Technical Specifications

Overview

The BlueBox Business System architecture contains characteristic features that make it simple and cost effective to install, deploy, customise and configure. This philosophy is carried through to our technology choices. Our system is built using some of the worlds most innovative technologies.

The BlueBox 2.0 platform is browser-based, written in PHP, with a MySQL Data back-end. Our proprietary suite of API?s constitute thousands of pre-encrypted files and modules, which run through an Apache Web Server and the PHP Engine. In simple terms, your BlueBox server should have a LAMP (or, if you must, a WAMP) infrastructure.

Operating System

The BlueBox Business Management System is optimally built to run on a Linux platform, preferably Debian or Ubuntu. Should the client insist on running a Microsoft server however, it will run using the Win32 ports of Apache, MySQL and PHP. Our reasons for choosing Linux: stability, security and keeping the cost to you, the customer as low as possible.

Hardware Requirements

Server costs will vary depending on the complexity and size of the installation. The client is expected to provide the hardware, although the BlueBox has strategic alliances with preferred hardware vendors who can offer our customers preferential hardware rates. The BlueBox Business Management System is not a power hungry platform and runs very effectively on most "normal" hardware configurations. Below are some recommended server hardware specifications (or comparative technology) according to the scale of the solution required.

• An acceptable entry-level business scale server would be a dedicated machine of the following calibre:
  
  • Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® 3400 series processor
  • Dual-core Intel® Core i3 series processor
  • Dual-core Intel® Celeron® G1101
  • Dual-core Intel® Pentium® G6950
  • 4 GB DIMMs for up to 8 GB of total system memory
  • 500GB SATA (Raid 0/1/5)
  • DVD Media Rom


• If the server is intended to serve ERP systems or 50+ users one would consider a machine that is critically designed for such a purpose, with generic server architecture, multiple processors etc:
  
  • Intel® Xeon® 5500 and 5600 series processors
  • 8 GB DIMMs for up to 16 GB of total system memory
  • 500GB SATA (Raid 0/1/5)
  • DVD Media Rom

64 Bit compatibility

When working with 64 Bit systems two third party downloads are required. The primary is ioncube to decrypt our encrypted php code. You will need to download the relevant 64 bit loader from http://www.ioncube.com/loaders.php and the load them via your web root and php.ini. The next is chart director we need to http://www.advsofteng.com/download.html select the required loader and then update the engine/3rdparty/chartdir/ directory with the correct loaders.

Databases and Integration

The BlueBox Business Management System operates off a MySQL database, but can be set up to run directly off a MS-SQL server, Oracle or other data engines. The solution includes an API for ODBC connectivity, as well as a module that enables direct "flat-file" access to remote data files.

Networking

The BlueBox solves the problem of system networking in a dynamically different way from our competitors. All traffic is between the client (user) and server; no additional servers are needed to run our software, and the only "third party" software required by the client is that of a browser. The outcome: reduced cost, faster networking, data integrity, security and reliability.

Client-side Browsing

The BlueBox Business Management System is built to take advantage of FireFox and Internet Explorer features, such as Javascript. This is therefore the minimum requirement on the client-side. The obvious additional benefit of this is that, given that your server effectively behaves as a web server, you can give your server access to the internet and host your server anywhere in the world. The natural corollary of this benefit - that your system is, by it's very nature, e-commerce enabled. Where other systems offer add-on e-commerce solutions by integrating them with their system, the BlueBox system, being browser based is already geared to offer e-commerce solutions. What does this translate to? Setup online trading that links directly with your accounts and stock management! Let your clients and suppliers monitor their accounts, and place and receive orders online! Give them their own login screens and zones on your system!

Backups

Backups of the database are the client's responsibility, and to this end, we provide full access to the MySQL database. Clients can simply add the networked drive to their daily tape backup regime. Your hardware provider can supply you with a server with which to set up a "mirror" facility in which your server is backed up regularly during working hours, preferably on a remote drive. We strongly recommend that clients make use of this ability for their own security and peace of mind! BlueBox also provides a built in backup module for backing up of specific tables etc. Furthermore the system allows "snapshots" of the database to be taken, painlessly creating a means of doing tests, training or system experiments without placing your real database in jeopardy.

