Desktop App Guide

The Backbone MRP desktop app runs natively on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is the primary tool for day-to-day manufacturing operations.

Installation

After creating an account, on the User Profile Page in the web based portal, there is a link to the downloads page, where the user can download the installer for your operating system. Run the installer and follow the on-screen steps. The app connects to the same Backbone MRP account you use on the web. All data is stored in the cloud.

Who can download the app: The downloads page is available to company admins and internal members of a company — the desktop app is an internal-team tool. If you were invited as an external (customer‑portal) user, you don't need the app: your orders, shipments, and invoices are read-only in the browser. See External Customer Access.

The downloads page lists each available installer with its version, file size, and a published SHA-256 checksum. The Windows installer is code-signed by Custom Intelligence, LLC (via SSL.com), so Windows shows that name as the verified publisher when you run it. If you like, you can confirm a download is intact by comparing its checksum against the value on the page — the exact command to run is shown on each installer's card.

macOS first launch: The Mac build is not yet notarized by Apple, so the first time you open it, right-click (or Control-click) the app in Applications and choose Open. If it is still blocked, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and click Open Anyway. Apple signing and notarization are on the way.

Logging In

The app remembers your login between sessions, so you won't necessarily need to sign in each time you open it. The app will auto-login when launched, unless your login token has expired or you explicitly sign out.

Session expiration time is controlled by your organization's administrator. The default setting is 30 minutes.

Company Settings →

The Workbench

The Workbench is the main interface component of the desktop application. Each workbench window is tied to a single company, and features open as tabs across the top of the window. Tabs can be dragged out into windows of their own and dragged between windows, so one company can be worked on across several windows or screens at once.

Workbench details →

Windows & Tabs details →

What You Can Do in the Desktop App

The workbench toolbar gives access to the day-to-day operational features of Backbone MRP:

Parts — the master catalog of parts and inventory items, plus Part Collections for named lists of parts.
Sales — Customers, Open Orders, Open Shipments, and Open Invoices.
Reports — summary and line-item reports for orders, shipments, and invoices, exportable to spreadsheets.
Settings — the Accounts, Order Terms, Ship Vias, and Exchange Rates reference lists, plus QuickBooks settings.
QuickBooks — connect to QuickBooks Online to export and link customers and invoices.
Refresh, Tips, and the AI Assistant — tools that help keep data current and answer questions as you work.

Tip: When you ask the in-app AI Assistant about one of these features, it can give you a link that opens the matching tab directly in the desktop app.