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INTRODUCTION Novacura Flow is a low-code platform that expands ERP systems and allows customers to build their own ERP applications. It offers deep ERP integration and a set of connectors that make this integration with ERPs easy for low-code application developers. We constantly develop our product by regularly developing fully new versions offering a lot of new capabilities and functional improvements. The latest version – Flow 6.15 – not only brings new functional capabilities but also offers a significant improvement in the performance (efficiency) area. Below we present these performance improvements divided into 2 categories: those that are visible in “runtime” (for the end-users), and those, that are visible for Novacura Flow developers when they develop applications. RUNTIME PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENTS BETTER MEMORY MANAGEMENT ON THE SERVER SIDE Flow 6.15 utilizes the full potential of 64-bit architecture for memory management. The Flow server can now allocate and assign more memory to all components operating on the server side. All database connectors and drivers have been updated to the 64-bit versions. This change in the internal architecture has a significant impact on the performance in the most complex cases, where the server must face many concurrent sessions (very many users) and a heavy load of workflow executions performed in parallel. In such demanding cases, all users will notice a significant improvement in daily efficiency. At the same time, the server resources will be less utilized, so there will still be some space for a higher load. According to the tests we performed, the load on the Flow Server is roughly 30-40% lower in benchmarks, while in parallel providing a higher throughput! Server CPU usage measured for 6.14 and 6.15 for the same transaction load EXECUTION OF THE FLOW ENVIRONMENT CONNECTOR The new way of managing server memory has a visible impact on the execution of connectors responsible for communication with other systems (like ERP). But in the Flow 6.15 version, we specifically improved one connector: the Flow Environment Connector. This connector allows the Flow application to access Flow Server’s configuration and also get some operational information from the server (such as application users, and their roles, but also information about the running workflows). In the Flow 6.15 version, this Flow Environment Connector has been optimized. It now uses a more streamlined way of communicating with the internal Flow Server database, which has a tremendous impact on the runtime efficiency. Below we present the same sequence of Flow Environment Connector calls, executed in Flow 6.14 and 6.15 versions. Example Execution for Flow 6.14 Example Execution for Flow 6.15 FLOW SCRIPT IMPROVEMENTS The runtime efficiency improvements don’t end with machine steps execution. The Flow 6.15 version also expands the potential of our internal programming language called “Flow Script”. With the Flow script, customers can embed more complicated logic into their workflow applications. It is usually used to manipulate sets of data that have been retrieved from external systems or databases. The new Flow Script allows developers to use “Inner joins” to connect 2 data sources when querying them. Previously, when the application had to compare […]
Novacura Flow is bridging gaps between various ERPs and end-user needs since 2009. Since then we have been assisting more than 150 thousand users and continuously developing Novacura Flow and Portal. Now, it’s time to introduce a new product, Novacura Flow Connect. In contrast to Flow Classic (version 6.14, 6.15, and Portal 2), Flow Connect will be our flagship product in the rapidly growing industry of cloud services (e.g., platform-as-a-service), keeping most important funcionalities of on-premise software. First customer on Flow Connect is up and running! We are proud to announce that for the past three months, we have been utilizing Flow Connect within Novacura and testing it as an early adopter. The system is operational, stable, and has been tested by more than 150 active users. We have already observed initial outcomes, leading us to believe that it will bring about a significant change in the Flow ecosystem. In this blog post, we will outline the upcoming changes that come with Flow Connect and explain how you will benefit from this upgrade. Six Key Foundations for Flow Connect Novacura is committed to supporting our clients in transitioning to cloud computing. Our focus is on leveraging the cloud’s capabilities to provide practical, efficient, and cost-effective solutions. Therefore, the future of Novacura Flow is intrinsically tied to the cloud through a new product – Flow Connect. By embracing this shift, we can unlock new levels of efficiency, agility, and scalability. Our apporche is based on six foundations: Accessibility: Flow Connect can be accessed from anywhere at any time, providing users the flexibility they need. Seamless integration: Flow Connect is designed to integrate smoothly with other software and platforms, enhancing its utility and ease of use. With continuous updates, customers will always have access to the latest features and security measures. Enhanced security: Flow Connect employs advanced security measures and data protection, ensuring the safety of user data. Scalability: Flow Connect is highly scalable, allowing businesses to grow and expand without worrying about software limitations. Collaborate: Flow Connect fosters a multi-tenant design-time promoting seamless collaboration. It allows teams to work together in real-time, increasing productivity irrespective of their geographical locations. Time to value: Flow Connect is designed to expedite innovation. It significantly reduces ‘time to value’, allowing for quicker development and deployment of solutions on our platform, keeping your business agile and ahead of the curve. Key distinctions between Flow Connect and Flow 6.x 1. More efficient The solutions we provide for Novacura Flow 6x are single-tenant solutions. Novacura Flow Connect is a multi-tenant version, consistently updated and maintained by our development team. Customers gain access to multiple environments within the Flow Connect environment, and there is no separate installation required for any customer.Thanks to fully utilizing a cloud architecture, the solution is scalable in terms of performance. It allows for allocating additional server resources when the platform is under heavier load. With our SaaS solution, we offer Flow Connect as an all-inclusive service. Novacura has a Cloud Ops team that manages the environments, taking care of everything, including: All […]
