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We
can integrate with any stand alone or networked system.
Our applications are compliant with all databases including
Access, MySQL, SQL Server, FileMaker and others. We have
provided some representations of common integration.
Call us for more information.
Understanding Synchronization
One of the most consistent terms used when discussing handheld
or mobile applications is Sync or Synchronization. This
is the process by which handheld and a computer communicate.
The process is a two way process. Using the inspection
illustration above as a generic process, an inspection
is scheduled by a supervisor and "parked" waiting for the
inspector to get the new information. When the inspector
syncs their handheld, the computer recognizes their specific
unit and releases only their jobs (for the day, shift, week).
The inspector uses the handheld to answer questions or record
data which is saved on the PDA.
When the inspector syncs his PDA, the information
is moved to
the computer (the manner to be discussed later), the system
sends the data to a data base that can retrieve the
information for reports or analysis. The desktop
application allows input, retrieval, and administration of the
information.
The aspect of this process that is frequently
overlooked is that the system synchronizes the handheld and the
PC simultaneously. This means that information is sent
and received at the same time.
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Stand Alone Application
This configuration is the most
common. A handheld can sync with a single PC through
various ways: a cradle, direct connection through a USB cable, IR
Port, or wirelessly though a local area network or LAN.
The information from the handheld is stored on the PC's
database to create reports or store data. This process
is similar to field information being recorded on paper and
then the data is re-entered into a spreadsheet. The
spread sheet must be sorted and arranged as many times as
variations dictate. This process eliminates the re entry
paradigm entirely.
Pros: Least expensive. Does
not require much administration. Data transfer is very
fast and secure. No data reentry.
Cons: Handhelds must physically sync with a PC.
The client is
generally a user's desktop/laptop
with separate database management in a Server or company
mainframe. The
Server is usually a more powerful machine that services many clients
and has a large storage capacity. Each
workstation or client has direct access to the server which is
very common in large companies that need to store data in a
structure for queries and uploading information. All day
to day functions (managing
projects, scheduling, generating reports) is
implemented on client side. In other words, a desktop PC has
all the functionality to use a particular software but the
actual "guts" of the program are not stored on the PCs hard
drive.
This solution, however does have a number of limitations. When
the number of users exceed some quantity, response speed
begins to deteriorate.
Pros: High productivity, high reliability, good security of stored data,
and the user interface can be of
any complexity.
Cons: Limited growth potential and the system is designed to serve Local Area Network
clients (for example within the Corporate Headquarters).
Connections from outside the network can be provided the proper security in place.
Software modifications on client workstations must be
updated frequently.
Wide Area Networks (Mainframes
with remote users)
The Client/Server orientation
was replaced by Wide Area Networks (WAN) to overcome some
inherent limitations. In the WAN environment, a middle layer
was added between the user/client environment
and the server environment.
This solution possess
its own database (similar to a departmental database), main application,
such as Oracle, and client
software such as Windows or a proprietary application. Several workstations connect to the server
to enable multiple office personnel or administrators to
perform various functions. such as add new projects, schedule inspections,
obtain reports, or upload
inspection results. Since application server performs all/part
of the computing function (manage projects, schedule inspections,
generate reports) there is no need to have powerful client
workstations (PC's) or comprehensive IT facilities for
modifications/installation. This solution is much more secure because direct
access to the server and the database is excluded. For the convenience
of clients, multiple users can access the database at the same
time.
Pros: High security of stored
data, simplified maintenance, high productivity, high
reliability, good scalability, multiple sessions (simultaneous
operation of several users), user interface of any complexity,
and easy access to data. There is also the possibility of
accessing data using HTTP/HTTPS (translation: internet
capable) PC's that can access
a system from any point worldwide. Standard
configurations operate under MS Windows
operating systems. Clients for other operating systems (MacOS,
Linux) must be implemented separately.
Cons: High costs due to complexity of
development.
The best
enterprise level application places the application and database in web-server. Users
can access it using any web-browser (AOL, Roadrunner, etc). Users can use any platform they like Mac ®, MS
Windows ®, Linux ® to append new projects, schedule inspections
and get reports. A PDA can wirelessly sync as well as long as
it is
connected to Internet (for example, using cell phone, wireless
data transfer, Bluetooth, or 802.11 hot spots like at
Starbucks). If the wireless aspects are not available, the sync module must be set up on
a Desktop
with MS Windows Active Sync for Pocket PC or Active Sync for
Palm and be accessible for end users to collect
gathered data. Security of the connection would be
provided by encryption and access to different application
levels
would be provided only after user password verification. This
solution provides high flexibility,
platform independence, and light scaling. The administration
of the application to add/modify/delete
functions would only need to changed on one server. The user
wouldn’t even notice that something has changed. This
application is well suited for companies that want both
internal and external customers to have access to information.
An example of this need would be allowing customers to acquire
reports from field personnel without having to wait for
the paper flow to make it through the system. By the
same token, internal and external customers can place
information on the web server to be used by field personnel.
In a wireless environment, that information is available in
near real time.
Have questions? Email me at
pat.murphy@uplynx.com |
