Professional warehouse alert system for shipping manifests with voice announcements and real-time synchronization.

1. Install Python: Download from python.org
   • ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Check "Add Python to PATH" during installation
2. Install Git: Download from git-scm.com

1. Create folder: Make a new folder where you want the application (e.g., C:\ManifestAlerts)
2. Download installer: Save INSTALL.bat to that folder from GitHub
3. Run installer: Double-click INSTALL.bat and follow prompts
4. Launch app: Use desktop shortcut or Start Menu

✅ Installer automatically creates:

• Desktop shortcut with application icon
• Start Menu entry for easy access
• All required dependencies and virtual environment
• System tray integration for background operation

To update to the latest version:

1. Run same file: Double-click INSTALL.bat in your application folder
2. Automatic update: The installer detects existing installation and updates it
3. Settings preserved: Your configuration and data are automatically backed up and restored
4. Shortcuts updated: Desktop and Start Menu shortcuts are refreshed automatically

Launch the application:

• Double-click desktop shortcut "Manifest Alert System"
• Or press Windows key and type "Manifest Alert"
• Or click Start Menu → "Manifest Alert System"

For troubleshooting:

• Use launch_diagnostic.bat to see detailed status
• All issues and solutions are shown clearly

YourFolder/
├── INSTALL.bat                      # One installer for everything  
├── main.py                          # Application files
├── alert_display.py                 # (and other Python files)
├── .venv/                          # Virtual environment (automatic)
├── data/                           # Your settings
├── logs/                           # Acknowledgment history  
├── resources/                      # Icons and sounds
├── Desktop Shortcut Created        # Easy access
└── Start Menu Entry Created        # Professional integration

• 🔥 Ultra-Fast Sync: 0.5s acknowledgment updates across PCs
• 🎙️ Voice Announcements: Professional text-to-speech alerts with snooze integration
• 👤 User Tracking: Custom names and accountability logging
• 🖥️ Multi-PC Support: Share data via Google Drive or network folders
• 🖱️ System Tray Control: Complete application control from taskbar menu
• 📺 Enhanced Display: Larger fonts optimized for warehouse TV displays
• 🔄 Smart Snooze: Professional window management during break periods
• 🖥️ Multi-Monitor: Direct monitor selection with intelligent switching
• ⚡ Professional UI: Windows integration with taskbar and system tray
• 🔄 Auto-Updates: Simple update process preserves all settings
• 🖼️ Desktop Integration: Automatic shortcut creation and Start Menu entries

• Modern Framework: Upgraded from PyQt5 to PyQt6 for better performance and future compatibility
• Enhanced Audio: Improved multimedia support with Qt6 audio systems
• Better Compatibility: Support for latest Windows versions and Python 3.13
• Silent Operation: Console window suppression for professional deployment

• Automatic Shortcuts: Desktop and Start Menu shortcuts created/updated automatically
• Smart Dependencies: Compatible package versions (PyQt6 6.8.1, pywin32 310)
• Update Process: 4-step update process preserves settings and refreshes shortcuts
• Error Recovery: Comprehensive error handling with clear solutions

• 📏 Enhanced Message Display: 44% larger fonts for better warehouse visibility
• 🖱️ Complete System Tray Menu: Access all functions from taskbar
• 🖥️ Smart Monitor Switching: Direct monitor selection with current monitor indicator
• 😴 Professional Snooze: True window management relief during breaks
• 🔇 Complete Audio Control: Unified snooze handling for all audio systems

• GUI Framework: PyQt6 v6.8.1 (modern Qt6 framework)
• Audio System: Qt6 Multimedia with hardware acceleration
• Windows Integration: pywin32 v310 for native Windows features
• File Management: winshell v0.6 for shortcut creation
• Text-to-Speech: pyttsx3 v2.90 with system voice engines

• OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit recommended)
• Python: 3.9+ (3.13 recommended, auto-installed with dependencies)
• Memory: 50MB RAM usage (lightweight background operation)
• Storage: 150MB for full installation including virtual environment
• Network: Optional (for multi-PC synchronization via shared folders)

"Python is not recognized"

• Reinstall Python from python.org
• Check "Add Python to PATH" during installation

"Git is not recognized"

• Install Git from git-scm.com
• Restart Command Prompt after installation

Application won't start

• Run launch_diagnostic.bat for detailed status
• Follow the on-screen suggestions

Need help?

• All error messages include clear solutions
• Run INSTALL.bat again to fix most issues

🏭 Ready for warehouse deployment with professional reliability and zero-maintenance operation.