Module

Overview

HighStone 

The main Application Module that is run by all Users on their local PC.  The program is installed on each computer as required and is the key entry point for all Users of the Application.

HighStoneUpgrade 

A small utility application that is used on local User systems to manage the automatic update of the main HighStone Application to the latest published version.

HighQB 

A utility application that allows Users to create Database Queries using a visual interface that displays the supporting Database Tables and Data Fields in a dynamic and intuitive interface.  This module is useful for System Administrators, HighStone Support Staff and Users who create Custom Reports for the HighStone Reports Library.

HighField 

An Application for use on mobile hand held devices that provides the functionality to undertake asset surveys out in the field.  The utility allows the Asset Inventory to be checked and revised, and any Asset Defects and Condition Assessments to be recorded on site and the results returned to the main Client Contract Database upon completion.  This application is developed for Microsoft Windows Mobile platforms.

HighLight 

A light-weight HighStone Application that is targeted at portable Tablet PC Units for use in the field.  The application is designed to collate asset surveys and other on-site data collation that is made on tablet PC units running a full Windows Operating System environment.

HighGate 

A utility that manages the transfer of data between the main Client Contract Database and the data collated on mobile devices with the HighField and HighLight Applications.

Library Function

Overview

Grid Control

All Data Grid Control used in the main HighStone Modules uses the FlexGrid Control that is supplied by Component One.  Different versions of the control are used in the full Windows applications, and on the Mobile Platforms used by HighField.  This control also provides the conversion facilities to save grid data externally in Excel format files, and to import data from externally created Excel files.

Report Creation

Where a HighStone Report is required in a printed style - as opposed to a straightforward Data grid - the Reporting Control from Component One is used to manage the page style formatting and saving in a PDF format.

PDF Reporting

This library supports the Reporting Control when creating formatted reports for formal printing.  The control is also from Component One.

Zip Control (1)

A Zip File Utility is used by the HighStoneUpgrade module to process files when upgrading a User's system configuration.  The control from Component One is used for this purpose.

Email Control

Email Connections by HighStone are managed by a Library Control from Chilkat Software.  The control supports POP3 and SMTP.

FTP Control

FTP Connections by HighStone are managed by a Library Control from Chilkat Software.

ZIP Control (2)

A Zip File Utility used by the HighStone Module to process files both to and from zip files - used primarily when Email Records are being saved to system data folders.  A Library Control from Chilkat Software.

Query Builder

The HighQB Module uses the visual SQL query builder component Active Query Builder from ActiveDBSoft for all visual display control . 

Document Scanning

Document Scanning is supported for Twain compatible devices through the .Net Twain Scanning library from Atalasoft Inc.

GIS Conversion

A Library released jointly by Ordnance Survey and Quest Geo Solutions Ltd.  Library converts between Longitude / Latitude and OS Grid References.  Usage with .Net requires an Interop stub file.

Platform

Overview

Development Environment

HighStone Applications are written using the Microsoft Visual Studio environment.   Various versions of this environment have been used over the years, with HighStone Release Numbers being related to the development environment.  HighStone coding is written in Visual Basic.

.Net Framework

All HighStone Applications are based on the .Net Framework, and the relevant version of the Framework must be installed on all computers and hand held units where HighStone operates.  .Net framework versions are usually pre-installed on devices - but versions can be downloaded from Microsoft sites and installed at no charge should an upgrade be necessary.

Operating Systems

HighStone is designed to operate exclusively on Microsoft Operating System Platforms.  These include Windows XP, (Windows Vista), and Windows 7 (32 bit and 64 bit) for all main computer systems.

For Mobile Applications, Windows Mobile 5 and Windows Mobile 6 are supported.

Zip Control (2)

Database Compatibility

Main HighStone modules are designed to operate alongside Client managed Microsoft SQL Server Database installations. 

Microsoft Access databases have been supported with early versions of HighStone and are still used on some Client installations - however these installations should be migrated to SQL Server or another suitable alternative as this platform is no longer a prime supported target.

SQL Server Express may also be used with HighStone Applications - this may be an option on smaller-scale applications.

For database access on Mobile and Tablet Devices HighStone uses the Microsoft SQL Server Compact (SQL CE) database.

HighStone is designed to operate with any SQL Relational Database and although SQL Server and it's derivatives are the usually preferred option, HighStone can be configured to work with database systems from other vendors.

Help System

The HighStone Help Documentation has been drafted using the formal Help Authoring System Doc-To-Help from ComponentOne.  The Help Documentation is created as text description and screen images of display panels in a custom HTML Editor and built in to create an interactive Help System that can be accessed through any Web Browser.