ParsTasmim PKMS Office Automation

PKMS provides a technology that enables the implementation of a new type of collaborative solution. Solutions of this nature could not previously be implemented, either because the proper technology was not available, or because the development costs involved would have been outside the scope of any reasonable budget.
All solutions based on PKMS have one thing in common: the implementation of a clear vision of how to automate common document and form-based tasks to support knowledge workers. The vision implemented in PKMS is the result of many years’ experience gained by ParsTasmim in building collaborative solutions. Here explains how ParsTasmim developed the thinking behind the vision, and how to approach the concept of collaborative applications based on PKMS.

The combined power of Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office provides a base for collaborative solutions using personal management tools such as Calendar, Contacts and Tasks. PKMS extends this base level functionality to enable secure sharing and processing of information within and among groups of knowledge workers. This is accomplished through the addition of features such as document management, workflow, access profiles and solution configuration and management capabilities. As a result, PKMS enables enterprises of any size to execute business processes efficiently within an environment of shared knowledge and activities.
Many such business processes can be automated with out-of-the-box PKMS document management and workflow features combined with appropriate access profiles and business role definitions.

PKMS includes a graphical Configuration Tool that uses object oriented technologies to define the structure and basic behavior of Work Items. The tool is simple and easily mastered. All the fundamental building blocks of a specific solution, ranging from the definition of simple elements such as icons and error messages, to scripted Microsoft Office templates, can be packaged into one single Software Component. The new Software Component can then be deployed to user desktops without any user intervention. Distribution occurs automatically the next time a user desktop connects to the PKMS server.

Additional business logic can be introduced by using the PKMS Object Library. When this library is included in a development tool such as Visual Basic, each single PKMS option can be driven programmatically. Prefab ‘building blocks’, including the handling of the User Interface, are made available in a Control Library, facilitating the building of custom PKMS solutions from re-usable components.
The Software Component concept, the Object Library, and the Control Library are the implementation of the deployment aspect of the vision.

PKMS provides two user interfaces: a Microsoft Outlook based user interface and a Web Browser based user interface. Users can use either depending on their personal preferences, professional requirements, and the nature of the application involved.
Microsoft Office is the de-facto standard for document handling in today’s electronic office. Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft SQL Server provide the necessary server components for directory, e-mail, and structured storage. PKMS unifies all these components into a seamless whole that makes it easy for users to work with business data in a document centric way.

“We are convinced that PKMS offers many new opportunities to any organization that wants to take the next step in the automation of document centric business processes.”

What is PKMS

PKMS offers a collaborative Work Management environment for Microsoft Outlook and the Internet. PKMS enables enterprises of any size to execute document-based business processes efficiently and effectively by managing activities, documents, and business data as they move through an organization, from initial creation to final archiving

The purpose of PKMS is to speed up the execution, reduce the cost, and enhance the quality of work.

Good examples of the type of work that can be managed through PKMS are:

• Inbound and Outbound correspondence handling in any organization.
• Management of customer correspondence in Customer Call Centers.
• Procurement correspondence handling in a manufacturing organization.
• Handling of qualified documentation records as a component in a manufacturing quality control system.
• Project centric ‘Knowledge Management’ in an R&D organization, or a services organization.
• Case file handling in a legal department, a police organization, local government, a ministry, and similar organizations.
• Warranty claim record handling in a purchasing department.
• Handling of medical records in a hospital.

These are just some examples of how PKMS can help an enterprise to organize its work more efficiently. Once someone is familiar with the features of PKMS it will be easy to identify many other opportunities appropriate to their organization.

The concept behind PKMS is to allow the PKMS business logic to control a standard piece of administrative information, such as a document, a form, or a complete folder. In PKMS, such a controlled item is called a Work Item.

The additional business logic that is provided by PKMS can be grouped as follows:

Access Control

Access to classified business information is controlled by an easy to maintain access labeling system.

Data Control

The contents of documents and forms can only be updated in a transaction oriented way, guaranteeing that the contents will stay consistent and can be audited later.

Process Control

Work Items can move through the organization in accordance with ad-hoc or predefined business procedures.

Reporting

The actual business data of Work Items is made available in a Microsoft SQL Server database and can as such be included in any report that supports ODBC access.

Solution Development Facilities