Recently, we achieved significant milestones with the release of our latest version, Flow v.6.15 and a new version of the Flow Portal 2023.3. Novacura Flow version 6.15 puts major emphasis on mobile scanning functions. Automatic forwarding simplifies user interaction with their workflows and processes. This version represents a significant step towards user-centered development
At the most recent Novacura Flow User Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden, Andreas Crona introduced our business partners to an innovative solution that is set to enhance the role of integration administrators by seamlessly integrating over 50 connectors from a wide array of systems and technologies into Novacura Flow. We proudly introduce the Integration Engine! The Novacura Flow Integration Engine is a new module of our low-code platform designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing Novacura Flow product suite. The new module elevates the existing features of system integration of Novacura Flow to a whole new level, offering improved integration management, supervision, control, visibility, and traceability. It is designed for integration administrators and introduces a variety of new features for overseeing the performance of the entire low-code platform, including load balancing and timeout control, among others. THE GOALS AND ROLE OF INTEGRATION ENGINE The goals In the world of modern business, the Integration Engine plays a pivotal role in achieving both short-term and long-term objectives. It serves as the bridge connecting disparate systems, facilitating a seamless flow of information and enabling businesses to thrive in an interconnected digital landscape. The role Acts as a front-end interface for the ERP system, allowing the creation of high-level business services that encompass all the intricacies within the ERP API. Enable the ERP system to connect with various business systems, services, and equipment using pre-built connectors. Additionally, it has the capacity to integrate with systems beyond the ERP domain. Contributes to the development of a “Service-oriented architecture” by integrating diverse systems within the organization through a centralized service bus. Performs scheduled data exchanges between systems within your organization or with external entities. Effectively oversees and manages all integration operations. Offers IT administrators a clear view of all executed integrations for enhanced visibility and control. Open to many systems The Novacura Integration Engine collaborates with more than 50 connectors to various systems and technologies. KEY CAPABILITIES OF THE NEW INTEGRATION ENGINE One of the immediate advantages of the Integration Engine is its ability to connect and propagate events and activities across business systems. It simplifies the integration of master data, enabling real-time synchronization. Additionally, it offers the flexibility to automate complex cross-system processes, making it a valuable asset for your organization’s long-term strategy. Among the key advantages of the system, we developed as follow: Administration: all in one place – the Integration Engine simplifies integration management through its web-based administration console. Easy Integration Services creation – the integration routine editor adheres to a low-code philosophy, ensuring that it’s user-friendly and doesn’t demand advanced technical expertise for effortless creation. Triggered or scheduled integrations – when it comes to scheduled integrations, administrators have the flexibility to determine integration call frequencies and configure “Input parameters” for automated workflows. Timeout control – the manages timeout for each integration service call. Performance monitoring – administrators receive detailed alerts for integration errors, with customizable rules for filtering out specific errors. The system also provides performance reports to optimize workflows. Measurements & optimization -administrators can easily access the performance history of individual […]
Business processes in various industries require continuous improvement, which can only be handled effectively with indirect customer support. This way, companies that operate with outside assistance can continuously increase their operability and improve business performance along with cost-effective management. Novacura provides its users with solutions based on a collaborative approach supported by high-quality software development techniques. We adopt our mature software development processes and offer our customers automated software development with the ability to reuse existing software solutions for specific industry requirements (see Novacura Marketplace). It enables our customers to minimize the risks arising from a new solution designed without comprehensive knowledge of system development and integration. In today’s dynamic business environment, the need for continuous improvement and innovation is ever-present. One way to drive this change is through direct and open customer collaboration. It’s this belief that underpins our approach at Novacura. To facilitate this, we’re excited to introduce