3.1. EstVis structure

EstVis is a complex software and its main components you will use are:

•  Desktop Server – the application for Windows, actually your local server, that stores and operates with all your bodyshop's data, such as work orders (cases), customer's and vehicle's data, photo documentation, work authorizations, invoices and many other data.

One of the important advantages of EstVis is that all your critical and personal data is stored locally on your computer not on third-party web-servers.

Another benefit of this architecture is that you can work with EstVis continuously even in case of mailfunctions and disconnection of the Internet (for example during extreme weather conditions).

Only one Desktop Server may be deployed per bodyshop while a lot of clients (Workflow, mobile app for iOS and Android) may be installed and operate with Desktop Server from both bodyshop local and external networks.

You do not need to constantly interact with the Desktop Server – it is enough to install it once, configure it and ensure its constant background work with the autorun enabled in case of restarting the computer on which it is installed.
Further all interaction with Desktop Server is associated with the rare need to make the required changes to the system settings, for example setting up the integration with third-party software.

•  Workflow – the key part of EstVis environment. This is an application for Windows, which user interacts with most of all.

Workflow provides users with a certain number of convinient interfaces – these are the main interface with buckets and cases (work orders) inside; case details; estimate; photo documentation; invoices; parts; payrolls and many others – the availability of the specific interfaces depends on the role(s) of the user, who is logged into the Workflow instance.

•  Mobile client – the app for iOS and Android platforms. It partly duplicates some Workflow's functionality, as well as includes some specific features like: photo documentation process; scanning and recognizing VIN and DRL; parts and materials transfer through scanning QR codes.

Both Workflow and EstVis mobile clients interact with Desktop Server and requre its availability within the local area network or Internet.

You can run an unlimited number of Workflow and mobile app instances (on different computers and devices) – for example one for a manager, another instances for shop staff (bodytechs, painter, etc). Each instance should be launched with the specific user credentials.

•  Proxy Agent for Desktop Server – an optional addition to Desktop Server, the small utility for Windows providing an access to Desktop Server from external location (outside of your bodyshop local area network) and is needed only in case of your Internet provider does not provide you with (or your Internet plan does not include) the 'white' IP-address.