When Draper, Inc. (www.draperinc.com) implemented BuyDesign Storefront in mid-2005, they used the TDCI Integrator to integrate BuyDesign with their MAC-PAC XE system. Using pre-developed ‘connectors’ that came as part of BuyDesign, they use the Integrator to pass customer and product information from MAC-PAC XE to BuyDesign and orders from BuyDesign to MAC-PAC XE.
Today, Draper is in the process of making the Integrator their standard enterprise-level framework for integration. They recently upgraded their Integrator license from ‘limited use’ (BuyDesign only) to an enterprise license that allows them to develop and deploy integration among any of their systems. With training complete, Draper is now using the Integrator to develop new electronic commerce capabilities with key customers. Other integration projects are anticipated as well.
“The Integrator is a nice straight-forward tool that seems to give us all the capabilities we need to synchronize data and pass transactions among our various existing and planned systems,” states Barbara Gray, Draper IT manager. “Just as importantly, it gives us a consistent approach to developing integration and a single point of control for daily operations,” says Kevin Cain, Network Administrator.
The Integrator is a flexible Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) software product that provides MAC-PAC XE users with the ability to define and control the flow of information among MAC-PAC and diverse applications as well as with external business partners. This helps system managers:
- Speed interfacing, data conversion, and synchronization tasks
- Simplify daily operations
- Minimize on-going maintenance costs
- Eliminate the inherent risk of relying on dissimilar, sometimes undocumented interfaces
The Integrator is the enabling infrastructure for the MAC-PAC XE ‘Framework for Integration’. It allows MAC-PAC XE components to be modular in design and implementation while ensuring data integrity across the entire enterprise-wide system. In addition, it provides a consistent approach to integration of other purchased or in-house developed applications into the overall MAC-PAC XE framework.
Draper is a leading manufacturer of audio visual equipment such as projection screens, projector lifts and mounts, and plasma/flat screen mounts, as well as window shades and gymnasium equipment. With headquarters in Spiceland, Indiana, Draper has multiple manufacturing facilities, and sales offices in California, the United Kingdom, China, and Sweden. Projection screens and related products such as rear projection display systems, video projector mounts and lifts, plasma display mounts, and presentation easels are the largest portion of Draper’s business. Draper also manufactures window shades for schools and commercial buildings, and gymnasium equipment such as basketball backstops, gym dividers, wall pads, volleyball equipment, batting cages and wrestling mat hoists. Draper products are sold through dealers throughout the United States and over 100 foreign countries.
