Communication Transaction - Lobster GmbH

Lobster DataWizard.3 

Data exchange - fast, flexible and faultless.

Communication between companies takes place more 

and more along electronic highways – and that seems 

especially true of business processes. The trouble is, 

in practice it often leads to Babylonian confusion. 

Just about every partner uses different data formats 

and structures for his electronic ordering and delivery 

transactions. And at the same time, the pressure of 

competition demands the fastest, most automated and 

flexible data exchange possible – of course with the 

highest transactional safety. The solution now has a 

name: Lobster DataWizard.3. 

Who needs DataWizard? 

» All companies, who run data exchange internally, 

i.e. externally and prioritise integration issues. 

» All companies, who intend to automate business 

processes and render them more transparent. 

» All companies, who up till now needed disproportionately 

long implementation time for “System 

interfaces“. 

» All companies, who want to operate in the market 

in a quickly and customer-friendly way 

Lobster DataWizard.3 is a universally deployable, webbased 

tool for automating data exchange processes. Until 

now, it has been deployed in more than 200 companies 

and combines a broad spectrum of functions with an intui- 

2 | © Lobster GmbH 2008 

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Software speed is no wizardry. 

tive, clearly structured and ergonomic user interface: 

» Universal data converter 

» Data mapping between source and target structure 

» Data manipulation without script programming 

» Data transport via direct connection or remote 

data transmission 

» Active notification system in case of error or defined 

conditions 

» Detailed monitoring 

» Integrated data backup 

What advantages does offer DataWizard? 

Cost reduction, flexibility, transparency and automation 

through: 

» Process automation, especially when connecting 

partner systems 

» Minimising IT administration – one system for all 

integration tasks 

» Transaction-based information flow through eventprocessing 

» Manual (and therefore fault-prone) procedures are 

minimised , even omitted 

» Raising the pace of order processing 

» Immediate access in case of errors, via central 

monitoring 

» Transparency over all processes 

» Easy adaption to future requirements

Central Features in Brief 

» Supports all popular communication protocols for 

data exchange (FTP(S), OFTP, SMTP, HTTP(S), SMS, 

SAP-ALE, IBM-DataQueue, databases, AS2, X.400, 

WebDAV, SCP, SSH ...) 

» Processing of all popular file formats (XML, EDIFACT, 

SAP IDoc, CSV, FixRecord, VDA, Excel, ANSI X.12, ...) 

» Direct access to third-party systems during the 

mapping process (no additional rework / complementing 

of converted data necessary) 

» All important industrial standards (EDIFACT, SAP 

IDoc, VDA, Fortras, ANSI X.12 etc.), but also many 

interfaces to ERP-Systems (e.g. SAP, Transflow, BNS, 

m-ware, Navision etc.) are included as templates in 

the system, free of charge (over 4.000 templates) 

» One system for all connection issues (incl. remote 

data transmission) as central “data hub” 

» Runs on all popular platforms, for which Java JDK 

(above 1.5) is available 

Lobster DataWizard.3 makes use of the service-based 

infrastructure of Lobster Integration Server 5.x. It can 

operate with almost all popular SQL databases and fits 

smoothly into existing IT-structures. 

APIs are available for implementation of companyspecific 

demands/tasks. Additional functions can be 

developed with simple Java knowledge by our customer 

– in a release secure way. 

Further advantages: 

» Direct access to sub-systems (e.g. SAP via ALE or 

IBM i-Series via DataQueue and DB400) 

» Cluster-capable – load balance – failover – high 

data thru-put – extremely high performance 

» Content-specific mapping (content inspection) 

» Independent of software suppliers and service providers 

through simplicity of operation – one round 

of training and the user-friendly documentation 

in most cases are enough to enable our clients to 

work independently with DataWizard 

» Drag & drop, configuration of filters instead of 

programming in a scripting language 

» Server-based licence model 

Lobster DataWizard.3 – the standardised converting, 

mapping, remote data transmission and integration 

tool for: 

» all standard formats and file structures 

» all standard communication routes / protocols 

» all standard platforms 

» all standard databases 

» all branches and company sizes 

» all IT operators who appreciate quick & competent 

help in support cases 

© Lobster GmbH 2008 | 3

Management of all settings in profiles Definition of the source path 

7 Steps to Data Integration. 

With Lobster DataWizard.3, you can carry out a 

complete data integration in only 7 steps. The user is 

helped through the configuration process according to 

the “Wizard” (= assistant) principle. 

1st Step: Selecting/creating a profile 

All settings for an integration work-flow (conversion or 

data transmission sequence) are saved together in a 

so-called Profile. These can be combined in groups 

for better manageability. It is even possible to create 

multiple profiles based on a common profile template. 

