So you need an accounting application?
Until recently there were two choices when replacing or upgrading your accounting software.
Develop custom applications in-house
Buy packaged software from a software supplier
Driven by user demand, applications are evolving towards a new hybrid generation of highly customizable , off-the-shelf packages that provide the best of two traditional choices. These new applications are written using application development tools, instead of being hand coded. With an application development tool, one developer can do the job it used to take many developers who hand coded C++ or RPG, for example. With a tool, a developer builds a "model", from which the application code is automatically generated.
What is a "model"?
Like a blueprint of a new house, a "model" is a graphic diagram of an application, representing all possible business functions and processes. Now imagine the blueprint can be handed to a machine that will construct the house. Any needed changes are made to the blueprint and the machine modifies the construction. Model-based application development tools work the same way.
In application design, the developer designs the Model then uses a Generator to create the code automatically from the platform of choice. If and when any changes or integration becomes necessary, the developer makes the change in the model and re-generates the code. Development time is greatly reduced and your company can RE-USE all or any portion of the system.
What is RE-USE?
The ability to install and run the entire system as is, or customize the model to meet specific needs.
The model itself becomes a development tool, and can be used as the base around which a larger or different application can be built.
The model becomes a training tool for MIS staff as a standard for development as well as repository of design techniques.
Again, once the changes are made to the model, the code is regenerated creating a new system every time. Generator technology ensures up-to-date-technology without risks of application rewrites and the need to learn new languages.
What are the benefits to an end-user or financial department of having an application written using a development tool?
Easier installation and maintenance due to the efficiency in design that is enforced in the model-based development environment.
Immediate cost savings from the beginning of the project.
Changes in application made quickly and effectively.
A packaged solution that allows tailoring to specific needs, the ability to involve users during the analysis and design, a better business fit, and a positive feeling of ownership and control.
A totally integrated system resulting in greater data accessibility down to the lowest level of detail and constant up-to-date information.
Protection of investment via ownership of the application and model from which the source code is generated.
What are the benefits to the MIS Department of having an application written using a development tool?
Provides high quality, interactive development for designing, prototyping, deploying and maintaining an application.
Application is easier for MIS Department to customize and offers a seamless integration across all applications, including those not built with a tool.
Debugging is less complicated since the code is automatically generated as opposed to being hand coded.
Won't custom applications still be a better solution?
Custom built systems traditionally take too long to build
Cost more than expected
Often do not meet business needs
Cannot be easily adapted to meet business change
Model-based applications provide multiple alternatives.
"Out-of the box" installation and application, assuming thorough research has been done prior to purchase and application is determined to be a close fit to business requirements.
Requirement demands are submitted for "qualification" by trained users.
"Qualification period" results in fewer and more precisely defined requirements.
MIS staff makes required modifications to the application.
In a dynamic business environment, the reality is that requirements for tailoring the system arise constantly. Therefore, a financial application should be designed for flexibility. A model-based application provides the most flexible design environment. The changes will require a shorter development time, fewer MIS staff, and the speed of application delivery is faster. Because of this head start (working from a base system that has been tested and proven, rather than developed from scratch), there is a lower risk than with the custom-built applications.
What are the future benefits of Model-based applications?
Investment protection - information in the application is protected and
preserved against changes in technology. For example, if a change in the
hardware platform is desired, the same model would be used to generate a new code for the new platform using the appropriate generators. This represents
TRULY PORTABLE applications. Therefore, moving to a different platform is a painless exercise with no re-training of end users and no learning curve because the applications are identical across all platforms.
Easier to support - Only one model needs to be maintained across all hardware platforms. Business requirements in terms of data and logic are represented in easy-to-use diagrams.
Client/Server applications can be re partitioned - without redesigning.
New versions can be delivered faster to the user base.
Support of national languages, dialects, multi-byte character sets, cross-platform code page translation and regional presentation formats are available via the tool.
Is this too good to be real?
Model-based design has been used in application development for at least 12 years, and is continuing to grow rapidly throughout the world. Our customer base can describe how a Model-based application has delivered on the promise. La Crosse International has a wealth of users who can talk from first experience about the use of the tools used to build La Crosse Financials. We would be delighted to answer your questions or provide more information.
