Lobster_data is a standardised software tool for data and system integration.

Bringing together a plethora of possibilities – and benefits to boot – within one single software product, so you don’t have to rely on complex and vulnerable software combinations for your integration needs. Because Lobster_data gives you access to all integrations in one, single tool.

One tool for EAI. EDI. MFT. Industry 4.0 & IoT Strategies.

An EAI tool for linking multiple internal IT systems and an EDI tool for automated communication between in-house IT systems and the outside world. Other Lobster_data iterations take care of very simple but secure data fusion processes (e.g. POS systems or basic localised IT systems) so the data can then be processed centrally (MFT = managed file transfer). Lobster_data’s logical IT group solution with its secure, certified data transfer and targeted data distribution processes for routing, labelling and transmitting to partners is also very popular. Lobster_data is the ideal tool for supporting Industry 4.0. and IoT strategies.

User requirements are confined to data affinity and process knowledge.
No prior knowledge of programming is needed.

Contextual support & documentation

The most important goal is to provide supplementary, informative support to Lobster_data users via comprehensive explanations, videos, commentaries, process descriptions, links and in-app chat functions within the online support area, as well as providing product documentation through the supplementary Lobster EDI Knowledge and EAI Knowledge Lobsterpedia platforms.

Intuitive Working

EDI tool for automated communication between your own IT systems and the outside world.

Other forms of Lobster_data facilitate the very simple and at the same time secure integration of data (e.g. cash register systems or basic localised IT systems) so as to process them centrally (MFT = managed file transfer).

The logical IT group solution of Lobster_data with its secure, certified data transmission and targeted data distribution for routing, labelling and transmissions to the partners is also very popular.

Lobster_data is the ideal tool for supporting Industry 4.0. and IOT strategies.

HTML5 interface. ANY PLACE. ANY TIME. ANY DEVICE:

The browser-based HTML5 interface enables the user to access Lobster_data software at any time, from anywhere and using any HTML-compatible device (PC, tablet, smartphone). No need for client installations or updates.
This is absolutely essential, especially when it comes to monitoring. Online support (explanations, films etc.), wizard feature and online collaboration provide additional assistance.

Data wrangling is performed via interchangeable ready-made function blocks.

The system comes with all industry standards (EDIFACT, VDA, ANSI, SAP IDOC, XML etc.) free of charge, including all EDI and SAP document types as templates.

Automated detection of data formats and simple transfer processes to the various different communication channels (e.g. AS2, OFTP1+2, WebServices, X.400, FTP/SFTP/ FTPS and many more).

Central monitoring of all processes for efficient error handling.

…and you’re off.

Our strict ‘no-coding’ policy means that digitisation and integration projects can be implemented 5-10 times faster and incorporated within Lobster_data in just a few days.

• Pioneering, container-compatible server technology (e.g. docker)
• New floating licencing approach
• Encryptions
• Load balancing
• DMZ
• Independent of servers, operating models, databases and operating systems
• Unlimited scaling: Lobster_data works just as well on mini servers (e.g. CuBox server, Raspberry Pi and embedded systems) as it does on sophisticated servers within computer clusters.
• Unlimited performance: Lobster_data can be accessed as a cloud solution within our computer centre or run via service providers or at your in-house location, depending on budget, expertise, speed and security standards.

Transparent mapping of corporate structures and organisational units as well as assignment of different access rights with the help of multi-client capability and management.

The forms of communication can be used event-based or time-controlled.

Get supported:

• AS2 (Drummond Group Certified)
• OFTP (Certification body for ODETTE)
• AMQP, JMS, MQTT, OPCUA
• FTP, SFTP, FTPS, SCP
• HTTP(S), Webservices, WebDAV
• Database connections
• SAP ALE Connection
• X.400
• SMTP, POP3, IMAP
• FAX
• LDAP
• File System
• AS400 Dataqueue
• Cloudstorage (z.B. AWS S3)

• Central monitoring allows for all processes (RDT, conversion, mapping, addressing third-party systems during mapping, etc.) to be intelligibly monitored. 
• Monitoring connection using SNMP, HTTP (S) and Graylog

• High processing speed of large files as well as many short messages
• Load balance capability with failover configuration option (HA concept)
• Docker and cloud compatible
• Convert 1000 IDOCs á 2.7MB (2.7GB total) to EDIFACT (collective invoice) on a Raspberry pi 3 (SD card) in under 5 minutes

• Data wrangling without programming
• Extended calculation options (e.g. EAN check digit)
• Access to third-party systems when mapping (e.g.: ‘Bring me the master data set for KD Nr 4711 from a backup system’)

Support from common converters.

The Lobster_data.asm add-on module bundles the transmission of any number of files to the communication partner at a self-defined time.

This cuts costs along the X.400 communication channel. Files can also be moved to archive containers (ZIP, TAR, …) and then transmitted.

Scheduling can be planned to the second using crontab syntax. Data can be dispatched after a specific sorting process. The files contained in the archive can also be assigned a password within the settings tab.