Every time a new version is saved, a backup copy is 

made (automatic version management for the profile). 

2nd Step: Where does the data come from? 

A variety of “input agents” allows DataWizard users to 

define whether data is to be actively collected or received 

in a passive way, and by which communication method 

this will be effectuated. All standard protocols are available 

– FTP(S), HTTP(S), OFTP, Message Service, AS400 Data 

Queue, SAP ALE, SMS, X.400, AS2, SCP, WebDAV, ... 

If the data is sent directly to DataWizard, then the processing 

will be triggered event-based directly after successful 

transmission – with no time delays such as in the case of 

cron-driven processes. 


3rd Step: How is the data structured? 

First, the data format and the character encoding (if so 

required) is selected (CSV, Excel, XML, FixRecord, SQL, 

EDI, SAP IDoc, ANSI X.12 ...). 

For XML, Excel, CSV, SAP IDoc and SQL, automatic 

functions are available to analyse the data structure. 

These functions are already creating the source tree 

structure for the next step – the mapping. If needed, 

additional functions, can perform preliminary processing 

on the data before the mapping. 

4. Step: Data mapping 

The structures of source data and target data are visualised 

in the form of a hierarchy tree. These can be calledup 

through automatic functions (i.e. stored templates) or 

built-up manually via Drag & Drop. Currently all important 

industrial standards are contained in the system as 

ready-made data structures. Others can be integrated 

according to needs. Input and output trees can be stored 

as templates for further use. 

Input fields can now be assigned to output fields (the 

desired target structure). Furthermore, the data can be 

manipulated with the help of ca. 170 different filters. 

Without script programming, only by entering parameters 

this function allows for:

Mapping and definition of filters 

» complex re-combination of data 

» access to third systems (the “looping-in“ of data 

from any database, such as calling-up of address 

data via a customer ID which is supplied from 

source data) 

» format conversion 

» direct transfer of mapped and processed data to 

any database (Oracle, DB2, Sybase, Informix, MS- 

SQL, MySQL, postgreSQL, MS Access ...) 

If needed, the filter library can be complemented by 

user-defined functions at any time. Basic JAVA programming 

skills are sufficient. 

Data mapping can be omitted completely if DataWi- 

zard is used exclusively for automatic, monitored data 

transfer. 

5th Step: Optional successive processing 

So-called “Integration Units” can be selected here, if 

necessary. These take on various tasks e.g. the generation 

of reports in PDF or Excel format or companyspecific 

processing steps. 

6th Step: Where will the data be transferred to? 

All protocols and transport routes available on the 

input side can also be used for the transfer of the 

processed data. Several output routes can be com- 

Content Inspection 

bined, if desired depending on success or failure of 

data processing. For example, if supplier data has 

been imported successfully to the own SAP system, 

then DataWizard can create or generate an Excel 

overview of the imported data. 

7th Step: Notification in case of errors 

This is mainly intended for partners who are to be informed 

immediately, for example if mandatory fields, 

have not been filled out or data is not readable. 

Profile definition is then completed after pressing the 

“Save” key. It can be revised at any time, just repeat 

the 7 steps again. 

Content Inspection 

This optional module allows combination of data 

from multiple, separately transferred files and/or different 

sources and to process them together. Contents 

can be analysed and pooled together into different 

“data bundles” according to previously-defined rules. 

These can be processed using all possibilities offered 

by DataWizard, and finally transmitted to further 

systems – even in fragments, if so required. 


Central monitoring by the Control Center 

Safety first. 

In the automation of business processes, detailed 

control of every single step is absolutely necessary. 

What is needed is firstly, an extensive, user-friendly 

logging and secondly, pro-active functions, which 

inform the responsible person about success and/or 

non-success of data processing. And, last not least, it 

has to be guaranteed that in no way whatsoever, data 

gets lost in case of errors during the execution of substeps. 

The Lobster DataWizard.3 meets all these 

demands and offers highest possible transaction 

security. The important difference to other tools is 

that here the whole chain of operational processes 

(data transmission, preliminary/successive processing, 

mapping, data manipulation and providing) is included 

in the monitoring. 

1. Monitoring 

Conventional logging means that bulky log files have 

to be read through with the help of a text editor. This 

requires much effort and is sometimes confusing. 

The Control Center of DataWizard is selective and 

displays only the processing information of a single 

profile, and - if so desired - restricts display to a particular 

time span. Errors are registered in a separate 

special list: just a click and all related messages are 


displayed. Detailed search functions make it easy to 

locate all required information and to list them in a 

transparent way. It is also possible to define logs on 

the level of certain input or output fields. 

