Service-Oriented Architecture
Lockwood designed its asset tracking and management solution as a service-oriented architecture (SOA). Service-oriented architecture (SOA) provides methods for systems development and integration where systems group functionality around business processes and package these as interoperable services for repeatable business tasks. SOA also provides different applications to exchange data with one another as they participate in business processes.
Lockwood's asset tracking and management SOA couples software with automated data capture (ADC) hardware, with the result that the solution provides seamless integration of applications into a single architecture. The resulting application set supports the entire enterprise asset and inventory management needs, regardless of size, complexity, industry or functional requirements.
Lockwood's enterprise level software is comprised of modules that automate the business processes that form the traditional asset lifecycle, and was designed to be compatible with typical information processing environments. Lockwood's software was developed in .NET, is compatible with Microsoft XP and Vista operating systems, and is fully integrated with standard Microsoft products including SQL Server, Windows Server, Windows Mobile, Word, Excel and BizTalk RFID.
Automated data capture generally uses barcode, radio frequency identification (RFID) and global positioning systems (GPS) technologies. Lockwood's software is compatible with the Electronic Product Code (EPC)-standard protocols for barcode and RFID equipment, and its software is tightly integrated with BizTalk RFID, thus enabling the seamless simultaneous use of BizTalk-enabled RFID devices from industry-leading companies such as Motorola, Alien and Intermec.
Lockwood provides pre- and post-sales consulting and support services that enhance its asset tracking and management SOA. Services include:
- best practices consulting, where Lockwood analyzes existing business practices and recommends design and implementation of industry-recognized best practices that align with the Gartner Maturity Model;
- performing physical inventory verifications, reconciliations and asset tagging
- appraising asset values
- recommending and installing automatic data capture hardware
- integrating and implementing software and hardware installations
- providing end-user and train-the-trainer education
- providing on-going software support and maintenance.
For more information, visit our homepage at www.lockwoodtechnology.com