CompuTec ProcessForce Architecture
CompuTec ProcessForce is a 64-bit .NET-based add-on built to extend the core functionalities of SAP Business One, with a specific focus on the needs of manufacturing and process industries. Its architecture is designed for deep integration, performance efficiency, and adaptability across both Microsoft SQL Server and SAP HANA environments.
Architectural Overview
At its core, CompuTec ProcessForce functions as a Windows-based .NET application that launches from within SAP Business One. It operates via an executable process (ProcessForce.exe) and integrates seamlessly with the SAP Business One environment through its APIs and extension points.
Key Architectural Components
1. CompuTec ProcessForce API
The business logic and data handling layer is encapsulated in a dynamic-link library (DLL) deployed with the add-on.
- Written in C# and part of the installation directory.
- Interfaces with SAP Business One using the Data Interface (DI) API.
- Offers Direct Access Mode, which uses ADO.NET for efficient database communication.
This separation of concerns ensures robust handling of both SAP-compliant data structures and custom logic.
2. User Interface (UI) Layer
The user interface is built using a combination of SAP-standard and modern web-based technologies:
- SAP Business One UI API is used for most standard forms and interactions.
- Select features leverage SAPUI5 (HTML-based interface) for richer and more responsive UIs. Examples include:
- Serialization
- MRP 2.5
- Batch Traceability 360
- Mass BOM Change Tool
This hybrid approach supports both consistent user experience and enhanced usability for complex operations.
3. Data Management
CompuTec ProcessForce relies on SAP Business One’s extensibility features to store and manage its data:
- User-Defined Objects (UDOs)
- User-Defined Tables (UDTs)
- User-Defined Fields (UDFs)
This ensures tight integration with the SAP data model while allowing CompuTec ProcessForce to manage industry-specific logic and traceability data.
4. Reporting and Analytics
Reporting capabilities are database-aware and provide flexibility depending on the platform:
- SAP HANA:
- Uses Calculation Views and the CompuTec Semantic Model for performance-optimized analytics.
- Microsoft SQL Server:
- Utilizes Stored Procedures, Functions, and Views for report generation.
Across both platforms, data retrieval is also supported via User Queries, and reports are rendered using Crystal Reports.
SAP HANA vs. Microsoft SQL Server Compatibility
CompuTec ProcessForce delivers feature parity across both database platforms. However, the Semantic Model, which leverages SAP HANA’s native calculation views, is exclusive to SAP HANA.
This architectural distinction provides enhanced analytical capabilities and performance for HANA users, while still offering comprehensive functionality for SQL Server environments.
Summary
CompuTec ProcessForce’s architecture is designed to:
- Extend SAP Business One with advanced manufacturing logic.
- Provide flexible UI and reporting layers tailored to user needs.
- Maintain performance across database platforms.
- Enable deep traceability and real-time analytics.
Its modular, API-driven design ensures scalability, maintainability, and compatibility with evolving SAP Business One standards.