Financial Dashboard App & Invoice Approval App ios, Android, BlackBerry, Desktop RapidValue Enabling Mobility
Client Overview and Background A leading provider of marine transportation services to energy industry. Client operates and manages a modern fleet of offshore support vessels serving every major offshore energy industry market in the world. The client operates one of the youngest global fleets in the industry and has built a balanced global footprint in the major energy-producing regions. The client had few key pain points which they wanted to address. Most importantly, all of their data was available on their SAP systems and were accessible through desktops. However, as in any transportation or logistics enterprise, most of their staff is at the field, and accessibility to enterprise data is a big challenge. As a result, they experienced process delays due to non-availability of key data outside the network. RapidValue is working with the client on their Mobility Solutions journey and is helping them address their key business pain points. We are working together on multiple engagements and have implemented mobile applications to suit their needs. 1. Financial Dashboard App RapidValue implemented a financial dashboard, which is used by the Sales personnel for accessing information on the Vessel Availability, Going Day rates for each vessel. The app enables users to compare newly available business opportunities. It also help the management team to get the latest revenue information at various granular levels (Region Level or even at a Vessel Level) Business Requirements Client wanted RapidValue to implement a dashboard that could be accessed by Sales personnel and CXOs. The currently available data was in the form of excel sheets which was generated from the SAP BPC reporting system. The key objectives of the project were: To make accurate and reliable data available to sales executives and CXOs Integrate the SAP Excel reports with ipad and to bring about a modern reporting format Enable offline availability and option to email the reports Ensure data security by enabling features like remote erase 02
Challenges and Our Approach There was a high level of emphasis on UI design and a new form of reporting. An ios based app was recommended to ensure high quality design and ease of usability. Since the data in the SAP system were generated as Excel sheets from the BPC system, we had to develop a Middleware which would enable data handling in formats like JSON or XML. The middleware solution was custom built for the client, which also included support for handling Exchange rate information, Login information and other confidential data. Since the data was highly confidential, we recommended a Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) approach for data transfer to the middleware. 03
Solution Overview RapidValue built and deployed an ipad application, a custom built Java middleware and an automated SFTP program for data transfer. Encryption Firewall ipad App https JSON SFTP Excel Reports Webservice Server BPC System https request for data Accepts the Data Updates internal DB Ensures Offline availability of Data Integrated Website Layer Custom build java based Middleware Webservice sends the data to the ipad on request(json response) Automated FTP of BPC generated Excel Reports Located inside the Intranet Some of the key features of the app include: Data filtering based on the Region, Sub-region, Vessel Type and Vessel Name to give clear input for the BCG Matrix Data security ensured with https, SFTP and remote wipe feature Compatible with all versions of ios 5.1 and above Report printing option from Air printer or any printer on the network Ability to save and email reports Currency conversion to multiple currencies based on monthly exchange rates 04
2. Invoice Approval App RapidValue implemented a cross-platform Purchase Order (PO) approval application. The application followed an Inbox concept, where in all the invoices pending with the user would be available in an Inbox format. The app enables users to go through the details of the invoice and see any attachments associated with the invoice. The user also has the option to accept or reject the invoice and add comments. The app is seamlessly integrated with SAP workflow and supports multiple level of hierarchy for approval of invoices. Business Requirements The client wanted RapidValue to implement a PO approval app which could be accessed by Sales personnel and CXOs to help them quicken their approvals and generate revenue faster. The key objectives of the project were: Compatibility with multiple mobile platforms (for Android devices, iphone, ipad and Blackberry 6.0) as well as the desktop Administrator should be able to easily distribute the app to end-users Approvers should be able to view the relevant information and Approve/Reject the POs. The app must ensure that any specific PO is accessible only to authorized approvers. Challenges and Our Approach Since the app needs to be compatible with various mobile platforms and the desktop, we recommended a HTML5 based cross-platform approach. We had to integrate the app with the SAP system; therefore we needed a middleware solution and a SAP Netweaver Gateway. The data from the SAP system would be available to the app through the Gateway. Since the data transfer had to be secure, we implemented a SSL based connections with the middleware. The client could not enable cross domain access to the server since the server housed the SAP system and all the sensitive data. As a workaround RapidValue custom built a Reverse Proxy System which would be in the network and would enable cross domain access. Every SAP invoice had a PDF attachment (scanned copy of the invoice). Since a PDF cannot be transmitted using Netweaver, a separate Webdynpro was developed that fetched the invoice from the SAP system. Solution Overview RapidValue built and deployed an HTML5 application, a custom built middleware for Single Sign-on and LDAP integration. All were integrated with the SAP system through the Netweaver gateway and WebdynPro. 05
With the Active Directory integration, a user can view only those apps authorized by the management. The user can view the invoices with all relevant details in an Inbox view, add comments to their approval/ rejection and also see past invoices which were approved or rejected. The invoice details are updated with the response in the SAP system once the user completes the operation. A user has the flexibility to access the system from Mobile, Tablets, Desktop or Phablet. Some of the key features of the app include: HTML5 App that can be used from desktop, mobiles, tablets and phablets with optimal UI experience Windows Active Directory based login to the HTML5 app Custom middleware that handles the LDAP integration for Microsoft Active Directory Multiple hierarchy levels for approval handled with Inbox concept Remote App push based on the clearance of the user (based on user profile on Active Directory) Invoice details and all approved and rejected invoices made available anywhere Keep the PO approvals up to date Data security ensured with https, Active Directory Sync and remote wipe feature Ability to email reports 06
NETWEAVER GATEWAY MIDDLEWARE END USER DEVICES Communicator Module SAP SYSTEM Web Services PO Details Service PO Download Service Remote App Push https App Response Handler Device Provisioning User Authenticator Remote Device/ Data Security Optional Active Directory Based User Identification Results With the Financial Dashboard and Invoice approval app, we achieved the following results for the client: Fast Decision Making - CXOs have access to right information always, irrespective of their location which help in quick decision making High Productivity - Sales personnel on the field has access to data to find out and commit availability of vessels at anytime Simple & Efficient Reporting - With new reporting formats in the financial dashboard app, data is presented in a simple manner with multiple filtering options and analytics. This makes it easy for the user to access information Streamlined Process Flow - With Inbox format in the Invoice Approval app, data was presented in a familiar format and the process flow was optimized Secure and Seamless Integration - With the existing SAP systems provides safe transfer of data 07
About RapidValue A leading provider of end-to-end mobility solutions to enterprises worldwide. We offer a range of mobility services across industry verticals, drawing upon a team of 175+ experts in mobility consulting and application development, along with experience delivering over 200 mobility projects. RapidValue delivers its services to the world s top brands and Fortune 1000 companies, and has offices in the United States and India. www.rapidvaluesolutions.com www.rapidvaluesolutions.com/blog +1 877.690.4844 contactus@rapidvaluesolutions.com If you have any questions or need more information about building an integrated mobility solution, please free to write to us. We look forward to hearing from you! Mobility An Enterprise Information Application Series Case Study Jan 2013 RapidValue RapidValue Enabling Mobility Enabling Mobility