Getting Started with SAAS Platform¶

This guide will help you get up and running with the SAAS Platform quickly, whether you're an end user, administrator, or developer.

Prerequisites¶

Before you begin, ensure you have:

Valid Account: SAAS Platform account with appropriate permissions
Modern Browser: Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, Safari 14+, or Edge 90+
Stable Internet: Reliable internet connection for optimal performance
Email Access: Access to your registered email for notifications

Quick Start for End Users¶

1. Account Access¶

First-time Users

1. Check your email for the invitation link
2. Click "Accept Invitation" in the email
3. Set up your password and security preferences
4. Complete the onboarding wizard

Existing Users

1. Navigate to https://app.optim.com
2. Enter your email and password
3. Complete 2FA if enabled
4. Select your workspace/tenant

2. Initial Setup¶

Profile Configuration

Personal Information
Update your profile picture
Set your display name and contact information
Configure your timezone and language preferences
Notification Preferences
Choose email notification settings
Configure in-app notification preferences
Set up mobile push notifications (if using mobile app)
Security Settings
Enable two-factor authentication (highly recommended)
Review active sessions and devices
Set up backup authentication methods

3. Dashboard Overview¶

Main Dashboard Components

Quick Actions: Most-used features and shortcuts
Recent Activity: Your latest actions and updates
Notifications: System and tenant notifications
Analytics Widget: Key metrics and insights
Task Summary: Pending tasks and assignments

Navigation

Left Sidebar: Main navigation menu
Top Bar: Search, notifications, and user menu
Breadcrumbs: Current page location
Quick Access: Favorite features and bookmarks

4. Essential Features¶

User Management (if you have permissions)

1. Navigate to Users section
2. Invite new users via email
3. Assign roles and permissions
4. Manage user groups and teams

Data Management

1. Import existing data using CSV uploads
2. Connect third-party integrations
3. Set up automated data synchronization
4. Configure data validation rules

Reporting

1. Access pre-built report templates
2. Create custom reports using the report builder
3. Schedule automated report delivery
4. Export data in multiple formats

Quick Start for Administrators¶

1. Tenant Setup¶

Initial Configuration

1. Access Admin Panel at https://admin.optim.com
2. Complete tenant configuration wizard
3. Set up custom branding and domain
4. Configure security policies and settings

User Management

1. Import user list via CSV or directory sync
2. Set up user roles and permission matrices
3. Configure SSO integration (if applicable)
4. Establish user onboarding workflows

2. Subscription Management¶

Plan Configuration

Choose Subscription Tier
Review available plans and features
Select appropriate tier for your organization
Configure billing preferences and payment methods
Usage Monitoring
Set up usage alerts and limits
Configure auto-scaling policies
Monitor license compliance
Billing Setup
Configure billing contacts and addresses
Set up payment methods and invoicing
Establish purchase order workflows (Enterprise)

3. Integration Setup¶

Core Integrations

# SSO Integration (SAML/OAuth)
1. Configure identity provider settings
2. Map user attributes and roles
3. Test SSO login workflow
4. Enable automatic user provisioning

# Third-party Services
1. Connect CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot)
2. Integrate communication tools (Slack, Teams)
3. Set up file storage connections (Google Drive, OneDrive)
4. Configure analytics and reporting tools

4. Security Configuration¶

Security Policies

Password Requirements: Complexity, rotation, and history
Session Management: Timeout, concurrent sessions, and device limits
Access Controls: IP restrictions, VPN requirements, and geographic limits
Data Policies: Retention, backup, and compliance settings

Audit and Compliance

Enable comprehensive audit logging
Set up compliance reporting and alerts
Configure data retention policies
Establish incident response procedures

Quick Start for Developers¶

1. Development Environment¶

Local Setup

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/optim/saas-platform.git
cd saas-platform

# Install dependencies
npm install

# Copy environment configuration
cp .env.example .env

# Configure environment variables
# Edit .env with your settings

# Start development server
npm run dev

Environment Variables

# Database Configuration
DATABASE_URL=postgresql://user:pass@localhost:5432/saas_dev
REDIS_URL=redis://localhost:6379

# Authentication
JWT_SECRET=your-jwt-secret
AUTH0_DOMAIN=your-auth0-domain
AUTH0_CLIENT_ID=your-client-id

# Third-party Services
STRIPE_SECRET_KEY=sk_test_your-stripe-key
SENDGRID_API_KEY=your-sendgrid-key

# Feature Flags
ENABLE_ANALYTICS=true
ENABLE_INTEGRATIONS=true

2. API Access¶

Authentication

// Obtain API token
const response = await fetch("/api/auth/token", {
  method: "POST",
  headers: {
    "Content-Type": "application/json",
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    email: "your-email@example.com",
    password: "your-password",
  }),
});

const { token } = await response.json();