Upgrades

Upgrades are, as long as you are paying your monthly lease, free. You will be pleased to know that the BlueBox Business Management System is a consistently evolving product. The BlueBox frequently releases upgrades and we believe our customers should benefit from this. You are, at the push of a button able to update the code on your entire system, whenever you like, ensuring you have the most current version of our software at any time!

Maintenance

The Blue Box provides real-time support and maintenance of each BlueBox installation via direct-access to the server. This is done via Broadband Internet connection. Should this be required, we access the server via SSHD, FTP and HTTP ports, each of which need to be configured for IP forwarding through the corporate firewall if access is given this way.

Security

The BlueBox System is built upon a secure base of Users and Permissions ensuring that the correct functionality is applicable to the relevant users at all times. Double Security User passwords are stored using encryption technology called MD5#. This means that the password is stored in its encrypted form, and the password that is input by the user prior to login is sent over the network in the encrypted form, preventing password interception by "packet sniffing". Secure Socket Layer (SSL) If further security is required by a client, the BlueBox System can be configured to run over the Secure Socket Layer Protocol. This is a high level encryption protocol that encrypts all traffic between the client and the server.

Networking

Intranet vs. Extranet ...As a browser-based and served solution, The BlueBox Business Management System runs over the TCP/IP protocol. In most cases, the BlueBox System runs as an Intranet, within the Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN). This is recommended when most of the access to the system will be internal. External access (via the Internet or direct dial-in) is still very possible, but be aware that the traffic to the server may be slower than if it were hosted directly on the Internet. Internet based BlueBox installations are used when most of the access to the system will be "public" or "remote". Access to a server hosted directly on the Internet is faster, in most cases, than one hosted within an organisation's LAN.

Specifications Navigation

System Functionality

Server-side software
Web-based (Zero Footprint Client)
Full system searchability
Full system auditability
Database integrity checking and automatic repair
Server management
Data import and exporting
MySql Database
ODBC connectivity
Personal browser based access for all users (staff, debtors, creditors etc.)
Unlimited users (concurrent or otherwise)
Per user password control
Per user defined access
Per function permissions
E-commerce enabled
Drill down functionality
Concurrent window technology
Remote code and module updates
Fully customisable screens
Databackup and restoration
Multiple database platform compatibility
Remote online support enabled

Business Intelligence

Live fully customisable digital dashboards
Management information systems
Integration solutions
Reporting solutions
Multiple format reporting (web, e-mail, sms, etc.)
Graphical data reporting
Data import and exporting
Output export reports to other applications (eg MS Excel)
Customised reporting
Role oriented reporting

Content Management

Knowledge management
Digital document management
Advanced content management
Content management permissions and authorisation
Publishing of policies and manuals
Catalogue publishing
Website publishing
Forms and form reporting
Surveys and polling
Data galleries
Flash galleries
Shopping cart enablement

Asset Management

PC/IT Asset management
Automated PC tracking
Fleet asset management
Generic asset management
Depreciation
Maintenance management

People Management

Human Resources Management
Payroll
Staff loans
Employment equity reporting
Project management
Task management
Time and attendance system
Address books
Global, grouped and personal calenders
Time management
Leave application processing
Resource booking

SRM & CRM

Sales Orders
Quoting
Invoicing and pro-forma invoicing
Repeat invoicing and contracts
Postdated and recurring transactions
Financial documentation linking (quote-order-invoice-etc.)
Accounts receivable
Debtors days ratios and age analysis
Project management
Lead management
Sales pipeline management
Sales probability tracking
Sales forecasting
Customer relationship management
Simple customer file management
Address book and contact management
E-commerce functionality
Newsletters and polling
Client service management
Call center management
Ticket management
Customer specific pricelists
Campaign pricing
Integrated customer file integration log (e-mail, fax, SMS)
Sales team performance management
Sales territoty (location) rep allocation and reporting
Live commission calculation
Sales policy file management
Unlimited customer categories
Online sales
Point of sale (POS)
Network marketing
Multi-level marketing
Multi-tiered commission calculation
Flexible commission structures

Point of Sale (POS)

Web-based
Full backend synchronisation and reporting
Multiple payment / tender types
Default / Common stock types with quick links
User login / logoff and cashier permissions
Lockdown
Cashup and closeout
Float management
Cashier and till tracking
Mixed payment
Full barcode compatability
Stock / Nonstock
Vouchers
Discounts
Credit notes and refunds
Account sales
Suggested items

