Advantage Systems

N-Tier SQL Server Application

This is a screen shot from a n-tier application, meaning the application has 3 distinct parts. The data entry screens or interface layer was written in Visual FoxPro 7. The middle tier which supports the business rules and provides data access was written in Visual FoxPro and compiled into DLL files that can be called from either a Web Application or the Desktop Application. The 3rd layer or data layer utilized SQL Server 2000, SQL Views and stored procedures.

Interface Design and Microsoft Office Automation

This is a screen shot of an employee form. The screen interface closely resembles the form layout of 'My Computer' used in Microsoft Windows XP.

The SQL Server data can be viewed as a list or as icons and features collapsible side menus just like in Windows XP.

Microsoft Outlook is used to send the highlighted employee an email. The employee payroll information can also be exported into Excel.

The payroll information is sent to a payroll processing service in XML file format which eliminates duplicate data entry.

Crystal Reports Integration

The following Report Preview screen shot demonstrates the seamless integration between Crystal and Visual FoxPro.

The Bar Code Report was written using Crystal Reports and the application was written in Visual FoxPro.

When a request is submitted to the application for a report, the Visual FoxPro application launches and controls the Crystal Report preview window.

Programming to Client's Requirements

The data entry screen is an exact match of a paper form used by the client. The client requested minimal mouse usage as they were concerned with data entry speed. The home, end, page up and page down keys were used to navigate the through the various pages.

There was minimal training needed since the users already understood the form and the information required. Even details like the instructional text were added to the screen. This application eliminated filling out forms, then having to key the information into a software package.

The application used Crystal Reports to generate a report that looked exactly like the paper form with all the fields filled in. The data was stored in FoxPro DBF files.

Coding Standards

The programming on the left is a simplified version of actual production code used in an Advantage Visual FoxPro application. This program determines if any fields or records has been changed in a table.

You can expect the code in your application to be commented and written in the same manner as this sample. If you desire, you can perform maintenance programming yourself.

The sample program also demonstrates code reusability. Regardless if the application is checking an inventory, employee or company table the same code is used. Furthermore, no matter where in your application you need to check if data is changed, you can reuse this same code.

This code, for example, might be called before leaving a form or before switching to another screen. It can also be used to determine if you need to write information back to the databases instead of forcing a write every time a user clicks save.

For more information or to schedule a demo of our applications click on Contact Us and fill out the request information form or call Advantage Systems. Demo are conducted using either PcAnywhere or Go to My Pc software www.gotomypc.com.