Scanning Application Framework (SAF)

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The Scanning Application Framework is a toolkit of components which accelerate the building of portable, AUTOID-aware applications.

BENEFITS

  • Server based applications which allow deployment of application modifications without touching the terminals
  • Barcode scanning is integrated into the framework
  • Label Printing support is integrated into the framework
  • Agile development of applications
  • Complete screen by screen logging of all activity to assure accountability
  • Multiple sites can be supported using one server.
  • Access is controlled via Username and Password
  • Flexible menus control the applications available to users
  • Unlimited Terminal Count is supported

COMPONENTS

The SAF is a client-server system.

FW Services

The server side of the system is a collection of web services. SAF Applications reside in individual, independent modules. Updating an application is accomplished by updating a file.

Portable Client, Desktop Client

The client side of the system is the SAF Scan Client program that presents menus and program forms. The Scan Client is “aware” of both scanned and keyed input. It is tolerant of non pervasive WIFI coverage. The program runs under the Windows CE or Windows Mobile operating system. The Desktop Client is a program that will run on any Windows PC; it provide the same features as the Portable Client.

Management Console

Management pages afford system maintenance of user accounts, user menus (which program(s) a user is allowed to run), system printers, system log viewing, and site-values.

Additional Features

Open Database - All framework data is maintain in a documented SQL Server database; this data can be mined for operational insight.
Imaging Ready - A recent update to the framework allows image capture. A RoamingCode client is now using this feature to document the condition of received goods as they appear on the receiving dock.
Existing Suite of Applications - RoamingCode has an existing suite of applications that can be adapted to serve an organization quickly:
  • Picking, Palletizing, Shipping
  • Receiving
  • Report Complete
  • Inventory Count
  • ERP Data Lookup
  • Label Printing
  • Load Mapping
  • Stock Transfer, Inventory Adjustment, Inventory Issue

Motivation

The Scanning Application Framework resulted from lessons learned while building data collection systems with Pocket PC and Window-Mobile devices. The benefits of server-centric applications were tempting; early experiments with browsers on portable devices were disappointing. The benefits sought included:
  • Ease of deployment
  • Ease of updating the application
  • Central control of user access and authorization
  • Use of server resources to drive portable applications
  • Effective use of barcode scanning engines on portable terminals
To provide these benefits, RoamingCode has constructed a specialized client program that interacts with server objects (in the form of web services); this client is adapted to specific portable computers (manufactured by Honeywell, Motorola, Intermec, and others…) to utilize barcode scanning and imaging features which are integrated into these devices.