The necessary requirements can be selected from a large number of transmission options. The transmission path can be created easily by choosing the communication channel.

The data tab provides an overview of the files which are ready for transmission, as well as all the data which has already been sent.

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Transferring electronic data plays an important part in day-to-day business activities. Pricing information, contracts, sensitive POS or financial data, design drawings, production data, media information, orders and much more must all be transmitted in-house or to trading partners, service providers and customers in a way that is fully automated, punctual and protected against theft. Lobster_data EDI/EAI software is here to help.

Lobster also has a Managed File Transfer module (MFT) for business partners, branch offices or systems which communicate with one another and require a higher-level set of rules.

Lobster’s Managed File Transfer comprises the MFT server and MFT clients. The MFT server is located centrally, for instance in the computer centre of a cooperative or at the HQ of a group of companies. It handles all communication between the partners, such as the logging of data and processes, data mapping or data conversions, according to a pre-defined set of rules.

The MFT client can be installed on logistics partner systems, in the branch offices of trading companies or the subsidiaries of a group, for example, and is responsible for sending and receiving data to and from the MFT server. The client can also exchange data internally via FTP. Once installed, no prior IT knowledge is needed for local employees.

Lobster_data Managed File Transfer guarantees:

• a safe and secure end-to-end data flow
• simple handling by branches and partners without the need for IT expertise
• data transfer and data converting in a single system
• elimination of island solutions (such as batch files or shell scripts)
• central monitoring including alerting, controlling and restart function

Let’s take a closer look at how a group of transport and logistics companies used Managed File Transfer:

Previously, this group of companies had used virtual point-to-point connections to transfer data. With Lobster_data.mft this structure was replaced by a star-shaped structure with a central server capable of processing more than just data transfers. It was now possible to log specific data such as delivery note numbers or consignment numbers centrally as well as convert data from and to different formats.

Lobster_data.mft tranfers data in 4 phases:

• A partner sends data to the MFT server.
• The MFT server identifies the data type and the recipient(s) and splits the input data into separate elements for the different recipients.
• Dependent on type (sender/recipient), these data elements are converted to and from different formats (EDI, CSV, XML, …) according to a pre-defined set of rules. Certain fields are logged.
• The data is forwarded to the recipient(s).

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The Lobster_data.ci add-on module merges or splits separately transmitted files. The files are then processed by so-called Content Inspectors (CI) in file pools according to previously set parameters. This means the contents can be analysed and combined to form different ‘data federations’.

Thus, a Content Inspector is defined, for example, which splits EDIFACT data into multiple EDIFACT messages by way of EDIFACT UNH messaging.

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Data Flow enables the graphical depiction of a process chain. Comparable to a flowchart, Data Flow makes it possible to show connections between the profiles, display them graphically and modify them.

The simulation tool in Lobster_data.dataflow clearly indicates which profile would process the incoming data and in what way. This makes choosing the correct profile simple and straightforward.

Another Lobster_data.dataflow feature is the process view in the ControlCenter. By selecting individual jobs, the user receives a graphical overview of how a profile is integrated into the whole process chain. Errors or gaps in the process chain are immediately visible and are automatically highlighted in red by the system.

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A Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) is a way of protecting private networks from networks that are publicly accessible. It also safeguards corporate computers which have to be accessible from both public and internal networks.

The DMZ server can accept incoming data even if the internal server is temporarily inaccessible. This makes it possible to cope with power failures.

Lobster_data uses this security feature in conjunction with a DMZ server. The Lobster DMZ module is installed only where the necessary communication processes are handled. The intranet (internal server) connection between the DMZ server and Lobster_data is established using a proprietary Lobster GmbH protocol.

The DMZ status and connection are shown in the Lobster_data ControlCenter.

The DMZ can also be monitored via the Lobster_data dashboard.

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The Lobster_data.xml add-on module is used to disassemble and convert files of 256 GB max., thereby reducing memory usage and performance load. This enables the transmission of entire catalogues, for example. Complex XML structures can also be imported via X-path syntax.

Mass data processing: An example
As a rule, the parser needs enough available memory storage to accommodate the size of the XML file x factor 1.3. In other words, with a 120 MB file the memory usage would be approx. 150 MB.

With a V3 parser, a reference profile (same hardware and same memory settings etc.) needs a runtime of 504s for a 132 MB XML file. A V4 reduces this to a total runtime of 13s. The memory usage is also about 1/10 of that needed with a V3.

The V4 can be selected with the simple click of a button. X-path syntax can be easily implemented using ‘Copy element(s) in chunk’.

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The Lobster_data module for web monitoring is a web-based monitoring tool which – depending on the user’s rights – allows the user to track the status of certain jobs, upload or change data or restart jobs. In this way partners, customers and employees can track the status of the data from anywhere and at any time, making changes, if necessary, to quickly correct any data errors.

A range of rights and roles can be customised and assigned to each user in Lobster_data.webmonitor. As shown in the example below, a specific user may only be allowed to monitor the jobs of selected profiles, restart these jobs, modify files and store them locally. The ‘theme’ feature ensures that certain users see their own company logo, CI, etc. after they log in.

