8.1

Which programming language is used?

OpenMETRIC consists of nearly 1000 identifiable modules or components.  Some are created in C, C+, C++, or C#.  Some are created in SQL.  Some are created in HTML, XHTML, or XML.  Some are created as CGI.  Some are created in a visual Cobol.  Some are created in assembler.  Some are created in Windows Script or VB Script.  Some are created in JavaScript.  The components that support Intermec handheld scanners are implemented in IRL.  We attempt to use the appropriate language or tool for the implementation of each component, depending on the function or purpose of the component. 

8.2

How will source code be made available? If the source code is not provided, will procedures be defined where source code access is provided in case of vendor disaster / liquidation / sale, etc?

We typically do not provide source code.  However, we are willing to establish a software escrow account to provide terms and conditions for release of the source code in case of disaster.  The cost of establishing and maintaining the escrow will be billed to the client. 

8.3

Which hardware platform do you support?

OpenMETRIC will operate on nearly 1000 different hardware and software platforms.  Many of these, however, are no longer popular or even viable for new system implementation. 

For new system implementation, we support Unix and Windows (NT/2000/2003) servers and we support Windows (9x/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003) clients. 

8.4

On which databases do you run?

OpenMETRIC includes a high-performance, “no frills” database called Vision.  In addition, OpenMETRIC may be implemented on Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, DB2, Sybase, and Informix.  For a single user, Microsoft Access is also usable.

8.5

How is the link with Microsoft Office implemented?

OpenMETRIC is extensively integrated with Microsoft Office. 

Any Office document can be attached to OpenMETRIC, using the numerous attachment “receptors” that permeate OpenMETRIC. 

Exported PLB’s, WonderWriter reports, and On-Line Reports launch Word to format and distribute reports.

Procedures stored in Word are fully integrated and supported by the Procedure subsystem. 

Datasheets and Readings based on Excel spreadsheets are fully integrated and supported. 

Outlook and Outlook Express for email management are fully integrated and supported. 

8.6

How is the link to the internet organized? Does the system support direct queries from a website database engine for reporting equipment status to customers?

WebMETRIC, WebWriter, and ThinMETRIC directly implement various OpenMETRIC capabilities over TCP/IP networks, including the Internet.

WebMETRIC provides convenient user inquiries about items and servicing status.  WebWriter allows users to request WonderWriter reports over the internet.  ThinMETRIC allows users to run OpenMETRIC as a thin client over the Internet.

Throughout OpenMETRIC, external resources (Procedures, Datasheets, Readings, Attachments, etc.) may be defined as documents (paths and filenames) or URL’s.  This enables transparent access to procedures stored in a master document control system housed on an intranet web server. 

Any of the exported PLB’s, WonderWriter reports, or canned reports can be easily converted to HTML and posted on a web server for widespread user access over an intranet or internet. 

If you already have some web-served information for your users, we can assist in replacing the underlying database from which the data is retrieved while leaving the presentation to the user virtually identical. 

There are virtually unlimited options available to you for web usage and web deployment of OpenMETRIC data and information. 

8.7

Which protocols do you support?

There are vast numbers of protocols supported in various portions of OpenMETRIC.  Standard internet protocols are supported.  Standard Windows (9x/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003) protocols are supported.  Standard Unix protocols are supported.  Standard email protocols are supported.  Standard RDBMS protocols are supported. 

8.8

What data is held on the client?

On one extreme, clients may be configured extremely thin, with nothing but a browser to access ThinMETRIC over a TCP/IP network.  On the other extreme, clients may be configured extremely fat, with the entire application and database (as I typically travel with my laptop).  Between these extremes, client configurations are flexible enough to permit optimization of performance, administration, and maintenance.  WonderConnect enables complete flexibility to deploy functions on the machine where they will execute the most efficiently. 

8.9

Does the client run on Windows 95/98/NT and 2000 operating systems?

Yes, OpenMETRIC runs well on Windows 9x/ME/NT/2000/XP clients. 

8.10

How does the user’s workstation communicate with the main database?

This, of course, depends on what platform is used for the workstation, what platform is used for the server, and what database engine is used.  If the database resides on Oracle, the Oracle client module provides the actual interface with the Oracle database. 

However, OpenMETRIC is implemented to be “database neutral.”  Accordingly, if the database will be housed on Oracle, you will need an additional interface module from us called Wonder4GL for Oracle.  This includes both a server and a client portion.  These provide the interface between our actual software and the Oracle components. 

