abas eB

Product brochure abas eB

eB
eBusiness for abas ERP users
 for production companies*

for wholesales and distribution companies*

eBusiness for midsize companies

Table of Contents

eBusiness for abas ERP users 3

Value added features 4
Function range 8
- Standard functions 8
- Standard applications 10
• Webshop 10
• Sales order information 16
• Registration 17
• Service processing 18
- ERP operation 20
More flexibility and customization 22
Structure and technology 26
Infrastructure and security 28
References & case studies 30

Content is subject to modification.

abas Business Software –
effective software solutions for your company

The brand name abas Business Software includes the products abas
ERP, abas Distribution and abas eB. Together, these products form a
complete solution offering a broad spectrum of functions for midsize
production, wholesale distribution and service companies. Functions
range from purchasing and sales, to materials management, produc-
tion planning and production, through accounting and eBusiness.


Product brochure abas eB

eBusiness
for abas ERP users

Making information accessible worldwide for employees, customers, ven-

dors and subsidiaries. Transport knowledge and data through the Web
and keep abreast of the latest information available worldwide. Internet
services can expand your business reach, reduce costs and decrease lead
times. By using abas eB you have all of the advantages of a flexible eBusi-
ness solution tailored to midmarket companies. abas eB combines many
years of ERP know-how with the most modern Internet technology.

eB

This brochure abas eB:

addresses: Available applications

- Companies already working - Webshop - Vendor connection

with abas ERP or abas
Distribution
- Companies looking for an
integrated ERP eBusiness system
- Sales order information - External system connection with
- Service processing Web service
- Customer information system - Data recording with scanner
Additional Web Applications are easily integrated –
Which application ideas do you have for your company?


 Value added features

Your Value Added

with abas eB

abas eB empowers you with highly flexible Internet solutions based on

ready-made Web Applications, such as Webshop and service processing.
It allows you to create your own solution and incorporate your own
ideas. Behind the scenes lies the abas ERP package, complete with data-
base, a full range of functionality and powerful interfaces to realize your
application logic.

Completely Easy data

integrated ERP system maintenance

The business logic of abas ERP and abas Distribution is perfectly
adjusted to your processes and special requirements. In performing a
Web Application you will never have to reimplement this customized
business logic. The highly adaptable ERP system is the basis for all
eBusiness applications and is highlighted by simple customization
and expansion options. No matter what your future requirements may
be, abas eB and abas ERP support your success!
abas ERP maintains your data as usual. Any altered data auto-
matically flows into the shadow client and will always be available
in consistent form for the Web application. Whether it be price
agreements, stock levels, purchasing and sales processes, or any
additional data maintained in abas ERP, all is available in abas eB.
Data changes can also be easily accessed through the Web.

Easy
operation

abas eB applications are intuitively operated with minimal Web

browser requirements. Javascript or additional programs are not
required.


 eB

Many implementation options Numerous standard Web Applications

Easy connection with business partners Easy customization and expansion
24/7 access to ERP data worldwide Extensive tools for developing and expanding
Scalable and portable your solution
Platform and hardware independent Completely integrated ERP system, including materials
Browser independent management, scheduling, purchasing/sales
Modern technologies International and multilingual
Easy integration with external applications Good price/performance ratio through customized
Upgradeable and evolutionary licensing model
Easy data maintenance Flexible design

Connecting your
business partners Web services

With abas eB you can connect the systems of your business part-
ners (e.g. vendors, customers, external sales force, subsidiaries and
branch offices) to your ERP system. Your partners will always be inform-
ed, can maintain their own data, and transparency in the company
will increase.
External
applications integration
Data from external applications such as CAD, CAQ, CRM, as well
as archiving systems, can be accessed in the Internet with abas eB.
Use the Internet as a service platform through abas eB. Web services
allow you to create information services and offer them to your part-
ners so they can integrate them into their own software solutions.
abas eB web services are fully compatible with web service stan-
dards and function as a service and integration platform. With this
technology you can provide your business partners with the capacity
to fully integrate their business functionality.
The information and service range of your abas eB solution can be
extended using web services, such as with information from your
content or document management system. This connection of inform-
ation and services to all your software solutions gives you added
value.