Procurement & Supplier Relationship Management

Accounts payable
Supplier relationship management
Simple and advanced supplier file management
Unlimited suppliers
Unlimited supplier categories
Address book and contact management
Pricing control with unlimited price lists
E-commerce enabled
Internal procurement processes
Internal purchase requests (IPR)
IPR Tracking
Request for quote (RFQ)
RFQ Tracking
Supplier turnaround reports
Supplier profitability reports
Creditors days ratios and age analysis
Buyers profitability reports
Product price variance reports
Order process management
Automatic purchase order creation
Automatic stock replenishment
Postdated and recurring transactions
Optional auto-receiving
Partial receiving
Financial documentation linking (PO-GRN-Supplier Invoice-etc.)
Stock returns management
Buyers guides
Buying budgets
MRP Calculations
MRP 2
Project Buying
Back-order Management

Stock Control

Inventory control
Live stock control and reporting
Warehouse management
Inventory cost control
Mutiple warehouses and bins
Multi-site and multi-business
Unlimited inventory items
Stock movement
Pickslips, packslips, GRNs and delivery notes
Stock take
Preferred suppliers
Associated inventory images
Multiple units of measure
Stock type sizes and variations (eg. Colour, size,flavour etc.)
Split stock
Make stock
Kitting
Take inventory snapshots
Control inventory using barcode or RFID scanners
Min/max/reorder stock levels by bin location or branch
Bin to bin stock flow (eg. high rise to low bin movement)
Serial numbering
Pricing control with unlimited price lists

Manufacturing

Works orders
Simple and complex bills of materials
Unlimited BOMs
Unlimited BOM components
Associated BOM images
Forecasting manufacture
Supply planning
Job scheduling
Costing (Direct, indirect and cost allocation)
Workflow management
Service and repair orders
Basic manufacturing requirement planning (MRP)
Advanced manufacturing requirements planning (MRP2)
Process, Lean, Discrete, Flow and Hybrid Manufacturing

Accounting Management

Accounts payable
Accounts receivable
Payment and credit note management
Unlimited age analysis
General ledger
Cash book management
Unlimited cashbooks
Unlimited bank accounts
Balance sheets
Income statement
Fixed assets
Budget control
Financial reporting
Financial statements
Financial documentation linking
Drill down functionality
Exporting and importing
Flexible financial period processing
Unlimited tax types
Unlimited currencies
Currency independence
International currency trading

Distribution

Despatch and delivery
Prioritisation technology
Route planning
Shipment (Full and partial)
Proof of delivery

Customer Loyalty

Full POS integratability
Vouchers
Integrated E-commerce
Market Segmentation
Integrated Communications (SMS, Newsletter, E-mail etc.)
Client file
Fully dashboarded controls
Built in Kiosk functionality
Fully customisable kiosk screens
Polling, Surveys and Market Research
Points redemption
Cross selling
Brand Marketing
Discounts
Full Customer Access
Full website integration
Competitions

Hospitality and Reservations

Multi-Room, Multi Site, Multi Venue
Unlimited number of rooms, venues, users and customers
Central reservations
Occupancy management
Venue management
Debtors management
Integrates with POS
Reservations Grid/Occupancy Chart
On-the-fly viewing, booking, editing and transactional processing
Customer Categorisation for effective reporting
Mid, Pre and Post-Reservation Product/Service Sales (Bar, Meals and Tours etc)
Templates for Invoices, Pending and Confirmed Letters
Pending / Confirmed Booking Letters auto-generated & ready to print, fax or e-mail from system
Tour Operator/Travel Agent Invoicing
Split revenues between room rates and other costs for effective reporting
Tourism Levy incorporated
Multiple bookings under one client with consolidated billing

Website publishing

Content Management System (CMS)
Content and Categories
Content Permissions
Content Calendar
Automatic content activation and expiry
Document Management
Data Gallery Manager
Flash Gallery Manager
Menu Manager
Page Templates
E-commerce enabled
Shopping Cart
Forms

Communications Management

System event communication triggers (E-mail, SMS or fax on event)
Newsletters
Newsletter Reporting
Bulk SMS sending
Surveys
Campaigns