Introduction
The journey to rebuilding the MineEco system—MineEco being the name of my project—began with my trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. In 2019, I launched MineOrder, which faced significant challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While this setback was disappointing, it provided valuable lessons for future projects.
Returning to the Niagara Falls region in 2023 and spending several months there, I conducted extensive research into the market potential for a new system. This research was pivotal in shaping the MineEco system, which is grounded in the principles of mobility, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. MinePOS provides a flexible, software-based solution for seamless operation across various devices and platforms, while MinePOP streamlines the checkout process to reduce costs and enhance efficiency for retailers.
The Inspiration
My initial goal in the Niagara Falls region was to explore opportunities for starting a software development company. However, I faced significant barriers, including high costs and elevated unemployment rates among developers in the regions. The Covid-19 pandemic further impacted the business environment, leading to a noticeable downturn.
These challenges prompted me to reconsider my approach. Rather than pursuing a new software development business, I chose to leverage the insights gained from these experiences to pivot my strategy. This shift in perspective was instrumental in shaping the MineEco system.
Research and Planning
To better understand the local market, I engaged with businesses and stores in the Niagara Falls area. These conversations revealed the barriers within the software development industry and highlighted the need for alternative solutions.
From these discussions, it became evident that the software development industry had significant barriers, making it a less viable path for me. The high costs and competitive nature of the industry reinforced the need for a different approach. I found myself questioning whether to continue with the original approach or pivot to something new.
Instead of following a traditional software development path, I explored new approaches that would address local business needs while circumventing industry challenges. This research ultimately guided the conceptualization of the MineEco system, designed to offer innovative and adaptable solutions based on the insights gained.
Concept Development
With a clearer understanding of the market, I began re-researching global POS and checkout systems, focusing particularly on Canada, the US, Australia, Singapore, and Vietnam—countries where I have lived or visited. This involved examining industry standards, market conditions, and the necessity of traditional POS setups.
A key aspect of my research was questioning the necessity of hardware for running a store with a POS system. Specifically, I explored whether businesses truly needed traditional POS setups or if there were alternative solutions for functions like printing receipts. This questioning was crucial in shaping my approach to developing a more adaptable system.
By comparing these insights with the existing MineOrder system, I identified areas for improvement and adaptation. This led to the creation of the MineEco system, which features software-based solutions like MinePOS and MinePOP. These solutions are designed to be more flexible and cost-effective, allowing businesses to operate efficiently without being tied to traditional POS and hardware constraints.
Initial Challenges
MineOrder’s outdated technical stacks presented significant challenges when revisiting the project. These outdated technologies made it difficult to move forward and required a substantial overhaul to meet current industry standards.
Additionally, I reached out to various potential collaborators to discuss the possibility of reforming MineOrder and collaborating. However, I faced rejections due to several factors, including differing visions, the high demands and high risks of the project.
In response to these challenges, I decided to go by myself and opted to use modern technologies such as MAUI for app development and .NET Core for microservices. This decision was crucial for building a system capable of adapting to rapid infrastructure changes and meeting current industry standards. Collaborators were deterred by the project's technical complexity, high resource demands, and ambitious goals, which posed significant risks and required specialized expertise.
End of Part 1
This concludes Part 1 of my series. In the next installment, Part 2: Building the MineEco System, I will delve into the process of constructing and implementing the ecosystem. I’ll share insights and experiences on setting up the Mine Ecosystem, focusing on both technical and strategic aspects which may help startups having a full picture of how to build a high scale system, not a product or an application.
Lesson learned: Embrace the desire for self-improvement and seek better approaches to help yourself and others. Unexpected journeys often lead us to where we truly belong. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore new adventures. Growth and meaningful experiences often come from taking bold steps beyond familiar boundaries.
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