8.11

Have you deployed your software system in a multi server configuration?

Yes. 

8.12

How is multi-language supported, e. g.  by user, in reports, etc?

OpenMETRIC does not yet support multiple languages. 

We are working with several of our large clients to investigate this requirement and to formulate an implementation strategy. 

8.13

What operating system do you recommend for the Client Workstation?

We typically recommend Windows NT or 2000 for OpenMETRIC clients.  Since 2000 provides better support for external devices such as USB, we prefer 2000. 

8.14

Would you briefly explain the architecture of your database system? 

8.15

How is access security being handled (local and remote)?

OpenMETRIC typically utilizes the security features of the server and client operating systems, such as NT’s user authentication. 

Some client with special security concerns augment NT’s capabilities with independent authentication devices such as SecurID for remote access. 

8.16

How is information security being handled, e. g.  by module, screen, field?

OpenMETRIC’s Gate Master defines each function (tab, button, etc.) of OpenMETRIC and specifies which user groups are authorized to perform that specific function.  Gate Master also allows the definition of user groups and the ability to assign an individual user to a user group.  This mechanism is very similar to the NT security control for permissions. 

OpenMETRIC also permits field-level security control for certain fields on the Item and Tracking subsystems. 

8.17

How can the software be implemented in modules?

OpenMETRIC has “companion” modules for property management (OpenPROTRAK) and Equipment Management (OpenEMBARC) for managing equipment pools.  These can be added in part or in entirety at a later date. 

OpenMETRIC interfaces seamlessly to IntervalMAX and other products from Integrated Sciences Group as well as QuikPDR and other products from C. A. Motzko & Associates. 

8.18

How can functionality be selected using parameters?  To what extent, explain.

The Reference table contains several hundred variables (over 300) that control or influence the appearance, behavior, and configuration of OpenMETRIC.  New variables are being added to Reference with nearly every new feature or enhancement added to the system. 

8.19

How can the software be customized?

Historically, none of our clients have modified OpenMETRIC itself.  Such modification would impair their ability to utilize future releases and enhancements of the COTS “Commercial Off-the-Shelf” product. 

However, there have been numerous creative and effective client-developed additions and even new “driver” modules that incorporate both OpenMETRIC and client-developed modules into a seamless system. 

Each of these scenarios is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and appropriate coordination, planning, and technical support are arranged. 

Any changes that directly affect the OpenMETRIC software would void our Lifetime Warranty as explained in the License Agreement. 

8.20

Which development tool do we need?

The development tools needed would probably depend on the nature of the enhancement being considered.  For example, some enhancements could be developed with a query or report writer that merely needs to access the OpenMETRIC database and would have no direct effect on the OpenMETRIC software.  Otherwise, changes to the actual OpenMETRIC software would probably require development tools comparable to the tools which we use. 

8.21

How do we adjust screens and reports?

Our philosophy is not to permit or to support changes to the screens or canned reports of OpenMETRIC.  Additional reports can be added via WonderWriter or other report generation products.  Additional “subsystems” could be developed and launched from OpenMETRIC “mystery buttons” as though they were an integrated part of OpenMETRIC itself, without compromising the integrity or warranty of OpenMETRIC. 

8.22

How do we transfer information between our logistics, financial and other systems?

Information is typically transferred electronically, based on scripts, queries, or similar tools.  This is quite straightforward if the other applications also have databases which utilize the same RDBMS as OpenMETRIC (e.g., Oracle or SQL Server). 

8.23

How do we run batches?

We use the term “batch” to refer to unattended tasks which run automatically in the middle of the night.  These are typically set up using the task scheduling features of Windows NT or equivalent. 

We also use the term “batch” to refer to the off-line collection of data and the electronic transfer and processing of that data by OpenMETRIC.  OpenMETRIC includes several functions to accommodate this type of batch updating, such as batch updating of Tracking Statuses using handheld bar code scanners. 

We use the term “batch” to refer to a group of calibrations that can be gathered into a “basket” and then approved all at once. 

We use the term “batch” to refer to a group of jobs which are include virtually identical data and can be replicated quickly. 

8.24

Can a user work off-line? How?

OpenMETRIC includes support to permit a technician to carry a laptop with him to perform a calibration when network connectivity is not possible.  To accomplish this, the entire OpenMETRIC system is installed on the laptop and the database is downloaded to the laptop by the application administrator (using the Laptop Download function of OpenMETRIC). 