 Value added features
WindowsXP
International
and multilingual
All abas eB applications can be created and operate in a variety of
languages. Specific editors support the text and data translations and
also the adjustments to the respective language. All text and data
are created in Unicode, of which the standard comprises German,
French, British and American English. 16 languages in total are
supported. Ask your software partner for the translation status of your
respective language.

Inter
Extensive
tools
abas eB tools are developed using the Eclipse® tool platform. It
supports the system administrator and project developer in making
settings and adjustments. Using abas eB tools, adjustments can be
readily and easily implemented so that project costs are reduced.
Secure
data transfer
If required, the transfer of data from the eB server to the client can
be encoded. Using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), data transferred
over HTTP is protected with an encoding that is activated by the SSL
certificate of the abas eB server. This guarantees data protection and
integrity during the session between abas eB and your browser.
rnational and multilingual
Linux
Portable
and scalable
Modern Java technology makes it possible to run abas eB on all
current Linux platforms, as well as on Windows XP. With the Apache
Web server and Apache Servlet/JSP Container Tomcat, it is possible
to distribute the increased level of demand to several abas eB nodes
by means of „load balancing“. Every abas eB node works with its
own shadow client so that abas ERP system operation is not inter-
rupted. This makes abas eB scalable. Even when demand is increa-
sing and more access occurs, stability is maintained and the response
time stays within a reasonable range.
SSL
Permissions and set up options
according to user group
At any time the administrator can select:
- who may see, edit or delete which data,
- who is allowed to carry out which actions.
This is best established for user groups (e.g. customers, vendors,
employees), as well as for individual users (e.g. customer Smith).
It is also possible to generate the information in terminal layout.
Customer Smith can use the application on his PDA (resolution
320x200) in the same way employee Miller can on his 19’’ monitor
(resolution 1280x1024).
Continued
development
abas eB is regularly maintained and expanded with new functions.
The system therefore grows with your requirements, making it a secure
investment.

 Function range: Standard functions

Standard
functions

Drawing from the full functionality of a mature ERP system, abas eB

promises adaptable and fully functional Web Applications.

Editing and User-defined

displaying data authentication

- Data record selection using selection and object parameter bars
- Displaying, editing, creating and copying data records
- Data record can be directly accessed in read or write mode
- Infosystems integration for data evaluation
- User-defined data access authorization
abas eB provides different authentication options which can be
configured and implemented according to project requirements.
- System access as anonymous user (guest)
- System access through entering user name, password and
additional individual login parameters
- Prospect, customer, vendor or employee is assigned to a user.


Standard functions

• Independent display browser
• Design changes using CSS
• Text display in UTF-8
• Customized design
• ERP access specified by web user
• Download/Upload functions
• Multilevel login option
• Email connection
• PDF document creation
• Extensive tools for Web application
administration and expansion
• Save data directly in the clients or
in XML format
• Role-based menu
• User administration through abas ERP
• Users can be asked to change
their password
• Users can be blocked
• When carrying out ERP functionalities
the originator user can be determined
• Configurable Web services for
communicating with external systems
such as stock levels, price queries or
the transmission of sales orders from
external systems

Role-based Extensive
authorization monitoring options

Different functionalities can be managed using a role concept. Roles The system can be monitored using:
can be defined as anonymous users, customers or vendors that are - Information from current session and logged in users
not logged in. The menu structure, user guide and user interface can - Log files depicting data traffic to the abas ERP system
be designed according to each role. - Log files examining abas eB in current operation


 Function range: Standard applications
Webshop

The standard application can be combined in any way and adjusted to meet individual
requirements such as design and functionality.

Standard
applications

Webshop

abas eB enables and maintains a professional Webshop structure independent of

sector for both B2B and B2C environments.

The abas eB Webshop has a purchase order function for anonymous

and logged in users. A product search can be conducted according
to identity number, search word or as a full-text search. Shopping
carts can be saved as models. Further functions include pricing/price
determination, special offers calculation, cross selling, up selling, and
accessories.