// Use token in subsequent requests
const apiResponse = await fetch("/api/users", {
  headers: {
    Authorization: `Bearer ${token}`,
    "Content-Type": "application/json",
  },
});

Basic API Usage

// Create a new user
const newUser = await fetch("/api/users", {
  method: "POST",
  headers: {
    Authorization: `Bearer ${token}`,
    "Content-Type": "application/json",
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    email: "newuser@example.com",
    name: "New User",
    role: "user",
  }),
});

// Get tenant information
const tenant = await fetch("/api/tenant", {
  headers: {
    Authorization: `Bearer ${token}`,
  },
});

// Update subscription
const subscription = await fetch("/api/subscription", {
  method: "PUT",
  headers: {
    Authorization: `Bearer ${token}`,
    "Content-Type": "application/json",
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    plan: "professional",
    billing_cycle: "monthly",
  }),
});

3. Custom Development¶

Component Development

// Custom React component
import React from "react";
import { useQuery } from "react-query";
import { getTenantUsers } from "../api/users";

export const UserList: React.FC = () => {
  const { data: users, isLoading } = useQuery("users", getTenantUsers);

  if (isLoading) return <div>Loading...</div>;

  return (
    <div>
      {users?.map((user) => (
        <div key={user.id}>
          <h3>{user.name}</h3>
          <p>{user.email}</p>
        </div>
      ))}
    </div>
  );
};

API Endpoint Development

// Custom API endpoint
import { NextApiRequest, NextApiResponse } from "next";
import { authenticate, authorize } from "../../../lib/auth";
import { getTenantUsers } from "../../../lib/database";

export default async function handler(
  req: NextApiRequest,
  res: NextApiResponse
) {
  if (req.method !== "GET") {
    return res.status(405).json({ message: "Method not allowed" });
  }

  try {
    const user = await authenticate(req);
    await authorize(user, "read:users");

    const users = await getTenantUsers(user.tenantId);
    res.status(200).json(users);
  } catch (error) {
    res.status(401).json({ message: "Unauthorized" });
  }
}

Testing Environment¶

Sandbox Access¶

URL: https://sandbox.optim.com
Test Data: Pre-populated with sample data
API Testing: Full API access with test credentials
No Charges: All sandbox usage is free

Test Credentials¶

Admin User:
Email: admin@sandbox.optim.com
Password: SandboxAdmin123!

Regular User:
Email: user@sandbox.optim.com
Password: SandboxUser123!

API Key: sk_test_sandbox_key_12345

Common First Steps¶

1. Data Import¶

# CSV Import via API
curl -X POST https://api.optim.com/import \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -H "Content-Type: multipart/form-data" \
  -F "file=@users.csv" \
  -F "type=users"

# Bulk import via UI
1. Navigate to Data Import section
2. Select import type (Users, Products, etc.)
3. Upload CSV file
4. Map columns to fields
5. Review and confirm import

2. Customization¶

Branding: Upload logo, set colors, customize themes
Workflows: Configure approval processes and automation
Integrations: Connect external systems and APIs
Reports: Create custom dashboards and reports

3. Training Resources¶

Video Tutorials: Step-by-step feature walkthroughs
Documentation: Comprehensive user guides
Webinars: Live training sessions and Q&A
Support: Dedicated onboarding assistance

Troubleshooting Common Issues¶

Password Reset
Use "Forgot Password" link on login page
Check spam folder for reset email
Contact admin if still unable to access
2FA Issues
Use backup codes if primary method fails
Contact support to reset 2FA settings
Ensure device time is synchronized

Performance Issues¶

Slow Loading
Clear browser cache and cookies
Disable browser extensions temporarily
Check internet connection speed
Feature Not Working
Verify user permissions for the feature
Check system status page
Try in incognito/private browser mode

Data Issues¶

Import Failures
Verify CSV format matches template
Check for special characters or encoding issues
Ensure data meets validation requirements
Sync Problems
Check integration status and credentials
Verify network connectivity
Review sync logs for error details

Next Steps¶

After completing the initial setup:

User Guide - Explore all platform features
Admin Guide - Advanced administrative features
API Documentation - Integrate with external systems
Best Practices - Optimization and security tips
Support Resources - Additional help and resources

Getting Help¶

Help Center: Built-in help and documentation
Support Tickets: Submit requests through the platform
Live Chat: Available during business hours
Community Forum: User discussions and tips
Emergency Support: 24/7 for Enterprise customers

Need additional assistance? Contact our support team at saas-support@optim.com or through the in-app help system.