It has been a while since we have had news from the Education department of Openbravo.

Having recently released the 2.50 version of Openbravo ERP, we were presented with a great opportunity to revamp our curriculum offering. We're excited to present you with the new portfolio of training.

A variety of live training courses are available to get up to speed with the new 2.50 release of Openbravo ERP:

• Basic Functional Training: If you need an overview of the application, what functionality it offers, how to use it or what's new in 2.50, this 5-day course led by experienced instructors is the one for you.
• Basic Development: To install and customize our application, this course has been completely revamped with clearer explanations of framework concepts and more hands-on exercises. Aimed at consultants who already have an overview of the application but now need to implement it themselves.
• Advanced Development: Modular and highly customizable architecture is something we are very proud of with the new release of Openbravo ERP. But to unleash these powers, this course has been written from scratch to cater to the needs of developers who want to customize or extend Openbravo ERP. Students will learn how to neatly package their efforts into modules/extensions or how to take advantage of modules others have developed. More examples, more exercises, more how-tos, more fun!

We understand that in this harsh economic climate cutting costs is vital to survive. That is why we have cut the prices of all our training courses and are offering you new online courses for those with limited budgets and resources:

• Online Basic Functional Training: Same content as the live course with a lower price tag and lighter on resources since no travel&hotels are required and the course spans over 5 weeks. Using an elearning platform led by Openbravo training specialist and a dedicated online Openbravo ERP application for each student, efficient hands-on learning is provided.
• Online Advanced Development: Again, the same content as in the live version of this training is provided, however through an elearning platform. Students receive specifications of what needs to be build, are provided with how-to manuals of how individual framework elements are built and have their own dedicated instance of Openbravo ERP server where development is done. They are assisted and marked by an Openbravo training specialist to enforce key learning points.

We would like to point out that the training sessions offered are also a great starting point towards newly released certification program, introduced to set the benchmark standard for Openbravo consultants and engineers working with Openbravo. Once you have undertaken some training and feel you have good experience with working around Openbravo products, you can now prove your expertise!

For larger customers or those in need of a custom-tailored content, customized training delivered at your premises, at our offices or online can be offered.

Finally, for more information on content, schedule and prices of all training, please visit http://www.openbravo.com/services/training.

We hope to see you soon in one of our virtual or physical classrooms!!

Rok Lenardic
Senior Training Specialist

Introduction

This post describes the best practices and polices to apply in Openbravo Forge to develop and organize an extension. These are a simplified version of the same guidelines that we use to develop Openbravo ERP core project plus some specific guidelines for the Openbravo Forge usage.

Let's start by defining some key concepts:

• Module: provides an atomic functionality. Examples of modules are reports, connectors, functional extensions, etc.
• Pack: group all the modules necessary to enable Openbravo ERP for a mean. For example, a vertical pack that collects all the modules required to enable Openbravo ERP for a specific industry.
• Template: a configuration file plus a collection of packs and modules
  

Documentation

Before starting any development, we recommend to create a set of documentation that will guide the development and will help users in the future to understand what the module achieves.

We recommend to have the following documentation:

• A Main Page that serves as an entry point to the projects' documentation and describes its objective and links to the related documentation.
• A Functional Specification that describes the functional requirements, use cases and other documentation that describe the needs that the module is willing to cover.
• A Technical Documentation that covers all the technical aspects to be taken into consideration when developing the module (such as database structure, etc).
  

You can take a reference the Human Capital Module to better understand how to organize this documentation.

Source Control System

Developers can use the source control system of their choice. Openbravo Forge provides Subversion as source control system. The instructions given in this section apply only to Subversion, including the recommended repository structure for Openbravo modules. You can leverage on your source control system specific features for branching and tagging.

The following is a list of common terminology used when working with Subversion:

Subversion client. Software run by a user to access a Subversion server also called Subversion repository.

• Subversion repository. The Subversion server stores a copy of the files of the project. The server retains both the most recent version and every historical version (past changes). * Trunk. Development with Subversion progresses similar to a tree. The main development occurs against the trunk.
• Branch. A split of development off of the trunk or another branch. Branches allow developments to diverge either permanently or temporarily.
• Tag. A tag or label refers to an important snapshot in time, consistent across many files. These files at that point may all be tagged with a user-friendly, meaningful name or revision number.
  

Recommended Repository Structure for Openbravo Modules

Openbravo recommends following structure when organizing the source code of your module:

project_name
* tags
* trunk
* branches

When developing a module, the main development activity occurs in the main development trunk.