10
”All products and their availability
can be viewed 24/7 in the abas eB
Webshop. Individual terms and
conditions are recorded for all
registered customers. All necessary
data is available in the ERP system
and displayed in realtime in the
Webshop.“
Gerhard Schleiken, CEO of Digital
Data Communications GmbH (DDC),
network products
“The abas Webshop is integrated
into our entire Web design. Our
customers can now safely and
comfortably order 24/7. Numerous
administration options are available,
such as the creation of delivery
addresses, sales orders and invoice
overviews. Previous sales orders can
be accessed for repeat orders. With
the online shop we are able to
provide Leser customers with the
perfect service.“
Ralf Leser, CEO of Leser GmbH,
specialist for sophisticated
packaging solutions
”Our abas eB Webshop is an
interesting sales form for us. We
have opted for abas eB because
we were able to implement Web
solutions without needing to connect
to an ERP system. An important
advantage is that abas eB contains
all necessary functions for a
Webshop that we can later
connect to an ERP system.”
Marian Meier-Andrae, Sales and
Marketing manager at KAMEI
GmbH & Co. KG, innovative car
accessories
”After a very short project duration,
our external sales force now has
round the clock access to all
necessary information. It is also
possible to create quotations from
the Internet. Our project managers
control the publication of their own
product areas with the abas
eBusiness solution. They select
the product master files of our
material management system and
images, manuals, production
information, etc. are available
worldwide! This is unique!“
Günter Tappen, IT Manager at
elta GmbH, consumer electronics,
small electronic devices, and
air-conditioning technology
11
 Function range: Standard applications
Webshop

Webshop function overview

Catalog maintenance in abas ERP

Product catalog

12
 Detail view in abas eB Webshop

Product detail information maintained in abas ERP

Shopping cart page with address information

13
 Function range: Standard applications
Webshop
Product group/
Catalog management *

text and media management.
Webshop function overview
General*
product list
Multi-language
Multi-currency
Mail feature makes it possible to manage
many shops in one system
Country-specific payment types, shipping
conditions and currencies
Online status request
Scalable
Email and document transfer
Email confirmation of new or existing
customer registrations
Multi-hierarchy levels
Images and documents allocated to product groups;
Products can exist in multiple product groups
Product groups can be represented in numerous layouts
Customized catalogs
Top sellers for each product group
Accessories for each product group
Activation/Deactivation of individual product groups or products
(e.g. product line changes or seasonal goods)
Customized prices
Expandable by any given number of data fields
Several products can be ordered simultaneously from one
Number of products per page can be determined
Products can be listed or viewed in detail
SET products
Non-inventory products (services)
Products or product lists can be requested with a link (bookmark
compatible)
BOMs for each product
Product alternatives (same product in different colors, etc.)
Displaying cross selling and accessories for a product
Different layouts can be used for the product detail view
PDF data sheets available for each product
Availability status (amount displayed with traffic light indicator)
Net price display for distributors
Search by product characteristics
Multilingual sales texts
Product displayed by price, trade or stock unit
EAN number
Full text search with built in search engine (Lucene)

14
 Shopping cart *

Retroactive purchase order processing

Sales order/delivery confirmations per Email
Invoicing per Email as PDF document
Packing list display
Shipping cost calculation by country and shipping type
Sales tax/VAT rates can be defined and easily amended
Order processing
Management by revenue type
Quotations (print, Email, fax, PDF) with calculation
Shipping papers and packaging labels creation
Minimum order value and surcharges for minimum quantities
Maximum/Minimum purchase order quantity
Customers that are blocked, onwarning, or have exceeded their
credit limit can be excluded from the sales order processing
Customer/ Delivery date calculation
Prospect management * Additional sales products that are not contained in the catalog
Compact shopping cart view
User administered by group, e.g. foreign customer, frequent HTML print view of shopping cart
shopper, distributor, blacklist Purchase orders for both logged in and inactive users
Customer purchase order history Direct entry of product number and quantity
Different types of payments can be managed for each customer Customized pricing
Customer can save several shipping addresses
Customer activation/deactivation
Determination of customer turnover
Payment status (closed and outstanding items)
Delivery block for customers
Customer login configuration
Credit assessment
Credit limit

* = Standard function
Discounts and = Adjustment
special offers*

Discounts can be activated/deactivated

Time limit
Depending on number of items purchased or value of goods
Category allocation
Allocation to certain role or user
Discounts can be specified in % or absolute
Product giveaways can be defined (e.g. “buy one, get one free”)
Price and quantity scales

15
 Function range: Standard applications
Order information/Registration

Sales order information

Logged in users can get a detailed overview of both running and completed sales
orders by using abas eB sales order information. You can also integrate documents
using a document management system (DMS).