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(Browser requirements: iE9+, Firefox25+, Chrome26+, Web Portal module)
The Lobster_data Webportal module automatically converts input trees into a HTML front end so as to create a manual data collection process. With Webportal, any data can be collected online via a browser and then processed using Lobster_data.

This means that employees, partners and customers can process their authorised business operations online, from anywhere in the world.

Simple configuration processes in Lobster_data enable a data collection profile to be created quickly and easily.

The screenshot shows a basic order entry, where the ‘unit’ field has been assigned a default value, which can, however, be changed using the permitted values, listed below.

The profile shown here generates the data input screen with the order header and order item. Each entered item can be found in the overview (referred to as ‘order position’ here) and can be easily modified. The ‘send data and close’ button sends the data to Lobster_data.

The processes authorised for each particular user are visible on the left of the process screen. The overview also displays completed jobs, including the respective process status and associated logs. The user can also easily recreate a similar job using the ‘duplicate’ button.

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The Lobster_data Process Load Optimisation module is a service which optimises the handling of very high processing loads. It is worth using if the Lobster IS is running natively or virtually on a machine with multiple processor cores, and if, during times of peak loads, the Lobster data.3 queues (incoming queue and prioritised queue) cannot be fully processed over longer periods of time.

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A LoadBalanced system consists of at least one Lobster_data NodeController and one Lobster_data node. The number of nodes can be increased as required. The Lobster_data.loadbalance add-on module accepts data from all input sources (input agents) and distributes the conversion tasks to all active Lobster_data nodes. The tasks can be distributed in two ways:

• ‘round robin’ (alternating distribution of new conversion tasks)
• according to load factor (based on the workload of the individual Lobster_data nodes).

Lobster_data.loadbalance therefore optimally distributes the queued conversion tasks so they can be processed more quickly.

>> Download Onepager <<
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Lobster_data can be conveniently connected to Salesforce via the Lobster_data.salesforce module. Unlike the comparatively complex handling process via native interfaces, Lobster_data offers a whole host of benefits:

• The Salesforce Web-API is fully incorporated within a JDBC driver.
• Lobster_data is able to use all database functions such as filters, structure generation or input and output channels, making interface creation much quicker.
• The driver offers SQL functionality as standard, so incorporation in SOQL is no longer necessary.
• Header and item data (e.g. address and contacts) can be easily imported into a profile despite automatic key generation (in Salesforce).
• The user is no longer responsible for session handling (login/logout, reload data,..) as this is directly integrated within the driver.

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Software updates or profile changes can be tested easily using the Lobster_data Testcase Manager add-on module.
This is a useful way of detecting divergences and errors, particularly when it comes to processing large numbers of profiles.

Benefits of Lobster_data.testcasemanager:

• Greater security for your production system because profile changes and new software installations are only accepted upon successful testing.
• Clear error source reports facilitate fast, simple corrections.

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1. ENGDAT / ENGPART: Automated CAD data exchange V2 and V3

Are you looking for a lean protocol for networking IoT devices? Then Lobster and MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport), the open message protocol for machine-to-machine communication, is the right choice for you. Network hundreds of thousands of devices, even when there are long transmission delays due to, for example, poor cellular connectivity or limited networks. When transmitting sensor data, a very high number of messages can occur, depending on the clock frequency of the sensor. You are only interested in certain ones? No problem, with Lobster_data you can choose between many possibilities for processing incoming data via MQTT.

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Plant a tree with lobster? There’s no such thing? Of course it is. After all, sequential data enhancement was yesterday. With the new Lobster_data feature Multisource Input Tree you can merge multiple data sources in the input tree and then move them into the target tree. As always: Simple. Efficient. Networked.

Lobster offers a test system free of charge with the production system. Standard! The transfer of your mapping settings and communication parameters from one system to another is also very easy with us. A few clicks in the Transport Manager module are enough. And it does the work for you. Even at night. Or on weekends.

The Lobster_data.asm add-on module bundles the transmission of any desired number of files to the communication partner at a self-defined time.

The Lobster_data.ci add-on module merges or divides up separately transmitted files. The files are further processed by so-called Content Inspectors (CI) in file pools on the basis of previously created parameters. The content can then be analysed and combined to form different ‘data federations’.

Lobster_data, integration technology for all areas. Data exchange both within a company and between companies, as well as between different systems generally.

Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) is a way of protecting private networks from networks that are publicly accessible. It also protects corporate computers that have to be accessible both from public networks and internally. The DMZ server can accept incoming data even if the internal server is temporarily inaccessible. This makes it possible to cope with power failures.

The DMZ server can accept incoming data even if the internal server is temporarily inaccessible. This makes it possible to cope with power failures.

Lobster’s Managed File Transfer comprises the MFT server and MFT clients. The MFT server is located centrally, for instance in the computer centre of a cooperative or at the HQ of a group of companies. It handles all communication between the partners, such as the logging of data and procedures, mappings or data conversions, according to a pre-defined rulebook.