=Paper=
{{Paper
|id=None
|storemode=property
|title=How to Succeed with Modern Tools such as the CASE tool "Deft" on the Macintosh
|pdfUrl=https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-961/paper12.pdf
|volume=Vol-961
|dblpUrl=https://dblp.org/rec/conf/caise/LagerkvistN89
}}
==How to Succeed with Modern Tools such as the CASE tool "Deft" on the Macintosh==
https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-961/paper12.pdf
How to succeed with Modern Tools such
as the CASE tool "Deft" on the Macintosh .
Christina Lagerkvist
AB Programator, Box 20072,16102 Bromma, SWEDEN
o
Ake Nyberg
Infotool Data AB, Box 101, 182 12 Danderyd, SWEDEN
•
REFLEX is a working method for developing information systems starting with information
strategy continuing with business analysis and concluded by systems development and mainte-
nance. The method is well proven and used by Programator and its customers, including many
of the largest corporations in Scandinavia and northern Europe, for more than twenty years. The
method has been continuously enhanced to embrace the use of modern tools for documentation
and prototyping.
DEFT is a CASE tool for the Macintosh developed by DEFT INC., Canada, marketed in nort-
hern Europe by Infotool, Stockholm. DEFT supports the REFLEX method. DEFT is easy to use
and provides the analyst with documentation and the results from the analysis can be transferred
into the prototyping stage automatically.
The talk includes a survey of the REFLEX method as used for analysis and development suppor-
ted by DEFT. Experiences from a development project at The Swedish Tourist Board are de-
scribed. Results from this project include a better user participation, a more creative way of
systems development, less efforts in manpower and reduced development time and of course a
( much better documentation.
THE OBJECTIVE IS INCREASED PROFITABILITY!
(
In today's business world, well functioning information systems arc more impork1ntthan ever. Information is
necessary to rationalize routine tasks, to improve logistics, to minimize inventory costs, to bring responsibility and
authority closer to the clients. Information is necessary for the development of the business, to follow up on marke-
ting slIategies, for the development of new services and products, etc.
Today, information is slIategieally one of the most impork1nt competitive resources. The problem lies in providing
information at the right time and at the right price.
Therefore, we always must weigh benefits against costs whether we arc working with specifying priorities, develop-
ment, usage or maintenance of computer systems or computer production. Focusing on profiLability is a main feature
in the cooperation with management, end users and computer professionals.
The road to profitability is a structUl'ed working method supported by effecti-
ve tools - REFLEX with DEFT
Programator has more d,an twenty years of experience as computer consullants. A working medlOd has been
developed and refined aiming towards profik1ble information processing, while ensuring high quality in each link of
the development chain.
Quality means selecting the right function, the right technology and the right usage at the right time and at the right
price. The method which have been tested and developed to fulfill these requirements is called REFLEX. REFLEX
is short for REsulls orientation and FLEXibility.
REFLEX can be used to describe Programator's basic working philosophy. It consists of four blocks: Infonnation
SlIategy, Business Analysis, Development and Maintenance. REFLEX also has a model for Project and Quality
ConlIol, used in all four blocks.
Each block has a general Objective, decision points, working process, tcchniques and help facilities. The client will
usc only those parts which will fit his actual requirements. He may utilize his own working tcchniques if dley arc
available and function well. A projcct or an assignment may utilize the whole REFLEX concept, or only the wor-
king tcchniques within one separate pan.
Deft is a CASE-tool that supports Renex. The tool is easy to use and gives documentation in most of the steps in dIe
method-chain. Deft gives higher quality in the system develoJlment process. The end user can be active in the work
and ascertain that they get the system dlCy want to have.
2
Reflex with Modern Tools
Today, system development is more often than before Systems analysis and development can be carricd
carried out in environments where modern tools are out more gradually and iterativcly in REFLEX than
available. Fourth Generation Tools (4GT's) are traditionally possible. In order to test technical or
included in the realm of modern tools, sometimes user solutions, prototypes are constructed to support
supplemented WiOl CASE tools as computer support decisions regarding system design. Simplification is
for analysis and development. attained, since certain steps can be combined. In ad-
dition, the tool itself performs many operations that
New tools in themselves do not guarantee success. used to be done by hand.
