Benefits of vKDS
During 2008, CSfD embarked on a strategic project to not only update its current development technology, but to take a significant step ahead of its competition as far as technology is concerned. The result is CSfD's Rich Client development platform, based on a C#, .NET compliant architecture.
A contract secured in 2009 to replace one of the MoD's ageing strategic logistic systems proved the concept, completing the project within nine months. Based on the success and experience of this project, we embarked on the task of rewriting our existing KDS application using our new technology environment, Epsilon. The resulting kernel product is known as vKDS.
So what are the advantages of vKDS?
TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT
1. Low risk and relatively inexpensive upgrade to the latest technology
With vKDS, it is possible to replace a single module, part of a module or a specific business process in another system. Whole or part systems can be replaced in a modular fashion and not necessarily in an area/depot/region manner, where one would need a fully developed and tested system before going live at a single location. All replacement functionality can be seamlessly interfaced in real time with existing software causing minimal disruption to operations.
2. Retaining financial and intellectual investment
A major concern replacing existing ERP systems is losing the benefits from years of both financial and intellectual investment in the functionality of systems. This is a particular benefit for existing CSfD customers, as not only will they be able to retain the intellectual investment already made, but they will also be able to replicate this functionality at a fraction of the cost compared to building the required functionality into a new system. If the system is fully based on the existing one, it is feasible to replace the entire system without any involvement from operational staff. This could represent huge savings in terms of project costs. Whilst this is a particular benefit for existing CSfD customers, prospective customers with alternative systems can also preserve particular areas of existing systems where investment has been particularly intense.
3. Compatibility with hardware and complementary software
Due to the widespread use of Windows, a huge number of hardware and software products are compatible, providing more cost effective choices for your business.
4. Optimise investment in hardware, particularly PCs
Although essential to the modern business operation, the processing power of the average office PC is generally under utilised. Because the processing load for the vKDS system happens locally, on the user's PC, not only is that processing power better utilised but it also lowers the strain placed on the central network traffic.
5. vKDS puts you firmly on the path of the rich internet client
The next phase of vKDS development has commenced and will include a rich internet client option, mimicking the characteristics of the desktop application but with the ability to be delivered via a browser over the Internet. This seamless deployment of functionally rich applications over the World Wide Web is considered by many to be the ultimate in system utilisation of application software.
PERFORMANCE
6. Local caching of data to enhance performance
Upon starting the application, it automatically uploads all relevant look up data from a central database into a memory cache to provide a local copy of the database. A 'refresh' function allows all data in the local database to be refreshed on a periodic basis to take account of database updates happening elsewhere in the system. Efficient optimistic record locking prevents two users from accessing the same record simultaneously.
WINDOWS
7. A graphical user interface that is instantly familiar
The use of Windows technology provides an instantly recognisable and familiar look and feel to the system. Due to the widespread use of Windows as an operating system at home and in the office, for the majority of employees Windows is what they know and therefore what they feel comfortable using. This has advantages both in terms of reduced training needs for a new system (feedback from vKDS customer trials has emphasised the intuitive feel of the product), and the comfort factor that such familiarity brings.
8. Standard Windows short cuts available throughout the application
Users familiar with standard Windows short cuts will be able to apply these to vKDS, increasing the feeling of familiarity with the system. For those not familiar with these shortcuts, this knowledge can be easily imparted, allowing them to navigate with ease around the system and perform commands quickly and efficiently.
9. User definable 'skins'
A 'skin' is a custom graphical appearance that can be applied to the software to suit the purpose or taste of different users. Generally this is based on 'themes', such as a specific colour or topic. Skins allow individual users to change the look of their screens to become more aesthetically pleasing. Importantly, skins also allow the user to keep up to date with the latest Windows 'look', automatically updating as new versions of the system are released.
10. Seamless integration into all Windows Office products
As the working world becomes more complex and dynamic, single purpose tools have given way to solutions that weave all our applications and devices in to a seamless whole. vKDS gives you the ability to integrate into all Office products and maximise your return on your technology investment. This is an important feature in today's world of ever changing technology, especially as you don't know where that technology might take you next.
11. Seamless access to Windows utilities
In addition to Office, seamless access is also possible into other applications, for example, those that allow emailing directly from the application. vKDS also utilises Windows print functionality.
SYSTEM FEATURES
12. Drop down menus, look ups and filters for quick access to information
Menu bars display a series of drop down menus, providing access to different parts of the system in a simple and effortless manner. Forms are designed with record lookup boxes for form fill in, including calendars, allowing the user to quickly select an option to enter into a form field. This also prevents users from entering erroneous data as only legitimate choices are permitted and helps preserve the integrity of the system data. Filters allow the user to add extra criteria when selecting data, for example, a list of purchase orders could be selected between certain dates, by supplier or by location, as the user wishes. Upon filter selection, the chosen additional fields are added into the form.
13. More than one system session, accessible via tab keys
It is possible to have several menu options open simultaneously; whilst the system only displays the option you are working on, the tab labels for all other open options are displayed side by side across the width of the screen so you can easily locate the option you want to use. If a high number of options are open, two buttons are automatically displayed to allow the labels to be shifted.
'Hover' type text field
vKDS comes complete with built in help text that can be instantly displayed by 'hovering' the mouse over the relevant field in the form, no need to click additional buttons, search the screen for a display or refer to other media. CSfD is able to provide online manuals in addition.
15. Ability to size fields to show more information
The grid format of the data displays allows you to stretch, restrict, add, delete and move fields to optimise your viewing experience.
16. Flexible search facilities to help locate products and suppliers etc
A smart text feature allows the user to key in the first letter/s or numbers of an item and the system will automatically detect and display data which matches the criteria entered. If this information is not known, extensive browsing functionality allows records to be filtered as part of the search routine.
17. Flexible data selection that can be filtered and modified to suit the system requirements
Extensive filtering capabilities allow data to be selected on the basis of criteria, comparator or value.
18. Drop down 'Last executed' and 'User favourite' programs
Provides an instant list of programs used most recently and most frequently, highlighted in order of frequency.
19. Use of radio buttons and check boxes to improve user's productivity
Radio buttons allow the user to select from either/or field choices with a single click, whilst check boxes allow for single click selection, as appropriate.
20. Variety of methods to navigate between fields
vKDS is designed with flexibility to suit the preference of the user, for example, the user may choose to navigate between fields by mouse click, using the keyboard 'enter' key or 'tab' key.
21. All mandatory fields are identified when a form is accessed
A red circle with a white cross is shown against all fields within a form that must be completed before the data can be saved. This clearly indicates to the user the information required before they can proceed further; if an attempt is made to save the form with one of these mandatory fields not completed, a list of errors is displayed immediately highlighting all missing data requirements.
22. Different screen modes prevent inadvertent keying errors
Users may operate in 'display mode' or 'update mode', but data input can only be saved in 'update mode'.
23. Flexible report writing system that is integral to the application
A multitude of reports can be readily configured from the vKDS system, providing you with information when, and in what format, you need it. Information can be easily filtered, so that you can remove unwanted records before running the report. A full range of functions allows you to search, save, print, alter the page set up and scale to suit your needs. A watermark may be added and reports can be exported using a variety of common formats. Reports can also be emailed. An automatic history is generated for any audit reports.
