To Dev or not to Dev

I went through my project list this morning and realised how many different projects I am involved in, and more importantly how wide the scope of these projects are. It is very rare for me to not be involved in multi projects at the same time, and this month is no different.

Asset Management System (AMS)

The AMS system I mentioned before. It is a 3-Tier application which allows companies to use PDT barcode scanners and RF Tags to keep track of all the company assets. The current architecture of this application makes it suitable for WAN and even Internet environments and it is utilised mainly by the motor industry in South Africa. Currently I am busy finalising the last module for this project for reporting. Reporting is being implemented using RDLC integrated into the WinForms client using the Microsoft Report Viewer.

This system has three distinctive parts. The first is the PDT application written for Pocket PC & Windows Mobile devices which provides the interface to the Barcode Scanner and the RF Bluetooth Scanners. The interface allows two modes, linking and counting. The linking mode allows barcodes to be scanned and then linked to a predefined list of assets extracted from any source, in most cases SAP. Various information about the asset can then be edited. Once the asset is linked to the barcode the asset can be counted in future audits. This application was written using C# on the .Net Compact Framework 1.1 and uses SQL Mobile Server 2.0 for database capabilities. Older technology was chosen due to a smaller size footprint and better backward compatibility.

The second part of this system consists of a WinForms client running on Windows XP. Using a RAPI wrapper module we developed in house the application is able to talk directly to the PDT devices using ActiveSync, allowing the system to rollout new versions of the client and manage the importing or exporting of data using XML flat files. Again a simple method of data transfer was chosen as it is tried and tested, and most client have 2 or more PDT's that need to be managed by the system.

The last part of this system is a .Net 2.0 Remoting service that allows the WinForms client to connect over the network. The remoting service manages all aspects  of the database communication, ensuring that no unnecessary database transactions occur over the network. The server runs as a Windows Service and allows connection through a configurable port to allow easy management via a firewall. Currently this system is installed and running at 4 clients, with marked improvement in performance both in the application and within the particular divisions using the new software.

Waste Management System (WMS)

The WMS system is a spin off from the AMS system. Using the same 3-Tier implementation the system allows the tracking of trolleys and locations for waste collection within plants. The changes to this application is the remoting service being replaced with a Windows Service and Web Interface. Currently the Technical Specification for this project is being developed for approval by client. The system will be implemented within the next 2-3 months and also utilised PDT's for data input, however will offer a simplified interface for dumb users.

Interwoven Connector Service (ICS)

The ICS projects is a web service that integrates into the Interwoven Document Management System. It allows external or custom application to interact with the DMS system to import, check in, check out and version documentation running through various other business flows or submission systems. The service allows management for which application can integrate and what level of integration each application has access to. This is a team project being jointly developed between the Durban division and Guateng divisions.

Apart from the actual projects I am involved in a also manage the KZN Chapter of SA Developer and do most of the major talks and events in the region. I seem to have a pretty busy work life at the moment but am satisfied with the challenges I am facing and the immense amount of learning that I am doing through these projects. I believe the industry I work in requires continues learning and challenges to allow for a productive working environment.