Selection screen for ongoing requests or sales orders

Sales order in detail view

Function overview:
Sales order information*

Sales orders list for logged in customers

Sales orders in detail view
Connection with DMS system to display
the filed documents
Tracking number display (UPS, Fedex, ...)

* = Standard function
= Adjustment

16
 Registration

The registration occurs with the double opt-in procedure. This means a confirmation
Email is sent after the registration is complete. Only after the activation link is clicked
through will the user will be activated. Activation can also occur with an activation
code sent by mail. It is also possible to register and activate a user internally using
abas ERP, or conversely block a user.

Prospect registration
Under the prospect login, the user will be designated as “prospect” Function overview:
and can be assigned restricted access. Service processing

Customer registration ”Double opt-in“ procedure

Customers can register themselves using their customer ID and will Existing registration
either have immediate access, or access after internal activation. New registration (prospects/customer/vendor/employee)
”Forgotton password“ function with automatic
Change password password allocation
Web user can change his/her password. Login confirmation through internal/external activation link
or code
Can be expanded and customized

17
 Function range: Standard applications
Service processing

Service processing

The Service Center supports the service

technician when preparing an assign-
ment on customer site.

Service Center Homepage

�
12 �
�

Function overview: Service product

Service processing
Service product management
Access to archived BOM using the
service product
BOM processing for replacement or
aftermarket parts
Monitoring component exchange
Service and maintenance for a
service product
Service processing for hotline support
Cost estimates leading to service
reservations
Webshop connection to online spare
parts ordering
Infosystems for:
- Service technician planning in
calendar view
- Service reports creation
- Service requests overview
Service processing is centered around the archived Bill of Materials
(BOM). All service product information can be accessed here, such
as which service product component has been replaced or retrofitted.
The service product data is then updated by sales, such as when a
sales/service order is created or after an order is delivered.
Service Helpdesk
Malfunctions can be managed using the service helpdesk inquiry.
Incoming inquiries are first recorded in the helpdesk, then processed.
The helpdesk is as a basis for both cost estimates and service orders
and is relied on by service technicians for their assignments. For the
best planning possible, further master file records such as qualifica-
tion, qualification level, service assignment, or service assignment
means are included. These records are used to efficiently plan service
assignments.

18
Service helpdesk inquiry in abas ERP Service helpdesk inquiry in abas eB

Service product in abas ERP Service product in abas eB

Infosystems
Service processing evaluations for abas ERP are displayed in info-
systems. For effective processing, the infosystems are also used as
centers to plan service assignments. Calendar views are available for
this purpose. Service reports can also be created in an infosystem.

These same functions are also available in abas eB, which means a
service technician can access the service processing information any
time over the Internet. Spare parts ordering is also enabled in abas
eB using a Webshop integration.

19
 ERP operation

ERP
operation

Certain sections of abas ERP can also be operated through a web browser
using abas eB. This allows both internal employees, as well as external
users to access or edit ERP data over the Internet. Customized ERP applica-
tions can also be readily transferred to abas eB.

