An advantage of the rich client local code and local processing base is its facility to allow operators to work on the system offline. This allows a variety of operators to use the system in different scenarios, environments and locations. So for example, a sales rep on the road could sit with a customer and browse products and input an order without the need to be connected to any other system externally. Upon returning to the office data caching can then take place once access to the database is restored and any orders can be confirmed.

A primary objective of vKDS was to appeal to the operators and to that end effective form design has been afforded in a variety of ways, such as:

Smart Controls – this minimises errors by restricting data entry to only valid data through the use of parameter controls. This assists the operator not only by guiding them as to valid input but also helps to preserve the integrity of the system as the data must be validated before it is accepted into the database.

Affordance – intuitive operation is afforded by the use of drop down menus wherever possible combined with integrated help text. This minimises the training required for new operators.

Error handling – Any errors present on a form are automatically highlighted to the operator in a single instance when attempting to commit data. This can significantly speed up data entry and relieves operator frustration.

Grids – comprehensive data manipulation and drill down tools enable different data fields to be easily combined in one place in a grid format for easy comparison and simple report creation.

Presentation – Through the use of ‘skins’ it is possible to change the look and feel of the system. For example, using different colour schemes and even ‘fun’ themes such as Hallowe’en and Valentine’s Day. The system will also adopt the look of the relevant version of Windows that you are running and will remain compatible with future releases.

Flexible reporting and data exporting – the development of your own reports is very simple and versatile and it is also very easy to export or cut and paste information into other applications, for example other Windows applications such as Word or Excel.

Local data caching – by utilising the power of the PC instant performance can be achieved for the operator who is no longer dependent on the performance of the server network.