All developers commit the changes against this branch. When a version is reach, a tag should be done.

If you want to work with a stable version you usually download the tagged version (a released version) and if you want to follow the development you download trunk.

We recommended the Version Control with Subversion free on-line book.

Registering Modules

As a prerequisite to publish modules into the Central Repository, you have to first register them.

This a list of recommendations when registering modules within the Central Repository from Openbravo ERP:

Use the field help to give precise instructions on how to use the module once is installed. For example, the required steps to access it from Openbravo ERP menu.

• Do not leave the URL field in blank, provide the project's web where users can find more information about your product.
• Do not leave the author's field in blank. It should be clear to the user who the author is.
• Package name. Use the standard package name naming conventions from Java, for example com.yourcompany.project. The package name org.openbravo is reserved for Openbravo as a company.
• If you are registering a module, use the same Single Sign-on username to register and then to associate it.
• Do not use the name of the client in the code or in the module definition
• It is fine to develop in other languages than English but the language of the module must be set accordingly
• If the module has been tested only in one database (Oracle or PostgreSQL), you might want to add that as a note in the module description ("This module should be data base independent; however it has been tested only on Oracle | PostgreSQL").
  

Creating Packs
Packs
When creating a pack project in Openbravo Forge, we recommend to enable the following services in Openbravo Forge:

• Module: to publish the pack in the central repository
• Forums: to discuss issues for the functionality that the pack targets
• Wiki: to document the configuration and link to the rest of the resources
  

We suggest to discard the usage of the rest of the services that the Forge provides.

Additionally, we recommend:

• Since a pack groups modules, they should not contain code, and as result, they should not require a source control system.
• We recommend to report issues, using the bug tracking system, to each particular module instead of reporting to a pack.
• We only recommend to publish files in the download area during the development cycle, you post your obx file in progress in the download area for early adopters to download and evaluate. We do not recommend to publish the files in the download service once they are released since you can already download files published in the central repository.
• When registering the project, assign it to the Openbravo ERP -> Packs category.
  

Module

When creating a module in Openbravo Forge, we recommend to enable the following services:

• Module: to publish the module in the central repository
• Code: to develop the code of the module and be able to work in a collaborative manner with other developers
• Bug Tracking: to allow users to report issues or functionality enhancements
• Wiki: to document the configuration and link to the rest of the resources
  

For modules, we suggest to discard the usage of the rest of the services that the Forge provides.

Additionally, we recommend:

• We only recommend to publish files in the download area during the development cycle, you post your obx file in progress in the download area for early adopters to download and evaluate. We do not recommend to publish the files in the download service once they are released since you can already download files published in the central repository.
• When registering the project, assign it to the Openbravo ERP -> Modules category.
  

Template

A template is a configuration file plus a collection of packs and modules. We recommend to enable the following services in Openbravo Forge:

• Module: to publish the template in the central repository
• Code: to develop the configuration file
• Forums: to discuss about the template
• Bug Tracking: to track issues with the configuration file
• Wiki: to document the configuration and link to the rest of the resources
  

Additional Information

Openbravo ERP development guide that includes all the documentation on how to develop extensions

Introduction

Quality Assurance is key for having successful software products. Openbravo projects follow an open development process that allows everybody to take part in any part of the development process. Let me describe how you can get involved in the Quality Assurance processes for Openbravo ERP.

Before getting started we recommend that you read the following documents to get familiar with the main Openbravo development concepts and processes:

• Development Process Management. Describes the Openbravo development process from a management perspective.
• Openbravo Releases. Describes Openbravo releases and versions.
  

Openbravo testing methodologies

At Openbravo the following testing methodologies are combined to assurance the product's quality:

• Test cases: These area a set of well defined steps, execution preconditions, and expected results to exercise a particular program scenario or to verify compliance with a specific requirement. For managing test cases TestLink is used.
• Automated testing at Openbravo to automate the testing of Openbravo ERP using test cases.
• Unit testing using pieces of code that verify that functionality of different Openbravo ERP components. Currently in early stage using JUnit.
  

How you can help

Testing early releases

In the Openbravo ERP Early Releases Discussion forum we announce new alpha and beta versions that people can help to test.

Things that you can do to help:

• Verify that bugs that this release addresses have been fixed.
• Executing test cases to make sure that the functionality works.
• Test the new functionality and make sure that works properly.
• Reporting new issue introduced in this release.
  