Function overview: ERP operation

Data record selection using individual
selection screens
Data record selection and characteristics
bars defined in abas ERP
Data record retrieval using identity number
and search word
Displaying, creating, editing and copying
of master and transaction data, as well as
additional databases
Creating eB components using ERP screen
description
Reference data record selection using
selection and characteristics bars
PDF print of data records
Free text editor and display
Validation of input data and highlighting
the invalid input fields
Date entry using calendar
Infosystems execution with start button
Full EFOP functions when implementing
screens
Adding eB specific fields to display
information from external systems
Initially dynamic preset infosystem retrieval
Web services for data record creation
and infosystem execution without dialogs
Access control using ERP passwords
Login with ERP password
Browser-initiated GUI screens when
internally used

20
 Selecting a sales order customer

Creating a new sales order

Sales order in abas ERP

Plan chart in abas ERP

Plan chart in abas eB

21
 More flexibility and customization

Flexible adjustments and expansions

using efficient tools

Many tools are integrated into abas eB for adjusting your Web Appli-
cations to meet your individual requirements. A generic approach to
creating applications allows abas eB to be easily modified.
The abas eB workbench offers a multitude of administration and
expansion possibilities using graphical tools.

Web representation
Menu JSP Project Translation
Editor Editor View Editor
Website

Web-oriented
SOAP service
adjustable
function Java Editor

Workflow

Process transformation of function Application builder, Web service

components built in Java source code deployment

Component Editor/
abas eB function components
Web service Editor

Tools
abas ERP business logic
Weblayer

abas eB functionlogic

abas ERP businesslogic

Schematic structure of abas eB

22
 abas eB Workbench

The abas eB workbench offers a multitude of specialized tools using standard Web
Applications, or you can choose to use your own applications for quick adaptation.
All abas eB tools are implemented as plugins in the Eclipse® open platform‚ and use
its existing, advanced framework as a basis.

Adding new customer screen fields

Editing layout of customer screen

23
 More flexibility and customization
Flexible adjustments and expansions using efficient tools

Creating new eB components by

selecting an ERP screen

Text editor

Menu Translation
Editor Editor

Using the menu editor you can easily design the appearance of your
menu, as well as link menu entries with respective actions. The menus
can be specified independent of user, allowing privileged actions to
be executed.
Using the translation editor you can directly select which languages
you want to release for your clients. You can also add additional
languages and translate the entries using clear reference tables. The
translation editor also supports you when searching for missing or
problematic entries.

24
Component
Editor
The component editor pulls an infosystem or database from abas ERP
to the Internet. The fields that are to be displayed on the Web pages
are selected and configured using this tool.
JSP
Editor
With the JSP editor, websites can be edited as text. Contents include:
syntax highlighting, and an automatic suggestion list for tags and
formatting.
Web service
Editor
A web service structure can be created and expanded out of abas
ERP business functionality using the Web service editor. An authentica-
tion can precede the service in just a few steps.
Adjustable
design
The design is controlled using a single central CSS document (with
different CSS sub-documents), allowing globally valid changes to be
easily implemented. When in operation, it is also possible to comple-
tely reverse the design.
Upgrade secure
areas for individual adjustments
You can extend existing functionality within upgrade secure areas that
will not change when upgrading abas eB, keeping your adjustments
consistent from version to version. This will both decrease upgrading
costs and avoid duplicate developments.
Configuration
using abas ERP
All important configuration data, such as user and application
settings, can be recorded and maintained in abas ERP, which
makes them easy to change while in operation.
25
 Structure and technology

Technology and architecture

Open source and independent

abas eB uses open source technology and is both operating system and
computer architecture independent due to Java implementation.

Technology
Architecture and Tools

The abas eB architecture is divided into three layers: Web, function - Apache
logic and data access. The separation of these layers makes the - Apache Tomcat
application flexible for expansions and adjustments. This is especially - Apache Struts
important for Internet applications, which must constantly adapt to - JavaServer Pages (JSP)
an ever-changing environment. In addition, this layer architecture - Apache Axis
enables the requirements for abas eB scalability. - Eclipse® Tool-Plattform
- XML
- Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP)
- Eclipse Modelling Framework (EMF)
- Spring Framework
- Spring Web Flow

26
Open design

Open for expansions and individual adjustments, you can make
changes in numerous locations of the Web layer and function logic,
freeing up the entire function spectrum from the abas eB engine.
All those functions will be provided in Java API, which plays an
important role in all applications (e.g. data access, security, monitoring,
caching, error handling, etc.).
abas eB is perfectly suited as an integration platform. The architecture
enables access to different sources (external systems) and integrates
the extracted information in a role-based and personalized view. The
use of standardized technologies, such as XML and SOAP, is impor-
tant for heterogeneous environments and is an integral part of the
abas eB architecture.

