TB Core Services
- Distributed Background Workers for Automated Dispensary
TB Core Services is a suite of 7 modular .NET Worker Services designed to power the backend operations of an automated dispensary system. These background services handle key responsibilities like ordering, reporting, synchronization, backups, video processing, and automated software updates. Each service runs independently, either in the central server or on individual vending machines, ensuring robust, scalable automation across the entire ecosystem. Built entirely by me, these workers form the backbone of system operations and maintenance, ensuring uninterrupted service, data consistency, and machine-server communication.
Tech Stack & Integration:
.NET Core Worker Services (C#) for long-running background processes
PostgreSQL with Entity Framework Core for persistent, scalable data storage
REST API for secure internal communication and manual process triggering
TB OrderAutomated Intelligent Ordering Engine
Smart, reliable service that automates restocking across vending machine networks. It schedules orders and triggers urgent replenishments to keep machines stocked without manual effort. Designed to optimize supply chain efficiency and prevent stockouts, TB Order scales effortlessly from small setups to large enterprise operations.
Runs on: Central Server
Key features:
Operates in two intelligent modes:
Main Cycle - periodic ordering based on customer schedules
Critical Cycle - urgent replenishment triggered by low stock
Advanced ordering logic that:
Accounts for supplier constraints (e.g., minimum order quantities)
Aggregates demand across multiple locations
Prevents over-ordering by tracking current and in-transit stock
Flexible order outputs:
Email-ready attachments (PDF, Excel, CSV) for suppliers
Order tracking via TB WMS web interface
Automated delivery manifests sent to vending machines
Optional REST API integration for ERP systems to enable full automation
Designed for extensibility: Adapts to diverse needs from small-scale to enterprise supply chains
Keeps your operations visible and responsive with automated alerts and customized reporting. It delivers timely insights to the right people, helping teams react quickly to machine issues or performance changes. Whether it’s real-time notifications or scheduled reports, TB Report ensures critical information never gets missed.
Runs on: Central Server
Key features:
Automated Email Alerts for:
Failed dispenses
Low stock levels
Hardware warnings
Other critical vending machine events
Context-Rich Attachments:
Include logs, photos, or video clips for enhanced diagnostics
Custom Report Generation:
Based on user-defined schedules and templates
Supports Excel, PDF, and CSV formats
Multi-Channel Delivery:
Via email or TB WMS web interface
Designed for flexibility: Tailored to customer needs, supporting fast reactions and operational transparency
TB SyncReliable Two-Way Synchronization Engine
Ensures your data stays consistent across all vending machines and the central server even in challenging network conditions. With real-time updates, smart conflict handling, and offline resilience, it keeps your distributed system in perfect sync without manual intervention.
Runs on: Central Server & Vending Machine
Key features:
Real-Time Change Detection
Monitors critical records (users, products, transactions, inventory, restrictions, etc.)
Two-Way Sync
Transfers updates between machines and the central server in both directions
Reliable Offline Handling
Queues updates during connectivity loss and syncs once restored
Deployment-Aware Behavior:
The sync logic is designed to adapt based on where it’s deployed, making it suitable for complex setups with variable network conditions.
Custom Conflict Resolution
Resolves overlapping changes and partial failures using built-in safety logic
Deployment-Aware Behavior:
Resolves overlapping changes and partial failures using built-in safety logic
Deployment-aware: Adapts to network conditions and location, ensuring robust sync and conflict resolution
Keeps vending machines up to date automatically and unobtrusively. Designed to run in the background, it checks for new software versions, downloads updates intelligently, and installs them during idle times—keeping systems current without interrupting service.
Runs on: Vending Machine
Key features:
Periodic Version Checks
Regular polling of the central server for new updates
Intelligent Background Downloading
Retrieves update packages without disrupting machine operations
Idle-Time Installation
Applies updates only when the machine is not in use
Visual Feedback
Displays an “Update in Progress” screen for clarity
Update Capabilities Include:
Software binary replacement
Initialization file updates (XML, INI)
Database schema migrations
Embedded OS and system-level updates via PowerShell
Self-Updating Logic
The agent can update itself to ensure the deployment system remains current
Self-updating: Ensures deployment agent and system software remain current with minimal disruption
TB BackupDistributed Database Backup Service
Quietly safeguards your data with automated, scheduled backups on both central servers and vending machines. Lightweight and reliable, it ensures quick recovery when needed—without putting strain on system resources.
Runs on: Central Server & Vending Machines
Key features:
Independent Operation
Each device manages its own backup process
Configurable Scheduling
Set backup intervals to fit your operational needs
Simple File-Based Backups
Stored in organized folder structures for easy retrieval
Low Resource Footprint
Runs silently in the background with minimal system impact
Purpose:
Provides critical data protection with no additional operational overhead
Critical data protection: Automated, low-impact backups for fast recovery and peace of mind
TB Watch DogProcess Health Monitor
Keeps your systems running smoothly by monitoring the health of critical applications and services. It ensures high uptime across central servers and vending machines with automated restarts and zero need for manual intervention—even in the event of crashes or network disruptions.
Runs on: Central Server & Vending Machines
Key features:
Monitored Components:
WPF frontends (e.g., operator/customer UIs)
Web applications
Background/worker services
Automatically launches required services at boot
Periodic Health Checks
Ensures all monitored processes are running and responsive
Centralized & Local Operation
Works independently on both server and vending machines, resilient to network issues
Key Responsibilities:
Startup Orchestration
Self-Healing Logic
Restarts crashed or frozen processes to prevent service disruptions
Purpose:
Enables continuous, hands-off operation by minimizing downtime and ensuring system reliability
Continuous, hands-off operation: Maximizes uptime and reliability with automated monitoring and self-healing logic
TB VConverterAutomated Video Compression Tool
Helps preserve video traceability without draining storage or performance. Running quietly in the background, it compresses raw video footage into efficient MP4 files ideal for long-term storage and easy transfer.
Runs on: Vending Machines
Key features:
Source Format:
AVI files recorded by vending machine cameras
Output Format:
Compressed MP4 optimized for space efficiency
Background Operation:
Scheduled to run during processor idle times
Avoids impact on critical machine tasks
Performance-Oriented Design:
Minimal system load, optimized for embedded environments
Purpose:
Maintains high video traceability while preserving storage and bandwidth
Optimized traceability: Maintains video records efficiently for storage and transfer with minimal system impact
