Modernization GUI with CM First WebClientSaaS solution for the textile industry

• Mark Matyba

Walter & Partner Solutions GmbH & Co KG

• Mark Matyba

• Works at Walter & Partner Solutions GmbH & Co KG, Germany

since 1999

• Obsydian 3.1, Cool Plex, All Fusion Plex, Advantage Plex, CA

Plex experience since 1999

• Started using CMFirst Webclient in December 2016

• m.matyba@walter-partner.com

About the speaker

• Located in Stuttgart – Germany

• Software Solutions for Fashion & Textile Industries

• PLM / ERP / Retail solutions

• 30 Years of experience

• 500+ PLM users in 13 companies

Walter & Partner Solutions GmbH & Co KG - Stuttgart

• The session covers the way from a standard plex client solution

to a state of the art web application. We show you the fast and

easy way from our 20 years grown windows application to a

state of the art, platform independent web solution.

Abstract

• Windows application overview

• Implementation

• Challenges & Issues

• Q&A

Agenda

• Developing starts 1996

• Database independent (ODBC)

• C++ client

• ODBC Database connection

• Codejock ActiveX controls

• ATOL pattern library

• Combit List & Label for printing

About existing windows application

• Version 1.x – 4.x

• Since 1996 à 2005

• Using class libraries

• Out of the box Plex MDI parent/child application

• C++ / RPG variant

WP Model Timeline

Since Year 1996 è 2005

• Version 5.x – 7.x

• Since 2005 à 2012

• C++ / ODBC variant

• Using self created sql class for database operations

• Single login

• Seperate applications in different modules

• Using ActiveX for images, tree view and pdf

• Tab functionality simulated with overlays

WP Model Timeline

Since Year 2005 è 2008

Since Year 2005 è 2008

Since Year 2005 è 2008

• Version 8.x – X.x

• Since 2012 à today

• Complete reengineering

• One application for all processes

• Using pattern libraries

• Switch to frame technology

• Integration of Codejock ActiveX suite (shortcutbar, treeview, toolbar,

tabcontrol)

WP Model Timeline

Since Year 2012 è Today

Since Year 2012 è Today

Since Year 2012 è Today

• 328 Entities

• 10320 Functions total

• 1802 Panel functions

• 315 VB scripts

• 56 C++ Source code objects

Plex Model Specifications

• Modernize Windows client

• Low costs

• Fast and easy (only 2 developers)

• Using Plex as basic development environment

• No begin from scratch / Use of existing business functions

• WebClient should have same structure & design as before

• New customers can be generated

• Platform independent

• Available everywhere – no terminal server or citrix necessary

Project Goals

• Chief developer

• Developer

• On site and remote support CM First AG

• 50 days spent until December 2016

Project Resources

• Expert knowledge of CA Plex

• Java basics (Eclipse)

• Apache Tomcat basics

• Debugging websites in Chrome

Needed Skills

• Setting up environment for web development

• Training & basic skills

Step 1

• Developing a prototype based on existing structures

Step 2

Login

Menu

Overview

Details

• Analyzing Plex model (non standard components - ActiveX,

source codes etc.)

• Set up development workflow / Set up new group model,

based on existing model

• Creating new functions for WebClient

Step 3

• Analyzing whats missing in WebClient standard

• Trigger CMFirst to develop custom controls• New events on WebImage control

• Rich text editor

• Rich tooltip on grid cell and edit fields

• Filter line in grid header

• Grid cells which are capable of showing images and texts

• Frozen grid columns feature

• Merging grid cells

Step 4

RTF Editor

Super Tooltip Grid

Super Tooltip Cell

Filter line

Images in Grid

Merged Cell

• Look & feel like old application

• New state of the art design/functions

• Platform independent

• No installations needed

• Worldwide access

Goals achieved

Challenges & Issues

• New additional development environment (Eclipse)

• Debugging in Chrome & fixing errors

• Interaction between CA Plex & Eclipse

• CMFirst dependency (Java script extensions)

• Distribution of solution

• Implementation of printing (pdf)

• Testing

Questions & Answers

• Q&A