CATS IS AN E-APPLICATION
Designed and built using the most modern tools available and utilizing cutting-edge development methodologies and design standards, CATS is a true e-application: scalable, component-based, and easily accessible from anywhere in the enterprise.
CATS IS FUNCTIONALLY MULTI-TIERED
Program components are modular in function, providing easy adaptability of the application, consistency of business rules and processes, and greatly simplified application maintenance. 
USER INTERFACE TIER (PRESENTATION LAYER)
CATS utilizes a simple, user-oriented interface that has the Windows™ look and feel. It consists of a folder tree that provides quick access to the forms and data screens used in the system and a split-screen grid that is as easy to use as a desktop spreadsheet. With this simple data presentation format users can view data, make editing changes, attach notes to any record, and add and delete information items. The system automatically logs all manual changes to compensation data and if 100% Sarbox compliant. Firthermore, the CATS user-interface can be optionally hosted inside a web browser.
BUSINESS RULES TIER
The business rules tier is the main functional component of CATS. It is in this layer that the algorithms and compensation calculation rules of each incentive plan are implemented. Business rules are stored as components in a database, which separates them from the application and provides for increased scalability and maintainability.
DATA TIER
A Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) serves as a data repository for all CATS® data, and is maintained as a separate component from the CATS business rules engine. This modular approach allows individual implementations to utilize the best job-specific database server. Support for full backup and recovery of both the data and the application ensure the CATS® application can be readily maintained in accordance with existing MIS procedures.
DESKTOP OR CLIENT/SERVER DATABASE OPTION
The CATS data layer consists of a local, integrated database engine, or as an implementation option, a backend client/server database running Windows SQL Server or Oracle. These options provide maximum flexibility for organizations that require a fast, self-contained, low-cost RDBMS that can use the built-in data layer. For increased robustness and better scalability, CATS utilizes ODBC to communicate with any high-performance database server.
CATS IS AVAILABLE IN MULTIPLE VERSIONS
CATS is available in three editions – Workstation, Server, and Enterprise – to meet the different needs of business users. Each edition shares common application components and a common user-interface so users can seamlessly upgrade without changing their plan designs or incurring additional training costs.
WORKSTATION
CATS 2007 Workstation utilizes an internal file-server database engine. It is the perfect solution for organizations with fewer than 500 participants and fewer than 5 concurrent administrators. The Workstation edition can be installed on a local file server or on a standalone desktop PC.
SERVER
CATS 2007 Server is a true enterprise class application that provides seamless integration with robust Client/Server databases and ODBC data sources. The Server edition provides access from anywhere in the enterprise, including dial-up connections. CATS 2007 Server currently supports Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 and Oracle 8i and above.
ENTERPRISE
CATS 2007 Enterprise is a best-in-class web-enabled application that provides a rich platform for designing and administering incentive-based compensation plans. The Enterprise edition can be accessed over the web using a web browser. This results in improved deployment and administration, and a reduction in total cost of ownership.
APPLICATION FRAMEWORK
CATS is built upon our own proprietary Rapid Application Development (RAD) system. Our development environment helps us to not only define applications that are componentized in terms of functional tiers, but more importantly, to create applications that are modular in definition. The three tiers – interface, business rules and data repository – built upon the same definition core, enabling the delivery of applications that are completed on time and are error-free.
PRODUCT MODULES
The Compensation Activity Tracking System employs a modular framework in which several key components, including administration tasks, design and database management functionality, is compartmentalized to further streamline and enhance productivity, yet designed to integrate seamlessly to form a complete EIM solution.
 PLAN ADMINISTRATOR
The Plan Administrator module performs the basic administrative functions of the target compensation plan. It allows plan administrators to import source data, make editing adjustments (to source data as well as derived incentive calculations), perform compensation calculations, and generate payment information. All functions are performed using a simple, user-oriented interface that is as easy to use as a desktop spreadsheet.
PLAN DESIGNER
The Plan Designer component of CATS consists of a development environment for creating and testing the business rules that define incentive plan algorithms in CATS and a rules engine that executes the business rules at run-time.
RELATIONAL DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (RDBMS)
A Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) serves as a data repository for all CATS data, and is maintained as a separate component from CATS business rules. All tables in the CATS data repository, including system-calculated values, are available for external viewing and reporting.
QUERY TOOL / REPORT DESIGNER / VIEWER
The reporting module is a full-featured database access and analysis tool for creating presentation-quality reports, flexible analysis and formatting capabilities, or advanced interactive Java-based query and reporting over the Web.
LOGICAL FUNCTION ENVIRONMENT INTEGRATIONS
CATS is a great choice for organizations that work with multiple currencies. Whether the need arises via international sales transactions or for payment of commissions to an internationally dispersed sales force, or both, CATS handles the issue elegantly. Moreover, monetary amounts are converted automatically to the currency appropriate for each individual viewing his or her reports. As always, CATS provides the precision and flexibility required for optimum business results.
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