The tech can then use the laptop to collect all information related to a calibration. 

When the laptop returns to an area where network connectivity can be restored, the laptop data is uploaded to the OpenMETRIC database using the Laptop Upload function of OpenMETRIC. 

8.25

If changes are made to data, how are these changes distributed to the off-line users?

In order to ensure that no changed data would affect a disconnected workstation, it is prudent to carefully control what functions are permitted while disconnected.  For example, we typically recommend that no Setup changes be allowed while disconnected and that no jobs can be opened or closed while disconnected.  The disconnected device can be thought of as “calibration or servicing work papers” which would not affect any other system users.  Changes made to the server database would also be assumed not to directly affect the disconnected user. 

Databases are resynchronized when connectivity is restored.  The frequency of this restoration might vary depending on the number of users and the volatility of data elements that might conceivable affect the disconnected user. 

Typically, laptop data is downloaded just before the beginning of a shift and laptops are reconnected and uploaded at the end of a shift.  Mid-shift upload/download might be required in some installations. 

8.26

How is a selection made on the information to be down-/uploaded?

The entire OpenMETRIC database is downloaded to the laptop so that the technician will have at his finger tips any information he might require. 

All servicing data entered on the laptop is uploaded to the server when connectivity is restored.

8.27

How is information transferred through the internet?

Because of security issues and bandwidth limitations, data passed through the internet is usually “display only” data providing equipment users status information about equipment they own. 

8.28

To which mail systems do you interface?

We interface with MAPI-compliant email systems, including Outlook, Outlook Express, Exchange, Lotus Notes (V. 5.0 or higher), and numerous others. 

8.29

How can the address list in a mail system be used?

After OpenMETRIC has launched the email program, the standard address list can be used in the normal and customary manner (usually an icon near the To:, near the CC:, near the BCC: and other appropriate locations on the email composition screen. 

8.30

How is on-line help available?

On-line help is available from the Help icon on the Tool Bar.

On-line help is also available from the Help selection on the Menu. 

8.31

How can we adjust / create on-line help?

OpenMETRIC does not currently have a convenient method for clients to adjust or create on-line help which alters the OpenMETRIC help.  Help can be added independently and launched from a “mystery button.” 

We expect to create this capability for users in the future. 

8.32

How can help text be exported to MS Word?

OpenMETRIC’s on-line Help is standard HTML format and can be exported, copy/pasted, and manipulated in the same ways as any standard Windows Help. 

8.33

Are wizards available?  For what tasks?

Wizards are not yet available, but some are being developed. 

8.34

What features are available to make the system user friendly (e. g.  toolbars, short cut keys, scripts, etc. )?

OpenMETRIC includes

·         a Menu Bar

·         a tool bar

·         short cut keys

·         easy-to-use Paged List Boxes (PLB’s) with filtering and export capability

·         integration with WonderWriter

·         “Computer-aided Data Entry”

·         extensive data validation

·         friendly non-technical error and warning messages

·         seamless integration with familiar personal productivity tools such as Microsoft Office

·         ability to “attach” virtually any document, file, or URL for reference and information management,

·         ability to open a job, enter the data for a calibration and close the job in 45 seconds or less without ever touching the keyboard (all point-click)

·         ability to replicate similar jobs to save time and reduce errors

·         ability to gather several calibrations or other transactions into a “basket” and approve them all at once

·         stacks of the 10 most recently used Items and Jobs throughout Servicing

·         ability to “undo” a Global Change

·         powerful “tree structured” Item Finder with ability to make a “found” item the “current” item

·         ability to name or rename several labels, buttons, and tabs

·         ToDo lists in Servicing and WonderWriter

·         ability to store and retrieve pictures of items and systems

·         retained and searchable versions of all changes to critical Setup tables

8.35

How many updates were released in the last 12 months?

Approximately 7 updates.  1 major update (3.0) and 6 minor updates. 

8.36

Can your system run on one server?

Yes. 

8.37

Provide a brief description of the portability and scalability of your system?

OpenMETRIC is portable and fully scalable from a single standalone user to a multi-server enterprise solution. 

8.38

Is your system Year 2000 Compliant?

Yes, OpenMETRIC is fully Y2K compliant.  All dates include the full 4-digit year, even though some dates may be displayed and may be entered using just the last two digits.