Web service client, abas eB Web

e.g. DMS Web view services
external system

abas eB engine SQL

database

abas ERP

Infosystems Database

Standard applications

Web- Sales order Registra- Service

shop information tion processing

abas eB
Web services
Web layer

abas eB engine

abas ERP External systems

27
 Infrastructure and security

Infrastructure Für Offenheit und Unabhängigkeit

provides Security

Your Web presence needs to be well planned so that your customers

and prospects can reach you at anytime, but your data is still protected
from unwanted access. abas eB has no limitations regarding location and
number of servers. However, in establishing the right infrastructure you
can ensure your data remains safe.

Scenario 1:

The server running abas eB in your company is located in a

special, firewall-protected sub-network, the DMZ (demilitarized zone).
Your real server should be in your Intranet and also firewall-protected,
regardless of whether you are using abas ERP or a different ERP
system.

28
Scenario 2:

The server running abas eB is located within an Internet provider, tected and only available to predefined users. All state-of-the-art secu-
so there’s no need to ensure Internet or bandwidth availability. The rity mechanisms, such as SSL decoding with https, certificates, etc.,
transmission of data from your internal ERP system to abas eB (and are available.
vice-versa) is enabled using a ssh connection. Access is firewall-pro-

Company Customer Provider

Intranet PC
DMZ
abas ERP
real client abas eB
Firewall

Firewall
Firewall

abas ERP
shadow
Internet client

Company Customer

DMZ
PC
abas ERP
abas eB
shadow client
Firewall

Firewall

Intranet

abas ERP
real client Internet

29
 References & case studies

References
& case studies

Many users – many solutions! With abas eB you are able to realize many
different applications, as highlighted by the variety of abas eB customer
projects.

Digital Data Communications GmbH Dethleffs GmbH & Co. KG FLYWARE / WEMA electric motion oHG
www.digital-data.de www.dethleffs.de www.flyware.de

- Multilingual Webshop - Warranty processing - Shop application

- Design adjusted to CI (corporate - Customer data creation and - Configurator
identity) requirements support - Integration into CMS
- Different hierarchy level representa- - External spare parts catalog - Sales order creation on trade fairs
tion in the product catalog connected to web services
- Interface to external CMS systems
- Stock level display
- Connection to external foreign
offices
- Callback function
- Sales order status information
- RMA processing

30

HOFA-Media GmbH
www.hofa-media.de
- Shop application
- Product configurator
- CMS with abas eB
- Shop with MP3 sales
Leser GmbH
www.leser.de
- Design without frames
- Extended login (customer/prospect
registration) and extended security
request
- Products with additional attributes
(form/color)
- Sales order and invoice overview
KAMEI GmbH & Co. KG
www.kamei.de
- Complete integration into existing
company layout
- Web services for credit card
payment
- Easy navigation using
”DropDown“
Protatec GmbH
www.decowunder.de
- Multilingual Webshop in corporate
design
- Pricing taken from abas
Distribution and converted to gross
pricing for B2C
- Product catalog, product detail
view
- Several payment types
- Encoded shopping cart
- Optimized search engine indexing
- Integration of a small CMS for
page design
Krieger Fahrzeugbau GmbH
www.krieger-fahrzeugbau.de
- Information displayed on used
machinery
- PDA connection for sales talks
Weinmann Geräte für Medizin
GmbH & Co. KG www.weinmann.de
- For customers: sales order
information, repair tracking, cost
estimate authorization, training
and qualification overview,
price lists
- For vendors: plan chart, purchase
order suggestions and outstanding
product deliveries
31
References

© ABAS Software AG - As of May 2008 - Subject to change without notice - Prod.no.: abas Product broschure eB 2008
Application examples www. abas.de/en/ebusiness/anwendungsbeispiele.htm

ABAS Software AG
Südendstraße 42
76135 Karlsruhe
GERMANY

Tel. +49 721 / 9 67 23 - 0

Fax +49 721 / 9 67 23 -100
info@abas.de
www.abassoftware.com www.abassoftware.com