DataSplice® Mobile Integration Suite

DataSplice is a rich client-server solution that provides users with configurable mobile access to enterprise data. Our unique approach to CMMS technology enables the basic product to be quickly configured to provide remote access that is tailored exactly to the way you work.

How Does DataSplice Work?

DataSplice connects to ODBC-compliant databases to access and download the necessary data to mobile devices. The DataSplice server can simultaneously connect to any number of databases, meaning you can access information in Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and many other platforms with the same tool.

DataSplice technology also provides a unified, simple interface for a variety of mobile scenarios for use in real-time(wireless) and batch mode(offline).

DataSplice consists of:

• A Server that provides configured access to mobile users,
• A set of interface modules that perform the business rules needed to integrate into the master application,
• An Administration Client that is capable of remotely configuring mobile applications,
• And a Remote Client that provides a unified interface for mobile data access to the end-user.

Opt for Data Integrity, Not Data Complexity

Businesses are presently moving to mobile solutions due to a core of interrelated data problems, including:

• Lack of timely data access and use in the field.
• Desktop applications are complex and time consuming for field staff.
• Inaccurate or incomplete data entries.
• Field staff accumulate extra miles and burn time traveling to a specific site to input data.
• A back log of paperwork that continues to grow at an alarming rate.
• Rampant transcription errors.

In the current market, existing mobile software solutions often fail to fully address these important issues. Application vendors need to have the ability to extend desktop applications to handheld devices, but fail to simplify the user interface or adapt it to real-world mobile workflow patterns.

We address these shortcomings through DataSplice Mobile Integration Suite, a single, easy-to-use, highly configurable user-interface that works across multiple underlying databases and applications.

DataSplice users can access key information when they need it, and in the order they need it. Workers require little retraining to utilize new enterprise applications added to a mobile suite package.

Freedom Starts With A Flexible Mobile Device

The DataSplice Mobile Client can run on any Microsoft Windows® powered operating system, including:

• Pocket PC Handhelds
• Windows CE.NET Devices
• Tablet PC Computers
• Workstations running Windows 98/NT/2000/XP

This offers network administrators the freedom to choose from a wide variety of devices to fit a unique mobile solution, or choose several devices to address specific work team needs.

Cost Savings

DataSplice helps enterprises reduce costs by:

• Cutting the time required to perform basic business tasks.
• Reducing the impact of distance that separates users from the enterprise data they need to complete their work effectively.
• Improving the accuracy of enterprise data by reducing barriers of entry for field personnel. They can update information directly from the job site.

Quick, Simple System Integration Within Days

We realize that the right solution truly depends on your workflow practices. DataSplice solutions are specifically designed to help you implement mobile applications quickly and efficiently to get your staff mobile.

DataSplice implmentations begin with a framework of basic mobile operations, and through a set of proven configuration of steps, can be modified to fit your business needs - instead of forcing your users to adopt work new practices. Typical installations take several days to successfully implement, rather than the weeks or months required by other solutions.

Requirements & Storyboarding

At the start of each project, DataSplice (with the client) reviews and discusses which work processes would be the most cost effective to target for mobile use. A storyboard is created using pre-defined templates to represent the mobile device screens and functionality that end-users will see and use on the handheld. This process helps rapid on-site implementation and creates early user buy-in, both of which help to ensure project success.

Installation

Installation typically takes less than an hour: installing the DataSplice server and configuring it to connect to data sources through ODBC, running the database scripts that provide business rule processing, and installing the Administration Client on administrator workstations.

The Windmill service handles installing the Remote Client on handheld devices, which is as easy as clicking a link on a web page.

View Configuration

DataSplice offers a set of pre-defined views that provide basic work process functionality. These views can be quickly tailored to provide the exact behavior desired for the particular application.

Using the Administration Client, network administrators establish data permissions, work process navigation, the look and feel of the interface, in addition to a number of other parameters that help create a system that works with the end-user in mind.

Training

To ensure the success of DataSplice installations, we offer a full range of training services for administrators and end-users.

Our quick training sessions are tailored to your particular installation package, so that everyone is familiar with the interface they will be using on a daily basis. End-user training is adapted to match any screen modifications and behavioral changes for a particular implementation. Most end-user training sessions are 2 to 3 hours per module.

Our standard administration training sessions are usually 3 to 4 hours long. In addition, there is a 3-day certification course available designed to educate consultants and administrators on how to develop and implement their own DataSplice solutions.

Basic Product Features

DataSplice provides a flexible, application-focused platform for defining enterprise database access for a variety of mobile scenarios.

Centralized Data Access

All data access is performed by the DataSplice server using ODBC, an industry standard database access mechanism. This means that machines running the client software do not need to have any database software installed or configured. The Server manages all data operations on behalf of the remote clients. This enables the software to work the same regardless of where the database servers actually reside.

Access Multiple Data Sources

The DataSplice server can access multiple data sources simultaneously, and provide a consistent interface for end-users. This eliminates the need for expensive upgrades and migrations to standardize your company data on a single database platform. For example, financial data from an Oracle system can easily be combined with inventory data from an SQL Server database and accessed through the same interface remotely.

DataSplice is designed to interoperate with existing applications using the same databases, without disrupting work flow. DataSplice has systems in place to montior for data conflicts and ensure data integrity at all times.

Flexible, Centralized Configuration

DataSplice can be configured to provide access to any existing enterprise database solution. We currently provide configurations for common CMMS tasks:

• Inventory
• Workorder Management
• Equipment, Asset and Condition Monitoring

Any of the product configuations listed above can be molded to match the work flow requirements of your business. The Administration Client feature within DataSplice will then help you customize key data access elements that enable data quality to emerge throughout your business practices. No individual configuration is needed for data use on mobile devices.

Work Process Based Navigation

The Administration Client is used to define navigation between data views that can easily be changed to accomodate any work process. DataSplice can also be configured to display task-specific options only. This feature simplifies the user interface by offering only relevant task options, and reduces the level of information complexity for the user.

Online and Offline (Batch) Operation

The Remote Client can operate in both online and offline modes in order to provide a consistent interface for the end-user. Information access options include:

• Tapping into wireless infrastructures to provide real-time data access in the field
• Using DataSplice technology to access information at a remote location and synchronize changes after a task is completed.

Remote Client data access options offer flexibility for all your mobile data needs.

Integrates With Existing Infrastructure

DataSplice is designed to integrate into existing database systems with minimal impact on current installations. The procedures we have developed to enforce this include:

• External Authentication: Login tasks can be delegated to external NT Domain, database, and MAXIMO® authentication systems, to avoid creating duplicate user and group information.
• Business Logic: All required business logic to run DataSplice is provided through database procedures. This eliminates the need to create additional triggers and tables that might interfere with future upgrades, or other programs running on the same database.

DataSplice Components

The following sections contain more information about the individual DataSplice Components:

DataSplice Server

The DataSplice Server provides core data access for all users via a set of outstanding features that pump up productivity and flexibility for any CMMS.

Administration Client

The DataSplice Administration Client is used to control how the server is configured, what views are available, the details about those views, and access priviledges.

Remote Client

The DataSplice Remote Client provides enterprise data access to end users in mobile situations. It passes all data processing off to the DataSplice server, making it capable of accessing large amounts of data on a minimal amount of hardware.

Further Reading

• More Features - Read about additional DataSplice features.
• Data Access Overview - An in-depth look at how data access in DataSplice is defined and maintained.
• Offline Operation - Learn how DataSplice can operate in a batch mode as well as real time.