One can not rely only on the tools and disregard all
methodological working procedurcs. Therefore REFLEX with modern tools has as its moUo 010
REFLEX with modern tools presents an ideal solu- following for system developmet:
tion - a user adapted method complete with all O,e
new possibilites. The end user's role is enhanced and
( the computer itself is utilized more during the system
development process. -Quick andeffective
- Provides easy computer system
maintenance
- Correct functional and technical quality
r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - , formulated
In order to reach the objectives
in the motto, a well
thought out methodology is requi-
red as well as correct usage of
tools. The method can be explai-
ned as follows:
1, Prototyping
Thissegment consists of
thoseadaptat ions that have
been made in REFLEX Ana ly-
sis, Development andMain-
tenances and appl ied to
Generally Adapted system development through
Melhod
Pro tile use of modern tools and
act ive end user invo Ivement.
2.40 tools. CASE
Til is segment describes how
thedirrerent tools can best
4GTand
beused in practice. Specific
CASE"",10""0",,,1s !....£_-, methodand tool adaptations
already exist for some 4G
tools and CASE-tools, sue/las
INGRESandDEFT. They con-
INGRES tain examp les of documenta-
t ion and tai loredmethod in-
structions for the tools. For
Tool Adapted each step in themet/lodan
Tolal Method explanation isgivenhow to
best use tile too I and what to
do if the tool does not sup-
port the metllOd. Furtller
L- ...J tool adaptat ionsarebeing
developed.
3
Modern Tools
(
4
CASE
CASE, acronym for Computer Aided Software
Engineering, stands for computer support of analysis
•
CASE toolsshouldhave the fol lowing
and development. This term encompasses all from capab iii ties:
simple drawing tools to more advanced CASE tools.
• Graphical analysis support
These tools support the initial phases in the develop- • Data dictionary support
ment process. The CASE tools that exist today have • Analysislverificationrules
become complements to those 4G tools 013tlack ana- .'nteractiveprototypingtools
lysis support, or else they are independent products
• Automatic documentation
which ean be combined with differentlools.
(
DEFT
DEFf is an independent CASE tool Owt supports all DEFT CASE tool Inc It/des:
phascs ill system development. DEFf rUIlS 011 the
Macintosh and has bridges to host computer environ- • Graph Ica I ana II'S is support
ments such as !NGRES, ADABAS, ORACLE, Rdb, • Data flow editors, programm ing struc-
Tandem, AS400 etc. Additional gateways to INFOR- ture edi tors, ent it I' re lat ionship dia-
MIX, Sybase, and DB2 are being developed. A gate- gramming and screen format editors
way to MIMER is also under devlopment. DEFf is • Data dictionary for SOL definitions
easy to use and is compatible WiOl most Macintosh • Analysislverificationmodule
word processing and graphics programs. Today Deft • Automaticdocumentation
produces screens and data definition-syntax for Ole • Gateway to host computer
4GTooi.
5
This is How it Works
Even with modern lools it is imporLanllo begin
system design wi~1 a business analysis. In simple
siluations, tllis is done quickly, in complex situa-
tions. a total business analysis must be carried out.
By working with simple prototypes of ~le future
Prototype Objective Technical Environment system, some results from lhe final stage of ~Ie
Project Environment Development Environment REFLEX business analysis arc attained fasler, other
steps shortened. The business analysis results in a
\ I
preview oflhe information systems required. The
preview describes the business, its routines and
need of computer supporl. IL divides business
activity into small neighbouring subsystems that
allow for shorl projcclS wilh active end user
participation nnd prototyping.
SYSTEM PREVIEW
The nexl phnse in REFLEX consisls of IwO parallel
activities - database construction and program
creation.
COMPUTER
DATA
-
DESIGN FUNCTION
When working Wi~l development, it is imp0rlanllO
have a positive working environment and the
correct technical conditions.
")
( ;)
Development is carried out incrementally and itera-
...... ../ PROGRAM lively, symbolizcd by lhe spiral in lhe middle. We
DATABASE calilhis for proIOlyping!prOlo-cyciing.
PRODUCTION
Databnses and programs arc gradually developed
and documented wilhin lhe 4G 1001 until lhe
PROTOTYPE/SYSTEM prototype and/or a production system is completed.