Reporting issues on any version

Have you found a bug? Please, report it to us using our bug database. Make sure that you carefully read our Bug Reporting Guidelines before submitting your bug report.

Contributing test cases

For every release of Openbravo, at Openbravo's TestLink you have the collection of cases that are executed to verify the compliance of requirements. These test cases focus on assurance the coverage of the major use cases but not all the cases.

You can contribute by providing new test cases that you think that are important for Openbravo to include as part of our test plan (collection of cases) for every release or also cases that you think are critical for a specific module, industry or market segment.

Reaching Openbravo QA team

• Early Releases Discussion forum
• IRC chat channels
• Openbravo's QA blog
  

Tools

• Openbravo Issues. Openbravo bug tracking & enhancements database.
• Openbravo Code. Contains all the Openbravo ERP source code controls.
• Automated build farm. Openbravo continuous integration system.
• Openbravo's TestLink. Openbravo case management tool.
• Continuous Integration for Openbravo ERP.
  

We have published the final version of the Openbravo Forge User Manual. The manual covers the basic usage of the Openbravo Forge and its aimed to help project administrators and users on their daily use of the Forge.

The manual contains an introduction to the Forge and the services that provides, a detailed explanation of how to register projects, how users can fine tune their settings and how to use the Forge to develop, communicate and publish projects. We recommend this manual to all users using the Forge and to people willing to learn more about its capabilities.

If you have any question regarding the Openbravo Forge, do not hesitate to ask it on the Openbravo Forge forum.

The Certification program is one of the new initiatives launched by Openbravo this summer. If you intend to implement or build enterprise applications with Openbravo products, then passing certification exams will help you broaden your knowledge base and prove that you are ready for the job. The certification program can act as a passport to launching your company into the Openbravo ecosystem and giving yourself professional status.

The introduction of certification allows you to capitalize on the time and energy you spent learning Openbravo ERP; either though training classes, self study or 'on the job' experience. Certification offers a win-win-win scenario for clients, partners and Openbravo alike:

• Assures customers of your knowledge and skill and credentials.
• Shows tangible evidence of your ability.
• Adds to your credibility in the Openbravo ecosystem.
• Allows Openbravo to set a brand standard and monitor the quality of our partners.

Certification exams are available to every individual in the Openbravo ecosystem. If you are looking to differentiate and distinguish yourself in the eyes of your customers the most objective way will be to get certified.

The two exams introduced this summer will be at the entry or 'Foundation' level. The exams will be a timed 80 minute test comprising of 50 multiple choice questions and with a 80% pass threshold. Openbravo will rollout the Functional Foundation exam in June and the Technical Foundation in August. The scope of the Functional Foundation Exam is the functional modules available 'out of the box' with Openbravo ERP: Procurement Management, Sales Management, Production Management, Warehouse Management, MRP, Project and Service Management and Financial Management. The questions will be a blend of practical 'know how' and theory. Many of the questions have been written by our Consulting team so they are based on 'real world' experience. If you attempt the exam but fail on the first attempt you automatically get a free retake. However, if you fail a second time you will need to enroll and start the process again. The cost for the foundation exam is 150 Euros.

Foundation implies a starting point; something to build on. It rewards you for your achievement, but says there is more to learn before your become a expert. Therefore, later in the 09 calendar year Openbravo will rollout two more exams set at a higher 'Graduate' level. The objective with these Graduate level exams will be for the examinee to demonstrate that they can configure or build real applications given a set of requirements. Graduate level exams will again be a test of functional or technical ability.

Openbravo also has plans for a third 'Master' layer of Certification with which we really hope to find the 'Top Guns' in the community!

Passing each certification exam is much more than proof of attendance or a piece of paper on the wall. It is a tangible, objective and incremental way to examine, prove and demonstrate if you have the skills required to implement and build production enterprise applications using Openbravo products. Certification will mark you out as an Openbravo Professional! In this sense it is serious business and will take work from you to reach the grade and standard required. Your reward will objective proof of your ability and status in the Openbravo ecosystem.

There are several excellent preparation options available. Ideally if you plan to take the Functional Foundation Exam we recommend you attend the Basic Functional Training class, either in the classroom or on line. Similarly attending the Basic Development Training will prepare you for the Technical Foundation Exam. Find below some helpfull resources to prepare the exams:

• Hands-on instructor-led training
• Online training
• Openbravo Wiki

To enroll for the Functional Foundation Certification Exam, please visit http://www.openbravo.com/services/certification/

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at training@openbravo.com

Eugeni Vives
VP of Global Partner Services

ERP is a domain that is associated with large amounts of data and complex processes. ERP software traditionally uses tables and forms to visualize the data and in many cases processes are not visualized at all. The reason for this is historically: Activities such as planning, purchasing, sales and financial management are mostly about numbers and the way these numbers are "visualized" has hardly changed in the last 100 years. This cash book still looks very similar to the one we use today. This does not make it any easier for people working with it, whether it be designers, developers, business partners or end users.

