Order Entry Application - A computer program or group of programs, accepting data from an incoming order as input, validating its information, and usually passing it to an order processing application. Order Processing Application - A computer program or group of programs accepting a validated order from an order entry application, evaluating it in terms of available inventory, and generating an internal staging order for stock items with inventory availability and an internal order to a manufacturing or assembly location for stock items with no inventory availability. Pilot - The process of testing a part of the final system as a gauge to determine the viability of the concept prior to implementing the entire system for full production. It takes the concept out of the realm of theory, and provides empirical knowledge of what can reasonably be expected of the system when it is fully implemented. Usually, such a system is interactive.
Simple protocols define only hardware configuration.
More complex protocols define timing, data formats, error detection, and correction techniques. Protocol Conversion - For computers with different protocols to understand each other meaningful conversation needs to take place. Many VANS are equipped to allow conversations between different 'tongues'. Any switching communications system such as Telex, TWX or public telephone networks - that provide circuit switching to many customers. For example, purchase order, purchase order change, purchase order acknowledgment.