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RFgen Mobile Framework
The RFgen Mobile Framework is an advanced, n-tiered, client server architecture that enables the easy deployment of complex, reliable and scaleable automated data collection solutions.
RFgen provides everything a developer needs to create and deploy any mobile, wireless or voice enabled applications.
RFgen is designed to maximize the productivity of your development staff as well as to simplify management and support tasks after deployment.
In fact, RFgen is so easy to use that many customers decide to take in-house ownership of their solutions and realize significant savings over time.
Design Once, Deploy Anywhere
RFgen's Mobile Development Studio allows developers to design their data collection applications once then deploy them onto a broad range of wireless and mobile
devices, such as...
- Mobile devices
- WinCE devices
- Windows devices
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- Smartphones
- Telnet devices
- Carousels
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- RFID Portals
- Scales
- PLC's
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Mobile, Wireless and Voice Applications
All RFgen enabled solutions are designed around a core runtime engine that
manages the majority of user interaction, form control, network management, and
enterprise connectivity. RFgen architected mobile and wireless applications can
easily be configured to operate in the following modes:
- Wireless - real-time solutions provide immediate visibility of all activities within the supply chain
with transaction updates handled in real-time as they occur.
- Mobile - on-demand solutions allow data to be captured, validated and stored on the device. Data is then exchanged and
synchronized with your enterprise system(s) on an on-demand basis, using a wireless or cellular connection.
- Voice - hybrid solutions that combine text-to-speech and speech recognition capabilities allowing users to
perform various tasks in a hands-free environment.
Advanced Technology For Data Collection
The RFgen Mobile Framework contains proven, tested methods for developing, deploying and supporting mobile data collection applications - and it
does all this while delivering the lowest total cost of ownership in the industry.
Consider the following capabilities that are provided at no additional cost:
- Guaranteed packet delivery assures no transaction data is lost during wireless transmission.
- Switch quickly between mobile (off-line) and wireless (connected) modes depending upon the task or location.
- Management console tracks all devices on your network and allows you to remotely view the devices screen.
- Scaleable, optimized access to your enterprise resources for both local and remote devices.
- Support for GPS, cellular, wireless, bar-code scanning, image capture and signature capture operations.
- Transaction management infrastructure that supports background updates into the enterprise system.
- Hardware independent and version independent solutions.
- Multiple user authentication and encryption models for both wireless and mobile devices.
- One-click device deployment capabilities along with automatic detection of application changes and updates.
- Automated code generation for enterprise level business functions, stored procedures and packages.
Web Services Connectivity
RFgen's Web Services technology is used to facilitate the exchange of enterprise data by multiple, cross-platform applications. Using open
protocols and interfaces (DOM, SOAP, etc.), this technology removes much of the complexity associated with the exchange of data between
applications that are running on different devices and using different operating systems.
Connecting through a pre-defined web service, RFgen applications can issue data requests which encapsulate security, authentication,
failure conditions, networking details, and more in a self-contained manner.
Below is a partial list of web service protocols that RFgen supports...
- XML - use XML to perform calls to your web services and exchange data
- SOAP - use SOAP to access remote objects properties and methods
- DOM - use DOM to easily format your XML data structures
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SQL Database Connectivity
The RFgen Mobile Framework 4.0 supports managed connectivity to any OLEDB / ODBC compliant database like DB2, Oracle, SQL Server, Access, and more. RFgen's
advanced technology manages the entire connection life-cycle, from initial startup to final shutdown, completely eliminating these low-level
details from your application design considerations.
Using these managed connections, the RFgen Mobile Framework enables developers to quickly and easily
access their enterprise data via SQL statements, stored procedures, and Oracle packages.
Some of the SQL databases supported by RFgen are...
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- Progress
- Pervasive
- Oracle Database 11g Release 2
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Screen Mapping Connectivity
RFgen provides built-in connectivity for SAP Console, IBM AS/400 Servers, IBM Mainframes, and UNIX based systems.
Using Screen Mapping, develpers can easily record the entire data entry process for selected transactions, including how to get to the desired screen.
This recording will later be used to update the host system, as if the transaction were being manually keyed into the system by a user.
As part of this process, RFgen automatically generates VBA scripts that duplicate the recorded data entry process. Developers can then take these
auto-generated scripts and supplement them with error checking, validation logic, and even data translation logic (convert vendor barcode to internal SKU, etc).
The standard communication protocols supported by RFgen are...
How RFgen Screen Mapping Works
RFgen provides four levels of Screen Mapping, allowing developers to take advantage of the right set of technology to meet
their projects unique requirements. Using any combination of these approaches, RFgen based automated data collection applications can combine data from multiple host screens,
add additional functionality without changing the host system, allow users to operate even while the host is unavailable or off-line, as well as to
combine data from multiple systems or platforms for display and update via a single transaction screen.
