CEITON

Architecture

The workflow management software has a three tier architecture with an Oracle or SQL-Server-database, at the bottom level a 64bit-application layer in the mid-level and a web-interface with a patented web-based window manager, WinLike, in the upper level.

The software runs on a server (on premises) or in the cloud and is scalable on parallel servers. Data security is warranted by role-based access control (RBAC). The software is used via web-browsers and not dependent on particular system software.

Structure and Features

The CEITON-System combines the two classical approaches of production planning and control and workflow management in a web-based system.

Project Management

The scheduling system plans, manages, bills, and analyzes projects or tasks. It manages human and technical resources, material, and locations on a single GUI. The system uses a gantt chart to assign tasks to be done to available and eligible resources (i.e. staff), automatically or by drag-and-drop. The scheduling module includes material management, resource management/ human resource management, integration of freelancers, clients and suppliers, time-tracking, shift scheduling, quality management, delivery and logistics, document management, archive, analysis and controlling, business reporting, as well as all accounting and documentation processes. Media companies use CEITON for managing repetitive projects such as producing DVDs, PlayStation games and Blu-ray discs.

Workflow

The workflow management system module coordinates business processes. Processes are defined once as a workflow and then repeatedly executed. Human resources are automatically assigned to steps (tasks) and integrated in workflow forms. Systems are integrated with an EAI/SOAP module, allowing data exchange with arbitrary external systems which are also involved in the business process. It also features a 3-D workflow overview in which the status of each project step can be determined by its color in the overview.

Process Management

For project and order processing management, business processes are designed as workflows, and will assume the automated coordination of all communication. With the form-server of the workflow-system, variable user interfaces for staff, customers or suppliers can be generated, so they always get only relevant information. Different user-logins enable a retrieval of individual forms within one process. The main application for the system is knowledge-based business processes, in which many people are involved and virtual results are produced, e.g. in research or product development and also for all services or media products, like TV and movies. Broadcasters and media companies such as MDR, Puls 4, Yle, Sony and Warner use CEITON to control their production processes for products and services and coordinate complex workflows with all kinds of resources involved.

Integrations

An integrated EAI module allows the CEITON system to integrate every external system in any business process without programming, using SOAP and similar technologies. Aspera and FileCatalyst were integrated for faster data transfer, yet complex ERP systems and numerous SAP modules have also been integrated, for example, to extract working times to payroll.

Mobile Working

Version 7, released in 2015, includes a time-tracking module allowing employees to enter their times from mobile devices such as tablets running Android, iPhones etc.

History

Expertplace Solutions, the company that developed the CEITON system, was founded in Leipzig, Germany in 2000 by entrepreneur, Tobias Soppa, and the product was originally developed for German broadcasting companies in 2001. In 2000, under the name CEITON technologies, manpower requirements solutions were implemented for the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Manila, Philippines together with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit of the German government.

The first version (Version 1.0) of the software was released in July 2001. In parallel the WinLIKE module was developed, applied for patent on July 16, 2003 and obtained patent on February 17, 2005. CEITON is named after the Japanese concept Seiton, one of the principles of Japanese workplace design methodology known as 5S. Since the first version, there have been six main releases up till the current version 7, which was released in January 2015. Version 7, released in 2015, includes a time-tracking module allowing employees to enter their times from mobile devices such as tablets running Android, iPhones etc.

Since 2007 CEITON has been represented at the broadcast trade fairs NAB in Las Vegas and IBC in Amsterdam. Since 2008 the company has had a US subsidiary CEITON technologies, Inc., based in Burbank, California.

In May 2005 CEITON won the IQ innovation award, donated by Siemens, in the category Excellent innovation in the IT-sector.