Latest version Nov 25
This document outlines the recommended Hardware and Software Specifications for running Navigator.
The specifications below are for running Navigator on a PC only. The requirements of other applications (eg e-mail, spreadsheet, franchise interfaces etc) should be considered in addition to this.
The ideal minimum specification of PC supported by Navigator is:
Dual Core Processor
Windows 11 Professional (64 bit edition)
8GB RAM
10GB disk space
Widescreen Monitor – running 1920 x 1080 resolution or higher.
Microsoft Office 365 Desktop
(Microsoft Office 365 is optional, however is a requirement for Management Accounts, DOC production and letter generation using Word)
This is a standard configuration typically available from 2019.
Navigator will run on Virtualised PC clients such as Remote Desktop, Citrix or similar - providing the users have privileges to install software updates. However, no support is given on this and users should ensure the application runs as expected.
Navigator is also supported on an Apple Mac – with an installed Virtual system such as Parallels or VMWare Fusion running Windows 11. Both ARM64 and Intel configurations work but again no support is given for these configurations.
Please note that Navigator receives continuous updates, which slowly, over time, increase the demands on the PC being used to run Navigator. In addition, the third party software required to run Navigator (such as Microsoft Windows) also continues to be upgraded. Therefore, from time to time, the minimum PC specification supported by Navigator needs to be reviewed.
Also be sure to check the settings on the PC for the correct settings, i.e. regional settings etc, to ensure there are no date issues.
For dealers with a Workshop, Navigator provides a Touch Screen based Technicians Clock (as an alternative to the Navigator App).
This requires a Windows PC with a Touch Screen monitor.
This can be configured in several ways :-
DMS provides a touch screen monitor that can be attached to an existing PC. This is the monitor above (you can purchase this elsewhere without a problem). This has proved to be a high quality and reliable touch screen monitor in this environment.
This monitor is available from online marketplaces such as Amazon.. It must be connected to an existing PC with either an HDMI output. The PC must be to the PC specification as above. This is the most cost effective way to configure a Technician’s Clock using an existing PC Base unit.
This can be achieved in one of two ways.
It is possible to buy all-in-one pcs where the computer is built into the screen. This is a neatly packaged solution, but you should be aware that a fault in either the monitor or the PC may require complete replacement of the unit. DMS can supply such a PC, please refer to your Project Manager
Alternatively, a complete PC with a separate base unit can be supplied. A half-way house option is available using a micro PC which can be mounted to the back of a touch screen monitor. Again, these can be purchased via your Project Manager.
Please note that Navigator does not support dot matrix printers. Inkjet or Laser printers are supported providing that they can be printed to from the local PC. For volume printing, laser printers should be considered in preference to ink-jet. Please note that very low-end laser printers (referred to as GDI printers) often do not work well with Navigator. This specifically includes low-end printers from Samsung, Dell and Xerox. Please contact DMS for advice if you are unsure so we can help.
For double sided printing, then a duplex printer will be required.
If you have a requirement for either different paper / card or colour for different printing, then a dual binned printer may be required. Further discussions on this can be had, by request.
A retail point of sale till consists of a normal Navigator PC, with an optional touch screen monitor, a receipt printer, till drawer, barcode scanner and normally a barcode printer to print labels for products.
We recommend the following products :-
Any touch screen monitor with drivers for Windows will work, but in particular monitors from ELO and IIyama work well. ELO also make monitors with built in pcs – these also work well, but ensure that they are running full Windows 10/11 and not Windows Retail Embedded – which Navigator does not run on.
The Bixolon Receipt printer (eg the SRP-275iiii) with USB connection is suitable for Navigator. Note that Navigator does not support network connected receipt printers. The printer should have the “option” port to support the cash drawer.
Any cash drawer that supports the aux capability of the Bixolon printer will work fine with Navigator. “Star” Cash drawers work well.
Again “keyboard” bar scanner will work well – these plug in as USB devices to the pc and work just like a keyboard so anything scanned is treated like it was typed at the keyboard.
There are two types of barcode scanner: -
Handheld – as they same you pick the scanner up. Two types – single line and omni scanners (the second are better when the barcode isn’t presented straight) - a good model here is the Honeywell 1200G
Hands free – these are not designed to be picked up and generally work with the barcode held further away. The Honeywell “Orbit” range of scanners work well.
Bar code printer
Navigator supports the Zebra Direct Thermal Printer ZD220-4 I printers for barcodes. We require a specific label as well. (45mm x 35mm single row)
For on-site solutions, the PC requires the ability to access the on-site server across the local network.
For hosted solutions the PC requires free unrestricted (non-franchised) access through company firewalls and routers to the internet, using port 443 (https/ssl).
Marketing and Accounting systems (Management Accounts) require MS Office 365 Desktop Version
Please check with your own IT provider to ensure that Navigator can be loaded and will receive scheduled updates. If there is any query in relation to this, please contact us at DMS so we can provide appropriate advice.
Technicians using the Navigator Vehicle Health or using the Navigator App will require a hand held device to record health checks, videos and take images.
The recommended device for the technician is the Samsung X Cover 5 device - as a ruggedised device. Navigator will run on any Android or IOS device running versions of Android or IOS released within 3 years.
This can be purchased simply online from Amazon or similar.
Version Control :
V2.5 Feb 2018 – Updated PC Specification
V3.0 March 2020 – Updated for details on Technicians Touch Screen
V3.1 July 2021 – Added VHC Devices
V4.0 April 2022 – Added Till specification
V5.0 Nov 2022 – Added note about 64 bit versions of Windows
V5.1 July 2023 – updated for Navigator App
V5.2 Feb 2025 – updated PC Specification
V5.3 Nov 25 - updated for latest App specification