Basic Screen Mapping -
Consists of all the commands necessary to send and receive data from the host system, control program
flow, and manage the connection state. Advanced Screen Mapping -
Provides additional functionality, including the ability to easily record the scripts required to update
the host system, navigate from application to application, as well as to provide off-line data collection
capabilities. Embedded Screen Mapping -
Simplifies the design process even further by allowing users to identify the key fields in your host screens,
and then to drag-and-drop them onto RFgen forms for easy access to host data with zero to minimal coding requirements. Application Pass Through -
RFgen supports both full host screen display and selected field display capabilities (screen scraping) that allow you to
have real-time, direct access to your host system, yet still be able to respond to events in the RFgen environment, modify the data stream,
or even add speech recognition capabilities to your existing applications.
Enterprise Connectivity
RFgen's Mobile Framework supports managed, certified connectivity to multiple types of enterprise systems.
Whether you are connecting to SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards or Microsoft Dynamics, RFgen has embedded technology that gives you real-time access
to your enterprise data using certified methods that protect the integrity of your system.
For more information on a specific RFgen enterprise connector, click on one of the items below...
 JD Edwards World - A7.3 to A9.2
RFgen automated data collection software connects to JD Edwards World via a managed TN5250 connection to your AS/400 system paired with a read-only connection to your DB2 database.
The RFgen Mobile Framework is certified for multiple versions of JD Edwards World.
Any JD Edwards World screen can be quickly recorded for data entry purposes and the relevant data points captured and validated.
Once the data has been collected by the user, these recordings are used to update the host system as if the transaction were being manually
keyed into the system by a user.
JD Edwards Enterprise One - XE to 9.0
RFgen automated data collection software connects to JD Edwards Enterprise One via managed connections to a JDE client build paired with a read-only connection to your database.
The RFgen Mobile Framework is certified for multiple versions of JD Edwards Enterprise One.
All updates to JD Edwards are performed using business function (BSFN) calls with validation occuring via read-only SQL queries.
RFgen also provides direct access to JD Edwards versions and processing options then links these settings directly into your data collection applications.
 Microsoft Dynamics - 4.0 to 2009
RFgen automated data collection software provides direct access to the Microsoft Dynamics business objects and transaction data sets
by embedding the Dynamics .NET or COM libraries directly into its VBA scripting environment.
All interaction with the Microsoft Dynamics system is through the Dynamics business objects and requires no special code or other
programming within Dynamics.
Oracle E-Business Suite - 11i to 12
RFgen automated data collection software provides access to Oracle E Business Suite through a managed SQL connection to the Oracle database.
Data validation is performed using SQL queries and updates are directed to the appropriate Oracle interface tables.
Depending upon your requirements, an Oracle package call can be performed after each update to force the immediate processing of the transaction.
SAP - 4.6c to 6.0
RFgen automated data collection software connects to your SAP environment via Netweaver API's that allow real-time access to BAPI and RFC functions.
The RFgen Mobile Framework is certified for multiple versions of SAP.
Mobile Development Made Easy
RFgen's integrated development environment allows developers to rapidly create and maintain mobile and wireless solutions. With RFgen, developers
can easily connect to their existing system(s) and quickly design, test and deploy mobile enabled applications.
RFgen supports the ability to "paint" the user interface for each application in multiple styles to fit different device display sizes.
Additionally, each prompt can be defined in multiple languages which will activate based upon the active workers profile while the underlying
code base remains the same - allowing developers to maintain a single set of business rules.
Dynamic Code Generation
With RFgen data collection software it is a simple task to link an application's input / output fields to an enterprise data object.
When linked in this manner, RFgen automatically handles all of the reading and writing to the object, freeing the developer from having to write
code.
In the case of our database, web service and enterprise connectors, all available object methods can be easily displayed to select the desired ones for use.
RFgen will then download the object schema and dynamically generate the code required to execute it.
Flexible Enough For Almost Any Requirement
RFgen's advanced Mobile Framework simplifies the entire process of designing, testing and deploying wireless and mobile applications.
Many of our customers have experienced development productivity enhancements in excess of 70% savings through the use of built-in functionality like...
- Automated Code Generation
- Automated SQL Statement Generation
- ActiveX Object Support
- Error Message Properties
- Event Driven, VBA Scripting Engine
- File, Data and Task Transfer Capabilities
- Input Defaults
- Input Validation
- Scrolling Lists
- Table Validation
- VBA Language Extensions for Common Tasks
- VBA .NET Assembly Integration
Mobile Support Services
RFgen includes a number of remote access tools that help developers to work with a mobile device and investigate its contents.
This functionality is available whenever the device is visible on your network (wireless, wired, GPRS/VPN, etc.)
Using RFgen technology, you can attach to it and remotely perform many different tasks, such as...
- Remote SQL query existing databases
- Remote database analysis (tables / indexes)
- Remote database creation and data transfer
- Remote file explorer
- Remote file installation
- Remote application explorer
Automated Application Updates
The RFgen Mobile Support Services module provides administrators the capability
of remotely supporting and maintaining operations on the mobile devices. Tasks such as installing program updates and
managing software content on the device can now be performed without the user's knowledge and without physically handling the
device itself.