The design results in a description over lhe subsy-
stem's data structure as well as data processing
functions -the foundation upon which databases
and programs will be buill.
After successive developmenl nnd modification, lhe
prototype appronches completion and the finished
system cao be installed. During ilS lifetime the
syslem is supervised and subject to continuous
maintenance. This provides for [urUlcr development
of the system in step with changes occurring in the
business itself.
6
Why REFLEX with DEFT?
The following effecls and resulls arc a1tained: functionality arc investigated and tested early during
the analysis.
• The correct solution wilhin each business
Project control is facilitaled, sincc the
area is found. This is done Ihrough busi-
ness analysis. where each business prob- working procedures provide a basis for
lem is backed by the correct compUlcr planning and follow-up.
solution. Since computer professionals and cnd
users cooperate during the whole develop-
• The end users have the knowledge, under-
menl process, their combined competence
standmg and sk.llto fully ulilize the com-
puler syslem. This is reached through is utilized morc efficiently than in traditio-
active user participation during all deve- nal syslem development.
lopment phases. Design and produclion is swndardi-
zed and therefore can be carried out
• Quick resullS and effecls are reached in
quickly. This is aHained by Ihe effecti-
Ihe business. This is aHained by a shorte-
ued introduclion period, since Ihe end ve utilization of 100is and an early de-
users can [ofm and lest organizational finition of guidelines, general concepls
Solulions parallel with forming of Ihe and standards.
prolotype. Mainlenance is facilitated by building
( in a flexible and well documented sys-
• Conlinuous qmdily checks Ihrough lesting
tem structure. This structure is based
and decision-makmg warrant a hIgh
quality compuLer system. Unknown and upon how responsibilily, aUlhorily and
critical parts in respcctlo technology or work is organized in the business. Active
user participation also results in higher
competence in system maintenance
Prototyping
With ProlOlyping we mean Ihattlte end user actively
participales during the whole developmenl process.
Results arc tested in order to determine what is
optimal for the business. Since speeificalions arc nol
fixed from the beginning, Ihey can be optimized by
Ihe end user togelher with computer professionals
In this case it is the driver who knows his needs best.
By lesting the first simple model of the car he can at
an early stage see the flaws and deficiencies, and slale
his demands upon the design. It is much easier for the
driver to be knowledgable about a langible produel
lhan in complicated descriptions on paper of the
----====:-
planned final produe!.
This first simple prolotype is then formed into a
trimmed and lested finished produc!. This is whal we
call protocyeling. Somelimes the differences bel ween
Ihe prototype and Ihe final objeclive 'tre so large, or Ih.
else Ihe operaling environment is another, so tllal
production is staned from the beginning again.
This is called prolotyping. BOlh processes have in
common clem and thoroughly tested user specifi-
cations.
7
Steering Towards the Same Objective
It is vcry imparlant that objectives
and conditions arc defined for pro-
lOtyping, before the actual deve-
lopmenttakes place. It is important
that all are striving towards the
same goal, and that only the proper
parts of the system become an
imegral part of the prototype. In
REFLEX this is called defining the
prototype objective.
A Positive Project Environment
In ordcr to work efficiently, the
correct work procedures must be
applied and the end users must be
given the timc and Ole possibilily
to engage themselves in the pro-
ject. Furthermore, all practical
details must be settled so Olat cnd
users and computer professionals
can cooperate well and Ihal deve-
lopmenl fiows smoothly.
(
Sharpen Your Tools
To sharpen one's lools in order to
facilitate work is a quite obviolls but
often forgollen measure. In REFLEX
wilh Modem tools we place much emp
hasis on this point in order to increase
efficiency and to simplify developmen
In the development and production en-
vironment, the tools arc modified and
supplemented while at the same time
standards, guidelines and general
concepts are defined. Resulting expc-
riences are systematically utilized. Re-
quirements are specified for the
upcoming environment. All this is don
whh the aim in mind 10 optimize work
effort in the procedural steps to come.
l -==- ~¥::~:: J
8
Quality Control
To build quality into a system after it is completed is provides a completely different possibility for checks
almost impossible. Therefore quality must be designed and verification Hum what traditionnl system develop·
•
into the system during development. ment allows. Therefore a quality control and decision-
The gradual manner of working which is one of the making module has been added to Ulis procedure.
