Programming in Visual World is “declarative” meaning you “declare” the program where you want the results. Microsoft’s Excel is also a declarative environment. In Excel you place the formula where you want the results. You’re not burdened with the behind-the-scenes code that actually performs all the work.Visual World works in a similar manner. You place the object where you want it, then define the Attraction Rule to pull information to it. For example, you can create a Tray of unpaid invoices, place that Tray on the Desk of the A/R clerk then put an Attraction Rule such as: “If {AmountDue} is greater than 0 then Attract” on the Tray. All unpaid invoices will now flow to that Tray.Different programming objects are used so business construction can be done by anyone who is authorized. A non-programmer can create simple rules, while at the same time even the most demanding programmer can accomplish the most complex tasks.The Backpack is used to pick-up, carry then place objects in the enterprise. It allows for rapid drag-and-drop construction of the enterprise world. Using the Backpack you can quickly construct an entire virtual representation of your enterprise, including placing Buildings, Departments, Desks, PIDs, Keys, Locks, Trays, Calendars, Form, Cards, Microsoft Office objects… virtually any Visual World object may be placed in the Backpack then dropped in the desired location. This is truly a complete “web of your enterprise” created within minutes, without any coding.
Program objects are used to store business rules and extended procedures. Any object can have multiple programs with behaviors attached to it. Programs are written in a “Business Basic” and is designed for the person who is comfortable in Microsoft’s Visual Basic. No complex programming language is needed.
Data Dictionary objects define fields on Forms or Cards (Object Sets). The Data Dictionary object can also be a “formula” for calculating data on the fly. Dictionary objects allow you to add new fields to an Object Set without reformatting stored information.
Dictionary Objects can also contain Program Objects allowing for “virtual data”… information that is stored remotely but appears to be in the object as data.
For example, you can define a web service call in a dictionary and place that information in an object appearing as if it actually resided there. For example, you could place a credit score on a customer Name Card but access the data from another computer or web site.
The Object Set Definition (OSD) object is used to define different “Sets” of objects. Object Sets can be thought of as “files” in a database, but in fact are far more powerful. Visual World comes with over 100 Object Sets, such as Form, Cards, Reports, Trays, Keys, Locks, Desks, Buildings, Purchase Orders, Sales Orders, Service Orders and more.
You can create your own Object Sets such as Equipment Inventory Cards, Employee phone directory, Loan Application Forms… virtually anything required to define your business. In Visual World all objects are grouped into sets, and each set is described in an Object Set Definition.
Templates are for defining Forms and Cards Templates are used to store information. Templates come in two types: Form Templates (Forms) and Card Templates (Cards).
Toolbars provide a convenient place for Buttons and shortcuts for functions that are commonly used. Any object can be “Pickup and placed” on a Toolbar where its function is automatically turned into a Button.
Trigger Agent objects are Visual World’s robots. They run in the background and are activated based on timers you set. Agents can then command any other object to start performing its task.
For example, an AGENT can be placed on the Shipping CALENDAR to notify customers by e-mail that their order has been sent. An AGENT can be placed on a TRAY to monitor the workflow and alert a manager that work orders are piling up.