RFgen core capabilities include the ability to detect a server upgrade has occurred and to
auto-update the RFgen client environment when needed. Further, if you've deployed RFgen in a mobile environment, RFgen
provides support for "Application Synchronization" requests.
In this scenario, if you've changed any RFgen applications
that are in the mobile devices profile, it can automatically detect the application / profile changes, build a custom
deployment package and remotely update the device - all without the intervention of IT personnel.
VBA and .NET Scripting Support
In another significant boost to developer productivity, RFgen includes a fully functional version of Visual Basic for Applications.
Through the use of VBA.NET or VBA classic scripting and RFgen Mobile Framework's built-in features, even beginning programmers can easily create
fairly complicated mobile and wireless enabled data collection applications.
To facilitate the development process, we have also enhanced the standard VBA environment to include a number of new VBA "language extensions".
These extensions relate specifically to the mobile, wireless and voice application environments and are targeted to simplify such tasks as...
- Complex Data Validation and SQL Queries
- Distributed Transaction Updates
- Barcode Label Printing Requests
- Data Transfer / Synchronization Tasks
Why Use VBA.NET or VBA Classic Scripting?
Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) scripting allows technical personnel to provide additional functionality to RFgen data collection
forms by responding to events using Visual Basic programming statements (scripts).
It is this built-in support for VBA that lets developers "step outside of the box".
VBA scripts allow the developer to enhance the capabilities offered by standard RFgen forms and other objects. In fact, developers may take total
control over the client device by responding to field/system events, handling all data display functions, and even sending direct commands
through the various RFgen data connections.
Voice Integration Options
RFgen has embedded speech recognition along with text to speech capabilities built directly into our core framework.
As a result, any existing RFgen powered application can be speech enabled in minutes.
How is it done? Each RFgen application prompt has a property to "speech" enable it; simply set it to true, deploy the speech recognition engine with
the RFgen client, get a headset and microphone and start talking.
Nuance Integration
RFgen's embedded speech engine typically works in a speaker independent mode where no initial training
is required for speech recognition to occur. This type of model works very well for the majority of native language speakers. For
those who are non-native speakers or have heavy, regional accents, RFgen also supports speaker adaptation where it will automatically
tune / adjust the recognition engine per user to achieve consistent, highly accurate speech recognition.
Vocollect Integration
Recognizing that Vocollect is a world-leader in speech recognition devices, RFgen also has built into its core Mobile
Framework native support for Vocollect enabled devices. This allows RFgen to act as a real-time system bridge between Vocollect tasks
and the enterprise system.
Using a combination of Vocollect and RFgen, companies that have chosen this model receive the best of both
worlds - access to Vocollect talkman devices and RFgen's Mobile Framework to deliver real-time access to enterprise data with
background transaction update and reporting capabilities.
RFgen Mobile Framework Services
RFgen's Mobile Framework manages all of the communications required between devices and the back-end enterprise system(s) in a manner
that provides guaranteed delivery of information. RFgen acts as a gateway for all client requests working on their behalf
to serve real-time, on-demand information as well as managing the processing of remote transactions into the enterprise environment.
A partial list of standard RFgen Mobile Framework features...
- Transaction Management
- Database Synchronization
- Database Replication
- User and Device Security
- Error Handling
- Device Management
Self-Tuning Environment
Depending upon transaction volumes and user data requests, RFgen automatically self-tunes its performance to provide optimal
response times throughout the workday. RFgen does this by constantly monitoring the volume and timing of user requests throughout the workday
and adjusts the number of its managed connections to your enterprise systems to provide maximum system responsivness.
Mobile Administration Console
RFgen provides an easy-to-use administration interface that allows IT personnel to actively track all operations occurring within
their mobile and wireless environment. Using RFgen's Mobile Administation Console, any RFgen mobile session can be viewed in an interactive mode
allowing IT personnel to see what's occurring on the device in real-time and to remotely support or train the user.
RFgen provides the administrator a wide range of options to ensure the smooth operation of the data
collection environment. From the main display administrators can view all connected devices, which users are logged in, what menu or
application they are viewing, how long they have been online and how long they have been inactive, etc.
Besides just managing the users, the administrator may keep track of the data connections as well. If
users are sharing connections to the data sources or if they each have their own, all connections are monitored and displayed
under the Connections tab. This information allows administrators to see the traffic being sent to the data source and view the statistics
of the activity helping to isolate any performance issues and fine-tune solutions for optimal performance.
Network Device Management
RFgen's built-in device management allows administrators to quickly query which devices are on their
networks as well as to query data on the devices and even push new data or updates to the devices. Additionally, RFgen's Network
Administration supports a two-way mirror of the user's session allowing support personnel to quickly and easily respond to device issues
in the field.
The RFgen Mobile Framework's device management architecture provides numerous self-supporting capabilities designed to keep your
system running at peak performance. Any RFgen designed solution can be configured to automatically check for new application changes, new content,
or even new client updates without any user interaction necessary. This built-in, self-supporting architecture enables quick and easy update and revision flow
to devices deployed anywhere in the world.
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