BPA Platform 2018
Arriving in early 2018, BPA Platform 2018 will see the introduction of the File System Event and Format as Flat File tools, as well as a new connector tool for Applications Platform.
File System Event Tool
The File System Event tool (Event category) monitors specific network locations for file events such as creation or deletion. Once an event is detected, you can use other BPA Platform tools to process the file.
For example, if you are running a survey campaign where responses are saved to a file on your network, you can create a task that monitors for new files, processes the contents, then archives the files when completed. Rather than having the task check the network location every five minutes, you can use the File System Event tool to start the task when a new file is created.
Format as Flat File Tool
This much requested tool has certainly gone through the tongue-twister wringer; from the Flormat as Flat Flile, to the Flormat as Fat File. Seems our development team have a hidden talent with tongue twisters!
Reversing our Import Flat File tool, Format as Flat File takes existing BPA Platform recordsets and converts them to a flat, fully customisable structure for later processing. You can choose whether to output to single or multiple documents, depending on data contents.
Applications Platform Connector Tool
The Applications Platform Connector provides a communication channel between Applications Platform and other systems that BPA Platform is connected to. The Applications Platform Connector will look familiar to those who use our 3rd party data connector tools, where Applications Platform objects are mapped to the Connector tool’s objects.
For example, if you are using the Web Portal in Applications Platform and have your CRM system connected to BPA Platform, you can make CRM data available to the Web Portal via the Applications Platform Connector.
Support for Microsoft SQL Server 2017
Microsoft SQL Server 2017 will be supported from BPA Platform 2018 onwards, including:
- Enterprise
- Standard
- Express
- Developer
- Web Edition
Tool Rename
We’ve also taken the opportunity to rename some of our existing tools to categorise them and make it clearer to the user what the tool does. Functionality hasn’t changed and upgrading from older versions to BPA Platform 2018 will not affect task runtime.
Remember to keep an eye on our Partner Area and News pages to see what else is coming up for BPA Platform. For more information on how BPA Platform can help your business to automate processes and integrate business systems download the brochure below or call us on +44 (0)330 99 88 700.
