POSSE Technical Features

Application Architecture

POSSE is a state-of-the-art “n-tier” system that utilizes several best-of-breed technologies, also acting as middle-tier technology. POSSE is deployed as a thin, stateless browser-based application and POSSE mobile technology is also used on laptop/ruggedized computers or PDAs. POSSE may also be deployed as a client-server (smart client) application for “back office” use. The primary database uses industry-leading Oracle technology for maximum stability, performance, scalability, and security.

POSSE includes all of the technical components you need: an open and published Application Program Interface (API) for integration; a version control component for managing deployment of configurations; a process server for handling batch and off-line events such as bring forwards and reminders; and an integrated reporting warehouse that can handle complex and intensive reporting needs.

All POSSE configurations are stored as metadata in the Oracle database. In POSSE, virtually everything is treated as an object, and POSSE’s architecture permits multiple relationships between objects, enabling users to effectively navigate and drill-down through data. This powerful business and technology approach means that POSSE can adapt to ongoing business needs easily, thus extending the life and ROI of your POSSE system.

Browser-based Deployment

POSSE is deployed in any browser-based scenario: Internet, intranet, or extranet. Using secured Web access (HTTPS), your staff and customers can use POSSE over the Web to complete work, such an application or complaint, enter data and upload documents, or inquire on the status of a business activity.

POSSE Internet eliminates paperwork and allows you to better serve your customers by enabling access around the clock, seven days a week, if needed. Data can be entered directly by your customers, and browser-based submissions can be set up to automatically trigger workflows, thereby improving staff efficiency.

POSSE Internet is a “thin-client,” with no plug-ins or stored cookies used. Given its stateless architecture, it can be scaled across multiple Web and application servers for high-volume performance if required. In POSSE, a Web-services approach is used, so site branding and "look and feel" are entirely up to your Webmaster – POSSE appears to users as a natural extension of your existing website. POSSE manages the data and automatically applies business rules and security.

POSSE Internet is built using multi-tier technology utilizing ASP or ASPX, CSS, JavaScript and COM objects to manage presentation. The Internet functionality requires a Microsoft IIS server to host the website and employs a COM+ object on the Web server (or an independent application server) to allow access to the POSSE database.

POSSE Internet works with all HTML-4 compliant browsers, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 5+, Netscape Navigator 6+, and Mozilla Firefox 1.0+, and various PDA and BlackBerry browsers.

Mobile Deployment

Regulatory and compliance activities such as inspections, code enforcement, and investigations require your staff to be on location. POSSE mobile technology is used by field staff to access and collect the information they need and complete their work wherever they are.

POSSE mobile technology is designed for occasionally connected or disconnected use, and is ideal for field computing when wireless coverage is not available or is unpredictable. POSSE mobile uses a local database and does not require constant connection to the main POSSE database. Field workers download their assignments, record data, complete assignments, and upload results back to the main POSSE database.

Uploaded results become immediately available to other POSSE users and can automatically trigger subsequent workflow processes. Inspection reports, status reports, stop work orders, permits, etc., can be printed in the field and can be saved as encrypted PDF files.

Synchronizations – downloading and uploading data via Web services – are completed using either wireless connectivity, connecting to a local network, or by dialing into the POSSE database using a conventional or cellular telephone (TCP/IP protocol, LAN or WAN). POSSE Internet can also be used in the field via a constant Internet connection.

Workflow configurations for field use can include checklists, deficiency tables, regulatory text, free-form drawings, signature capture, and digital picture attachments. Based on the outcome of an activity, follow-up activities can be automatically scheduled.

POSSE mobile runs on regular notebook PCs, tablet computers, ruggedized PCs (running Windows 2000/XP), or on Pocket-PC PDA’s. Data uploads and downloads can be performed directly from home using a land line, from your local area network, or from the job site using a cellular phone.

GIS Integration

Most environmental business activities involve work related to land, facilities, or a variety of natural assets. To make sound environmental decisions, there is often significant value in leveraging relevant Geographical Information System (GIS) data.

POSSE provides seamless attributive and spatial integration with your GIS system. This enables users to correlate spatial data with the environmental activities you manage. For example, POSSE users can select information such as land parcels or buildings in POSSE, locate those objects on a map, and conduct a proximity search. Conversely, users could select object(s) on a map and drill into data in POSSE that relates to the selected object(s).

Textual GIS data, such as addressing and owner-related information, can also be updated using POSSE if security privileges allow.

POSSE integrates with ESRI, AutoDesk, or Intergraph GIS systems, either in smart client or browser-based environments. POSSE Internet utilizes a URL-based integration with the Internet map server (IMS) application.

Integrated Security

Security is fully integrated throughout the POSSE system with both user group and rule-based security supported. POSSE manages access groups and user ID’s within them, and ensures idle screen logout. It also controls view, create, modify, and delete privileges and applies security on each database field at every stage of a business process workflow.

Using secured Web access (HTTPS), guest or authenticated users are able to securely access POSSE around the clock and off-load work from your staff. An authenticated user logs onto POSSE using an ID and password. Unauthenticated (guest) users do not require a password, and may be limited to searching or initiating certain types of work such as a complaint.

Changes to data in POSSE are automatically identified as completed by a particular user, along with the time and date. For detailed audit trail logging, Oracle database features are utilized. POSSE allows for automatic locking of a business process when a specific event (e.g. an appeal) occurs. Once a process has been given a complete or cancelled status, it cannot be deleted. Some security features, such as document viewing and editing, allow the author to control which users can view or change a document.

POSSE is LDAP compliant enabling a single sign-on environment. POSSE Internet can detect when a sign-on is required, such as when a bookmark is used to try to access POSSE without the user having been previously authenticated. POSSE can also reside within multiple firewalls and DMZs, for maximum security.

POSSE security is fully integrated with Oracle security. The Oracle security schema is driven from POSSE metadata and forms a separate layer in the database. All access to POSSE data must go through the POSSE security schema, so even if an ad hoc reporting tool is used, users can only access data that POSSE permissions say they are entitled to access.

System Integration

POSSE seamlessly interfaces with existing systems, including GIS, e-commerce, point-of-sale, financial, or document management systems, as well as other legacy systems. POSSE uses external object mapping to read data in other systems in either batch or real-time mode. POSSE can also be used to update data in your existing systems if security allows. This ability to integrate helps POSSE leverage your investment in other information systems.

POSSE data is typically stored in a single Oracle database. Interfaces to other systems are implemented using POSSE’s open and published Application Program Interface (API) and our data integration functionality, which allows system integration to be managed centrally. In some cases data needs to be imported or exported to other agency systems using XML – POSSE can do this using XML-standard interfaces.

Several of our clients have integrated devices such as digital cameras, digital signature pads, or GPS devices with our systems. Integrated Voice Response (IVR) systems have been incorporated along with Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) enabled phones.