I believe that we can make things much easier by applying visualization in our every day activities and this does not only apply to building flashy user interfaces or creating sales forecast charts. Visualization can be used to gain insights that you would never have thought of before, it can be used to seduce customers, your boss, your peers and the opposite sex. It can be used to spur creativity, invoke discussion and generate alternatives. And the effort it takes is much lower than you´d think. Let me illustrate all this per activity and object type.

Ideas & Insights

So you have this great idea or insight, right? What are you going to do with it? Mostly, you need to get buy-in, so what do you do? Describe it in an email and hope people will understand it? We are surrounded by many smart people but most of them are busy and don´t want to use their brain cycles to understand what you want them to understand. By visualizing your idea or a problem you make it easier for your audience to grasp what you mean and because you made it less painful, they will reward you with their support (providing that the idea was good of course). Another happy side effect is that by visualizing your idea or problem, YOU will also understand it better. Those who are best in visualizing a problem, are most likely the ones to solve the problem.

Design & Development

From requirement to code is a long way and many things can go wrong. Traditionally business consultants distilled requirements, wrote use cases to capture what the system needs to do and the developer converted those in functional specifications outlining what technology architecture will be used. Nowadays most development companies also employ user experience designers who are in charge of designing the user interface. One of the most differentiating features of these people is that they tend to visualize ideas and concepts as early as possible in the design process. In fact, they start sketching the moment they enter a meeting room for the first project brief. This really helps the team to understand the (same) problem and to evaluate the different solutions before a line of code has been produced. The last months we shared all design work online with the community and solicited feedback in every step. This saves time & money, brings more and better ideas and results in better quality with lower risk. We should all be sketching more often.

Data

The source of all data is in tables in data bases or in spread sheets. This is not going to change anytime soon but the way to present the data is much more flexible. An image (or video) says more than a thousand words so just have a look at this tremendous presentation of Hans Rosling who makes boring statistics come alive. Try to put this in a spreadsheet and make people understand it! There is a great opportunity for us to use visualization in ERP systems when we start to include business intelligence (BI) functionality. This will help us to view the data from different angles and to gain better and earlier insights than with using traditional data views. It also lets us interact with the data. A great example of effective data visualization is the NY Times interactive chart for the 2008 Olympic medal count. One of our community members shared some great ideas for data visualization and manipulation for Openbravo ERP.

Processes

Things happen over time and most of the time the path via which things happen is not linear but depends on certain conditions. This can get quite hard to understand without visualization. I was very happy when the Openbravo team started to model the most common business processes. Now we understand on the most abstract level what task flows we need to support. Everything we design and develop should be supporting those. Process visualization can be used everywhere: From a simple HR process for doing your expense report to helping a potential customer understand how the sign-up and installation will work and when the payment takes place. When I moved to Spain I had to apply for a health card (tarjeta sanitaria) but I was unable to find any process description (not even in words) which eventually made me visit 6 different administrative offices (all with very Spanish opening times) all over the city. Half way I had no idea what form was supposed to do what so I ended up dropping the whole pile of documents on the next desk in the process explaining to the staff: "I just need a health card, take the paper you need and tell me what to do next!". It took me almost a full day.

Pretty Products & Presentation

One study at the UCLA indicated that up to 93 percent of communication effectiveness is determined by nonverbal cues. That was about direct communication between people but it isn't hard to imagine that similar figures apply to other channels. The power of good looks can be used to your advantage. People like to use beautiful products, it makes them feel happy and confident. Your customers are people too, they like to use a handsome ERP system and look at beautiful presentations, pretty invoices and cool looking sales charts. Among techies, aesthetics are normally not considered to be very important, it is all about features: The iPod was a "lame product" according to a post by a Slashdot community member because it did not have wireless and less space than a competing product. S(he) Obviously did not understand that good design & simplicity can beat feature count. There is nothing shallow about liking pretty stuff and you better make things look good if you want to impress.

This was part I. In part II (due for next week) I will give you some tools and methods to let you do the visualizing.

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