Send this page to a colleague Technical Information
QuickAddress for Siebel eBusiness Applications comprises a number of solutions for use with Siebel 2000, 7.0x or 7.5x. These are described below.
- QuickAddress for Siebel 2000
- QuickAddress for Siebel OCX
- QuickAddress for Siebel ZCF
- QuickAddress Data files
QuickAddress for Siebel 2000
QuickAddress for Siebel 2000 is a client-side integration of the QuickAddress Pro client API user interface. A QAS Windows library file (.dll) is resident on every client wanting to use the rapid addressing functionality. Searches are invoked and passed via TCP-IP to a QAS server, running as a Windows service or UNIX daemon, which in turn searches the QAS proprietary address data files. The QAS data files are platform independent binaries and no uploading of address information into tables within the Siebel database is necessary. All configuration settings for both the client and server are held within text files (INI) on the host machines.
QuickAddress for Siebel 2000 features
Searching Functionality
Address searches are entered by the user into a pre-built user interface, activated via a system-configurable button. For every search that does not return a unique match, picklists of the address choices are relayed back to the user. On choosing a picklist item, a new set of choices is displayed, with this iterative step working until the user has reached the desired address. This address then populates the address fields within Siebel, allowing for both custom and standard Siebel address formats. The QuickAddress Pro user interface also allows easy switching between installed QAS country data sets, via a dropdown box.
Single line, fuzzy matching and typedown
The QuickAddress Pro user interface has been designed with simplicity and speed of use in mind. Both allow search elements to be typed into a single textbox, negating the need for users to know what address element type they are searching on, whilst minimising the number of keystrokes pressed. This is known as Single-Line searching. Fuzzy matching and wildcard functionality allow users to broaden their search when required. An alternative method of searching is that of Typedown searching. Here users are guided through the search, with each keystroke reducing the number of choices within the current picklist tree. An advantage of Typedown searching is that users immediately see when they enter an invalid address search. As such, this type of searching is particularly suited to users unfamiliar with the format of the address they are searching on.
Scripting
QuickAddress for Siebel 2000 supports both Microsoft’s Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) as well as Siebel’s own scripting language, e-Script. Each script contains code, which is executed on an event trigger. An event trigger could be anything from application startup (using an Application Applet), down to a pressing a button in a particular view (within a Business Component). Scripts are supplied which contain the code that references the QAS client Windows DLL and manage the activation of the user interface. These scripts are generic, allowing any Siebel screen or view to be a valid integration touch-point for address lookups. The scripts also perform the address field mappings within Siebel, which allow the flexibility of a fully customizable address.
QuickAddress for Siebel OCX
QuickAddress for Siebel OCX (Active-X downloadable component) is similar to that of the QuickAddress for Siebel 2000 solution in that it is a client-side integration of the QuickAddress Pro user interface. An Active-X component, encapsulating the QAS client Windows DLL, is dynamically downloaded onto any client wishing to use the rapid addressing functionality for the first time. Seamlessly integrated into the Siebel workflow, the OCX user interface is identical to that of the QuickAddress for Siebel 2000 solution and allows both Typedown and Single-Line searching of any supported QAS country data set. Searches are again sent via TCP-IP to a central QAS server, minimising the work required by the Siebel application server.
QuickAddress for Siebel ZCF
QuickAddress for Siebel ZCF (Zero-Client Footprint) is a server-side integration, requiring no QAS components to be installed on any of the client machines. Operating within Siebel’s thin-client architecture, the QAS search management logic is held on the Siebel application server, with the bulk of the searching being performed on a separate QuickAddress server. The search management logic is provided by QuickAddress Pro Web and is accessed via a set of C APIs. These have then been integrated into Siebel v7 through its own Business Service.
Within a Siebel view, the rapid addressing functionality is initiated using
a system configurable button, which when selected, activates the address lookup
Applet. The user is prompted to enter their search details into a number of
text fields and can easily switch between installed QAS country data sets, via
a dropdown box present in the Applet. On pressing the ‘Go’ button,
search requests are passed via TCP-IP to the QuickAddress server and processed
in the normal way. Address choices are displayed in the Pick Applet (where appropriate),
allowing the user to make their selection in an intuitive manner. Selecting
an item then populates the underlying Siebel address fields.
QuickAddress for Siebel ZCF is installed as a single Siebel project (.sif file),
simplifying the installation process. The sif file contains all of the code
necessary to activate the rapid addressing functionality.
QuickAddress for Siebel ZCF is a Siebel certified solution.
QuickAddress Data files
Address data for use with the QuickAddress for Siebel products is provided
by the postal service native to that country. This data is then compressed and
indexed into data files ready for use with the QuickAddress for Siebel product.
Address updates are shipped on CDs on a schedule set by the data supplier (e.g.
for the US it is every 2 months, for the UK it is every 3 months).