foundations of REFLEX with Deft,
Functional verification Technical verification
Business Review
( @ • SYSTEM PREVIEW
Environmental Environmental
Review Review
@ • @
Design
Review
@
IJ DATA
COMPUTER
FUNCTION
(
Prototype /
system Review
@
Operations
T3
•
DATABASE
PROTOTYP
EJ
SYSTEM
System / protype
Review
• @
Operations
Review Review
@ • • @
The most important check and review points arc shown are found. If a decision is mude to approve a result,
in the diagram above, to which decision-making points olle continues into the next circle where new decisions
nrc also auached. The different circles designate the afC made. If a result is nol approved of, t.hen another
succcsive testing procedure wilhin each phm;e. Where round of developmenL and decision making is begun.
the circles meet, the respective decision~making points
9
REFLEX with DEFT
BUSINESS
ANALYSIS
(
DESIGN
PRODUCTION
PROTOTYPE/SYSTEM
10
Experiences from a Project carried out at the Swedish Tourist Board
Description of the Company and their situation
The Swedish Tourist Board (STB) is a foundation whose activity is based upon the input and
output of information. In other words, STB's business is knowledge oriented, with a great need
of infomlation exchange and flexibility. However, it has been difficult to fomlalize and specify
infOImation needs.
I
Some of the main goals of the STB are increases in tourism income for the Swedish State and to
facilitate "tourism for everybody".
In the beginning of 1987 there was no extensive computer support at the STB other than some
Macintosh and other PC applications for desktop publishing, with no communication links
between them. They also had problems with excessive dependency on a few people and unclear
responsibilities. They decided to instigate changes in their situation. A project with consultants
from All Programator and end users from the STB was commenced during Spring 1987.
A new technical environment was implemented during 1987-88, using a Micro VAX II and
integrated Macintosh and PC's in a Apple Talk Network for local information processing.
An initial business analysis resulted in uncovering the necessity for different information sy-
stems. Powerful and uncomplicated tools were needed in order to simply and quickly change
between systems and retrieve information in various ways. Development of these systems is still
in progress.
As a first step, an infOlmation system named the Product Bank was constructed. The Product
Bank keeps track of events, worthy sights, touristic activity in Sweden, etc.
The goal of the Product Bank is to make product information universally available and easily
accessible within STB, as well as to rationalize the effort involved in the production of printed
materials.
The system must be flexible in respect to new products and to the possibility to search for infor-
mation.
Methodology
REFLEX adjusted to DEFT and INGRES has been used as the method of system development.
INGRES has been used as a 4G tool and DEFT on the Macintosh as an aid to analysis. Use has
been made of the following: DFD (structure of functions), ERD (data models), FORMS (hand-
ling of screens) as wells as GATEWA Y (transfer to VAX for data base and picture generation).
During Stage I, a functional system (a prototype) was constructed that treated inf0l111ation con-
cerning only those events which would go into the production of a daily journal. The reason for
this was to:
II
Test an operational method where the Macintosh and VAX computers were utilized to
the maximum.
• Judge the effects of this type of information processing in the daily business routine.
Find and test routines in order to keep continuously changing data up to date.
• Ascertain the intended method of operations in respect to both maintenance and infor-
mation reu'ieval before the system is completely finished.
All documentation is on the Macintosh. Screen layouts and data models are DEFT documents,
which are also the basis of the actual pictures and data bases. Word and MacDraw have been
used for other documentation. Word documents can be transferred to the VAX and be used in (
the system as mechanical user's manuals.
There are in fact some steps in the method chain which cannot be done with DEFT. It is very
imponant not to forget these method steps even though the tool does not suppon them.
(
Results, Effects and Experiences
• Users that have taken part in the project have thought it to be fun and exciting. Through
active participation, they have helped in forming the system and have seen results. In fact,
they have increasingly taken over more of the development and construction themselves.
• The system development environment with VAX (lNGRES) and Macintosh (DEFll'
Word) has functioned well. Descriptions are found only in one place in DEFT.
• The technical solution where the Macintosh and VAX communicate with one another ma-
king possible the transfer of data between the INGRES data base and the Macintosh,
results in a new and flexible way for the end user to process infonll