backend Structure

The Django backend is organized into modular applications:

• accounts: User authentication and technical personnel management
• projects: Project lifecycle, resource allocation, and field operations
• equipment: Equipment catalog and resource item management
• api: RESTful API endpoints for all modules
• reports: PDF report generation
• workorders: Work order management

Frontend Structure

The Vue.js frontend provides:

• Single Page Application (SPA) architecture
• Component-based UI development
• Centralized state management with Pinia
• Responsive design with TailwindCSS
• Hot module replacement for rapid development

Data Model Highlights

Core Entities:

• CustomUserModel: Email-based authentication with role assignments
• Project: Client projects with location and timeline tracking
• ProjectResourceItem: Equipment/service allocation to projects
• Technical: Field technician profiles with certification tracking
• CustodyChain: Equipment and sample tracking workflows
• SheetProject: Field work documentation

User Roles

Mantis supports two primary user roles defined in accounts/models/CustomUserModel.py:11:

ADMINISTRATIVO (Administrative)

Administrative users have full system access including:

• Project creation and management
• Resource allocation and tracking
• Technical personnel administration
• System configuration
• Report generation
• Data export/import operations

Typical Use Cases:

• Office managers creating new projects
• Administrators assigning resources to projects
• HR personnel managing technician records
• Supervisors reviewing custody chains and field documentation

TECNICO (Technical)

Technical users have field-focused access including:

• View assigned projects
• Update field work sheets
• Manage custody chains
• Record maintenance activities
• Upload field documentation
• View their personal certificates and schedules

Typical Use Cases:

• Field technicians completing work sheets
• Technicians recording equipment maintenance
• Field personnel documenting custody chain transfers
• Mobile workers accessing project details on-site

Localization

Mantis is configured for Spanish (Ecuador) locale:

• Language: es-ec
• Timezone: America/Guayaquil
• Date and time formats follow Ecuadorian standards

Next Steps

Quick Start

Get Mantis up and running in minutes with our quick start guide.

Installation

Detailed installation instructions for production deployment.