2. Data Backup 

All input data made available for processing is saved 

initially as backup copy, even if it is transmitted directly 

per protocol or via a service. If an error appears 

in a subsequent process – e.g. through a network 

breakdown, incomplete data or unexpected events 

–, then the whole process sequence can be retraced 

back, the error contained, fixed and the data finally 

and successfully reprocessed. 

3. Messages 

DataWizard is able to send a message to as many 

recipients as needed, not only after successful processing 

of a profile but also in case of an error. Even 

during the mapping sub-process, messages can be 

released – via configurable filter – depending on the 

content of single fields. This allows an immediate, 

precisely coordinated reaction on the existing data.

BIC-client with DataWizard 

BIC-client 

Lobster BIC-Server 

BIC-client 

Business Integration Center (BIC) 

Affiliated enterprise groups have higher demands re- 

garding data exchange. Not only do member compa- 

nies communicate with the corporate headquarters, 

but also with one another. The Lobster Business 

Integration Center (BIC) allows you to replace 

difficult-to-maintain point to point connections with 

an efficient radial architecture. Here is a summary of 

the advantages: 

» Central monitoring of data transfer and conversion 

» Distribution of data to multiple addressees and 

further processing dependent on pre-defined rules 

» Definition of individual profiles and sets of rules 

for sender/receiver combinations 

The BIC Server is installed in the corporate 

headquarters’ IT Centre and manages all communication 

between the corporate partners, the 

logging of data and processes as well as additional 

data conversions or the addressing of third party 

systems, if so required. A second server can even 

be kept ready at a totally different location. Should 

clients not be able to reach the primary server for 

some reason, there is an automatic switch-over to 

the backup server. 

External systems 

BIC-client with DataWizard 

Backup-system 

The BIC Server accepts files from clients who are 

installed as corporate partners, validates the type of 

data received and the receiver(s) and checks the files 

for structural correctness. 

If the incoming data is correct and the receiver is 

known, the BIC Server checks whether the data 

packet contains partial data for several recipients. In 

this case data is split according to the recipients and 

then processed separately. 

The further route of such a data block depends either 

on the type of the data, or on the combination sender/receiver. 

The BIC Client is installed at the corporate partner’s 

site and manages the sending and receiving of data 

to and from the BIC-Server respectively. The BIC client 

is multi-client-enabled, i.e. one installation can serve 

a number of corporate partners. 

An alternative to using the BIC client is direct data 

exchange with the BIC Server via FTP. 

BIC clients can be combined with the DataWizard, 

so that data exchange processes with the corporate 

partner’s customers can be integrated into the overall 

process. 


Lobster LOGsuite 

Warehouse 

Transaction 

CRM 

Expertise in Data Management 

For more than 10 years now, the team of Lobster 

GmbH has been developing solutions for companies, 

which help to integrate all company-related data into 

their business processes with a maximum benefit and 

to ensure the optimum useableness of these data in 

day-to-day operations. This holistic, strategic viewpoint 

allows for the optimisation of the whole flow of 

information and considerably improves the company’s 

position in competition with others. 

Lobster GmbH fields of expertise are above all the 

integration of transaction-related data and 

Product Information Management (PIM). As 

basis for all product-related communication processes, 

PIM requires long-term storage of technical information, 

promotional texts and media (pictures, technical 

drawings, datasheets, videos etc.) and their retrieval 

for publication in print, Web or electronic catalogues. 

Lobster GmbH 

Hauptstraße 67 

D-82327 Tutzing 

PDM / EDM 


ERP 

E-catalogs Webshops / order systems 

Lobster DataWizard.3 

Lobster WebStore+ 

Lobster PIMsuite.3 

Callcenter / Helpdesk 

Print catalogs 

For the logistics sector, a specific logistics software has 

been developed, based on the DataWizard. The range 

of functions goes far beyond classical software and starts 

already at the beginning of the supply chain. In addition 

to familiar transport management functions, Lobster 

LOGsuite offers despatch and procurement functions 

on an order sheet and shipping note level. Additional 

modules such as dangerous goods management, tracking 

& tracing, fleet tracing, damage assessment, document archiving, 

a data warehouse for statistical evaluation as well 

as fax, SMS and mail functions that can be used directly 

from within the application round-off the solution. 

Flexible integration of customers, partners and subcontractors 

in your own value creation chain is carried 

out via online-access or via Lobster data integration 

tools. Thanks to state-of-the-art Internet technology, 

Lobster LOGsuite does not need on-site installation and 

combines the comfort of client-server software with the 

simple and cost-effective usability of a Web solution. 

Fon: +49 8158 90766-0 

Fax: +49 8158 90766-99 

information@lobster.de | www.lobster.de 

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