VB.Net ERP Framework Prototype

I’m putting together a lightweight ERP foundation and need a clean, well-structured VB.Net solution that I can grow over time. The stack is fixed—VB.Net with DevExpress WinForms controls on the front end and PostgreSQL on the back.

Core scope
The project centres on three building blocks: a secure login screen, a ribbon-style main menu, and one fully functional CRUD form that will serve as the model for future modules. Authentication must recognise three separate roles—Administrator, Manager, and Employee—and enforce granular permissions once the user is inside the application.

Main menu expectations
After a successful login the user should land on a DevExpress-based menu that exposes the Reporting Module, Settings & Preferences, and User Management. Menu items need to show or hide automatically depending on the signed-in role.

CRUD sample
For the showcase form, feel free to use a simple table such as Customers or Products. The form should demonstrate DevExpress grid, add/edit/delete dialogs, validation, paging, and search. All operations must persist to PostgreSQL and respect the active user’s rights.

Deliverables
• Visual Studio solution with commented VB.Net code
• SQL scripts (schema + seed data for roles, users, and the sample table)
• Brief setup guide so I can compile, run, and extend the project

Acceptance criteria
The code compiles without errors, connects to PostgreSQL out of the box, logs users in with role-based access, shows the role-sensitive main menu, and performs full CRUD on the sample entity.

If anything here needs clarification, let me know early so we can lock requirements before you start coding.