Ricoh's Platform to Success: Embedded Software Architecture™

Ubiquitech, a long-standing RiDP member, headquartered in Denmark, received the award in recognition of extreme Java™ technology-based innovation for the solution delivered to the international construction contractor E. Pihl & Søn A/S.

The solution is based upon Ubiquitech’s VDMS™ concept (Virtual Document Management System) and is based exclusively upon open standards, thus uniquely and flexibly coordinating an organisation, its work processes and technologies.

Utilizing Ricoh's Embedded Software Architecture platform, Ubiquitech’s VDMS solution can scan, locate, read, print and send documents on any networked Ricoh MFP on the global network. The solution uses a specifically designed user interface that simplifies the Ricoh Aficio MFPs (multifunctional product) colour touch screen.
 
With the open VDMS solution, Pihl & Søn is now capable of meeting today’s and tomorrow’s demands on digitalization and structuring of building processes, especially within the new and strict guidelines of the Danish government.

Due to many and internationally wide-spread building contracts managed by Pihl & Søn, a solution was necessary to create a full overview of and allow access to any given documentation and to make these available on a wide array of platforms and devices regardless of the geographical position.

VDMS allows easy viewing and editing of information on mobile units such as notebooks, PDAs, SmartPhones, Blackberry™ and others. This in turn provides Pihl & Søn with a flexibility and mobility that is critical to its work processes. Documents can for instance be sent to any printer or fax via a stationary or mobile device, utilising Bluetooth™ technology, which has recently been integrated in Ricoh's Java technology-based software development kit (SDK/J). The conversion of the document is handled by VDMS, completely transparent to the user.

Rolf Carlsen, IT Director at Pihl & Søn explained: ”With the Ubiquitech VDMS solution we have a solution where all our information is virtual. Through the flexibility created by the open platform, we are able to meet current and future demands to digital building processes and information structuring. We have achieved an optimal synthesis between our organisation and its information flows, with the MFP’s from Ricoh functioning as information servers and seamless integration with the mobile units from Nokia™ and Blackberry™.”