iQ-Basis in the Intranet
The original information technology used for iQ-Basis was built on the client/server concept, but in a more
sophisticated way compared with the products of our competitors.
iQ-Basis runs under most popular operating and database management systems (see
General Concept of iQ-Basis).
iQ-Basis can use several DBMSs of different manufacturers at different locations simultaneously.
This is a fundamental prerequisite of a CAQ-System to be used enterprise-wide and over all hierarchical levels.
But AHP took the next step. iQ-Basis has been enhanced to operate completely browser-based in the Intranet. This is the most efficient technique for the future.
Technical Aspects
If ther is an Internet Browser installed on your PC, you can use all features of iQ-Basis without any restriction. The only thing that is needed is a software component called JTI Server (JTI = Java Thin Client Interface that is provided by the development environment Uniface used by us). The availability of the Internet Browser is sufficient to use the full scope of services of iQ-Basis.
Comparison between the old and the new technology
| "Classical" Client | Intranet Client | |
|---|---|---|
| Program execution of iQ-Basis on each computer (Unix, MS systems etc.); considerable expense for installation and support | No additional expense | |
| Internet browser is almost always available | Installed internet browser | |
| The iQ-Basis installation has to be supported on every site | iQ-Basis is installed on a server. The need of support is minimized. | |
| User interface is designed for the application. | User interface is exactly the same, no WEB conditional implications, optimal display. | |
| Used inside of a site with good performance (only LAN) | No drawback on site-level. | |
| Workflow is process-oriented | Exactly the same | |
| iQ-Basis can only be used on places where iQ-Basis is installed. | iQ-Basis can be used on each PC with a browser (under consideration of user privileges) | |
| New installations of iQ-Basis require further administrative measures of the IT staff | Work can be started immediately | |
| If a new operating system has to be installed iQ-Basis has to be installed, too. | Not applicable | |
| If a new operating system has to be installed iQ-Basis has to be installed, too. | Not applicable |
This list of advantages with iQ-Basis in the intranet could be continued.
The Uniface Architecture
 "iQ-Basis in the Intranet")
The figure shows the single Uniface servers. The application server can host programs that run independently from any user dialogue, e.g.:
- Extensive calculations running in the background
- Inspection order organisation as long as it can work without user interactions
- Data exchange with EPR or sub systems in the background
Advantage: If the DB is on the same server the data to be evaluated does not have to be sent over the LAN.
The Poly Server permits simultaneous access to different database management systems on distributed computers. This means:
- Globally acting enterprises can use their CAQ systems with different ERP systems distributed over multiple sites.
- Quality data with a rather local meaning such as the original values of measuring devices for immediate evaluations can be stored locally.
- Master data can be distributed over different databases depending on their meaning (global or local).
The Component Server is used for programs that havent been developed with Uniface.
The JTI Server is the mediator between all described servers and the intranet users. All working places with the classical fat client remain unaffected.
Essential Advantages of the Intranet for a Global Management
The process of globalisation is also of importance for the enterprise-wide concentration of all management data in the quality assurance process.
Every single employee gains an increase mobility. He only needs an standard computer with access to the company intranet and a web browser to become access to his quality data stored locally.
Technical changes of the underlying network technology dont touch any activities. The network load is reduced, because the JTI Server only sends the changes of the screen output.
The quality management can react quickly when outsourcing production lines. All documents of master data (FMEA, Control plans, inspection plans etc.) become available immediately.
Your customers (complaints, PPAP with all existent data in the DP system, 8D reports, measured value etc.) and suppliers (PPAP, 8D-reports etc.) can get information about their parts.
Foreign CAQ-Systems can be simply enabled to send their quality data to the module iQ-GQI (see product description) over the Intranet.