Modern
applications are much more complicated than legacy systems which primarily
provide data input and output screens and some batch processes. Complex
interfaces with other systems, ever-changing business rules, automated
workflow processing and robust document generation capabilities are all
required functions in today’s applications. Additionally, providing the end
user with the ability to modify and implement new interfaces, rules or
documents without requiring a large development effort is also highly
desirable. The KAURI Framework supports these needs with highly customizable
and easy-to-use integrated components.
Interfaces
The KAURI Framework uses the
Microsoft BizTalk Editor and Mapper functionality to define interface
formats and processing. With Biztalk Editor, an analyst can define the
layout for each interface file using the graphical design environment. Each
data element of the file can be completely defined as to its type, size and
other properties. Once the interface file is defined, BizTalk Mapper is used
to define how the data fields are mapped between the interface file and the
KAURI application. The BizTalk Mapper comes with many pre-defined and
user-definable conversion functions to perform data transformations.
The KAURI Framework comes with a standard set of case and member files that
can be used for matching and data loading to simplify the interface
development process. Testing of an interface can also be accomplished within
BizTalk to assist with the development effort.
Rules and Workflow
Processing
 Rules
and workflow processing are implemented using the Orchestration
functionality within Microsoft BizTalk. Each KAURI Framework component is
integrated with BizTalk so that only the Orchestration entry has to be
changed when business rules change. The Orchestration process consists of
drawing a simple flow chart of the rules or workflow that is desired. This
is usually performed during Joint Application Development (JAD) sessions so
that all shareholders can see the actual implementation of the process.
Once the flow chart of the process is complete, a developer can link
standard KAURI Framework modules to the flow to provide the desired
application functionality. Some examples of the functionality include
database lookups required for evaluation criteria, documents created,
e-mails sent, interfaces submitted and notices generated to workers. Other
rules or workflow Orchestration processes can also be executed.
Document Generation
The KAURI Framework
incorporates DataLect’s FormQuest software for document generation.
FormQuest’s Publisher component is a powerful, easy-to-use design tool
featuring Microsoft Word as the document editor. Virtually any document or
form can be created. In addition to the word processing features, FormQuest
provides a simple toolbar to access user-defined data dictionaries, image
controls and other features. Once the layout and appearance of a document
has been created, the toolbar can be used to insert any data field, text
box, combo box, graphic or complex computation.
The process of form creation or modification can occur at any time, again
and again, with all the changes being tracked and new versions being made
available to everyone immediately or at a specified date and time. Every
form saved as a final document is retained for future access, thereby
becoming a part of form history. This allows documents to be researched,
reviewed and reprinted whenever needed.
Supplementing the Publisher functionality of FormQuest software are three
additional components that provide the following processing:
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Librarian - allows a user to set up security, build rules, and create a
data dictionary.
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EDocGen - allows a user to select a form, extract information from
external data sources, and enter information directly into the form via
the Web. Once the form has been completed, the form and the information
is automatically saved. The form may be printed, faxed or e-mailed to
another worker or organization.
-
OnSchedule – automatically saves, prints or faxes a document based on a
defined schedule by using a form template and gathering current data,
generating graphs if required, and assembling the document.
For more information,
contact Technology Partnership Group at
info@techpg.com.
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