UserVoice, our new feature request platform for Novacura Flow. UserVoice isn’t just a platform; it’s your opportunity to directly shape the future of Novacura Flow. It´s more than just an ideas forum – it’s a powerful tool that puts you at the heart of our development process. How can we improve Novacura Flow? We want to help achieve our customers’ goals through the best procedures and practices throughout development. A few reasons why you’d want to join UserVoice and contribute your innovative ideas: Direct influence: With UserVoice, your ideas can shape the future of Novacura Flow. Your feature requests directly influence our roadmap, ensuring that we create a product that addresses your real needs and challenges. You become not just a user, but a co-creator. Community collaboration: UserVoice is not just a suggestion box; it is a vibrant community. Exchange ideas, discuss solutions, and build relationships with other Novacura Flow users. This collaborative environment helps to refine ideas, uncover new perspectives and strengthen the overall product. Transparency: We believe in the power of open communication. Track the progress of your feature requests, observe their impact and see how your input is valued and taken into account. Your voice matters, and with UserVoice, it is heard loud and clear. Efficiency: UserVoice enables us to identify and respond to common requests or issues quickly. This results in a faster, more focused development process, turning your ideas into tangible features that enhance your experience. Empowerment: UserVoice is a platform where every user, regardless of their technical expertise, can contribute to Novacura Flow’s evolution. It’s an empowering space where your ideas have a real impact. Enhanced User Experience: By using UserVoice, you help shape a better user experience. Your feedback guides us in refining existing features and introducing new ones that meet your needs. You’re not just improving your own experience; you’re enhancing it for the entire Novacura community. Change Management with Novacura Flow The Ideas Forum by Novacura will help our customers stay ahead of the competition. Continuous product improvement enables our customers to outline Change Management. That means that Novacura will be able to reinforce the Admin workflow. Here are examples of some benefits for customers with the […]
The maintenance role in various industries focuses on a management approach that predominantly relies on time-driven scheduling or repetitive tasks such as inspection of equipment, monitoring of plant conditions, or in some cases, lubrication of mechanical components. The oil and gas, refining and distribution, transportation, construction, and building development industries require continuous field service and maintenance to prevent catastrophic failure modes. The maintenance should provide periodic adjustments to maintain the required levels of reliability and availability. The complexity of today’s field service management cannot be handled simply and cost-effectively without the support of FSM software, which brings definitive advances to the business when it comes to personnel management, failure detection and preventive action, data analysis, forecasting, and even inventory management. The implementation of FSM software guarantees efficient operations through sustainable methodologies and field service management techniques. The only software that can provide maximum flexibility with configurable features will be the most suitable to cover an organization’s functional requirements for field services. Why use field service management software? Companies should consider implementing FSM software for several reasons. Here are the main factors that drive the need to implement FSM software: Intensifying energy efficiency – maintenance can prevent uncontrolled energy consumption, as well as eliminate increased energy consumption by inefficient electrical equipment or installations that may need to be replaced with modern technology. In this way, companies can use less energy but also take advantage of various asset management models that are important for site management and generally towards building efficiency, which among others, can help reduce water consumption, etc. Standardise procedures, time, and costs – companies use maintenance to reduce or prevent the expense of major equipment failures, which tend to be more costly. Companies can also minimize spare parts inventories, reduce the need for backup equipment and increase equipment uptime, which automatically creates maximum production revenue. Systematic strategy – with FSM software, companies can implement various maintenance models, such as preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance, to help develop a strategy and action plan for planned services and relocation of resources during operational failures caused by plant failure. Companies can also benefit significantly from workforce management by reducing overtime, providing a better workload balance, and managing tasks and contracts. Safety and supporting the energy transition – transport and plant management have an impact on climate change, the maintenance of which can reduce business requirements and plays an important role mainly related to reducing waste, pollution, and carbon emissions. In this case, companies use FSM software to improve safety and pollution control. Continuous optimization – FSM software can help stimulate initial action rather than reaction, indicates support to the user from a continuous improvement perspective, as well as improving equipment reliability over time that ensures consistent quality. FSM software provides both short- and long-term value to corrective actions, which will have a positive impact on ROI. What are the 5 types of service industry? Industrial services for FSM include various installations and equipment at remote locations but also at various stations and plants. Here some of the […]