System Requirements
Minimum IT-infrastructure parameters required by CAQ.Net-Release from Version 14.01.007.32 onwards
1. System Platform
Windows 10 or Windows 11 (each equipped with the latest updates) 64Bit version.
Hardware – Minimum requirements:
- 2 GB RAM
- 2 GB free space on the hard drive
- Screen resolution: 1024x768
- Microsoft.Net Framework 4.8
Some modules allow a fully automated integration of Microsoft Office (e.g. QBD.Net, Process.Net, Compact.Net etc.). These applications support 32bit or 64bit Microsoft Office versions 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2024 (always equipped with the latest updates).
Please note: MS Office can also be acquired in shape of the Office 365 software and services subscription version. The same system requirements apply for this version.
Cooperation with other applications and the creation of heterogeneous compound documents is facilitated via OLE-links (Object Linking and Embedding). This means that in order to be able to e.g. embed or open PDF files, a PDF viewer must be installed on the client.
2. Server
Microsoft Windows 2016, 2019 and 2022 (always equipped with the latest updates). Microsoft Terminal Server or Citrix are also supported.
Hardware – Minimum requirements:
- 8 GB RAM
- 10 GB free space on the hard drive
- Microsoft.Net Framework 4.8
3. Internet/Intranet and Application Server
On the server side, the intranet/internet functions that are supported by our products run on the most recent Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS) versions from version 10 upwards. Clients require Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or a similar, compatible browser.
Hardware – Minimum requirements:
- 8 GB RAM
- 10 GB free space on the hard drive
- Microsoft.Net Framework 4.8
A central network path is required to which all CAQ.Net users have full access. This shared network path is where e.g. the log-files are stored.
We recommend that a domain user is created who is allocated to the application pool.
Regular backups of the contents of the central network path are the responsibility of the customer.
If document-encoding of MS Office documents is active within the framework of document management and the setting for downloading original documents via the web application is active, a Microsoft Office version must be installed on the server and the application pool user must have the rights required to start MS Office.
4. Databases
All CAQ AG Factory Systems modules use a shared database with an open structure. In the basic configuration, a free-of-charge MS SQL Express database (or an MS Access database for low requirements) can be used. Depending on the number of users and average volume of data, we recommend the implementation of a Microsoft SQL Server (from version 2016 upwards), equipped with the latest updates.
Hardware – Minimum requirements when using a Microsoft SQL database:
- 20 GB free space on the hard drive
- TCP/IP
- Authentication via SQL server or MS Windows authentication mode
- Microsoft SQL Server “Standard” Edition
If (e.g. within the context of complaint processing) objects and corresponding documents are saved in the database, the volume of the database may increase rapidly, depending on average object and document size. When using the document management system QBD.Net, it is possible to save controlled documents (e.g. SOPs, instructions, …) in a central directory or in the CAQ database (recommended). It is advisable to calculate at least double the volume of your current documents and reserve it as additional hard drive space when setting up either the central network path (generally on the application server) or the SQL database.
If the AuditTrail.Net module for data change-tracking is used, a second database will be set up on the SQL server. The minimum system requirements for this database correspond to those mentioned above. When using AuditTrail.Net, the SQL database cannot be installed on the same server as the application server. The CAQ database can be included in an existing SQL server or be set up as a separate instance.
Backups of the database are the responsibility of the customer.
5. Interfaces
The Connect.Net interface module including the openAPI interface facilitates the automatic transfer of data between integrated/shared databases and peripheral systems as well as ERP or MES systems.
The Connect.Net interface module can be run as application or as service. We recommend that you install this module on the application server.
6. Customer-Specific Customizing
CAQ AG Factory Systems’ CAQ applications can be customized to meet individual requirements. Full release capability is ensured and no programming skills are required.
7. User Management
User management can be facilitated either via a network-independent allocation of user names and passwords or by connection to the existing LDAP and allocating specific user rights up to data field level.
8. CAQ.Net in Virtual Environments
Virtual environments with VM-Ware or Hyper-V generally do not pose a problem.
9. Password Verification
Password verification can be facilitated either via a network-independent allocation of user names and passwords or by connection to the existing LDAP or password verification domain controller, and is recommended.
10. Sending E-Mails
It is recommended that you use an SMTP server for e-mail distribution.
It is furthermore recommended that you create a new e-mail account for the CAQ software, which can be specified as default sender in the SMTP server configuration.