Skylark Foundation System
Over the last few years Skylark Technology has built many successful web-enabled scheduling applications for corporate clients throughout the UK and Europe. With the experience of these projects, Skylark has developed a set of reusable software modules, which make up the Skylark Foundation System, specifically designed for building scheduling systems.
The foundation system provides a proven starting point for any scheduling application. The architecture is scalable and reliable, built for the purpose of constructing customised scheduling solutions for our corporate customers.
These modules cover the following functions:
- User access control
- Security
- Locking and data integrity checking
- Screen templates
- Scheduler and process management
- Data replication
- External device configuration
User access control
This provides all the functionality required to provide a hierarchical user structure. Users are grouped into roles and each role is assigned a level of functional access to the system. These roles can be overlaid on a hierarchy to provide consolidated views for team leaders, project managers and senior managers. The structure can be customised to meet the precise requirements of project.
Security
This provides the function to ensure that no unauthorised individual can gain access to the system. This function includes such features as time limited sessions, expiring passwords, logon attempt lock out etc. The system can also be supplied with data encryption where sensitive information is being stored in unsecured remote locations.
Locking and integrity checking
The system comes with an ability to handle multiple concurrent accesses to the same data. This is particularly crucial in the scheduling environment where users need to have the confidence that data is accurate and timely.
Screen templates
Any part of the system's user interface can be changed rapidly, as the architecture uses templates to separate the look and feel of the system from the processing of the system. This makes for a considerable level of flexibility when it comes to customising the user's environment. Many of the systems produced using the Skylark Foundation System have a different look and feel.
Scheduler and process management
At the centre of the system is the process manager which keeps track of all the tasks that have been entered into the system. These tasks could be training courses or construction projects or whatever is needed by the customer. The system uses timers and alert messages to ensure the status of tasks, whether they are processed get timed out, are available to users at all times.
Data replication
The system can be configured to run with remote databases for deployment where network connections are unavailable, as is often the case in the construction industry, or where the users are highly mobile. The system will load as much data onto the remote device as is necessary for the user's role, and will then trickle updates back to the central database when contact with the central server is re-established. We have found this type of technology highly appropriate in working with Smart Phones, BlackBerries and other remote devices.
External device configuration
This enables external devices to be linked into the system for specific project requirements. This might include bar code readers, electronic data tags, touch screens, milling machines, etc. This enables the system to be customised and integrated to meet a variety of differing requirements.
Contact us to discuss your requirements.
