Though the end product is easy to use, SPA is itself actually a sophisticated union of the following Java based core technologies, developed and owned exclusively by Synthesis.

Synthesis Transaction Server (STS)
Managing all server-side transactions required by the system, the STS handles workflow events, data extraction operations, file serving requests, document build/publish events and many other transactions types, such as synchronous, asynchronous, console, and time-scheduled.

The server itself manages processing resources on the machine and uses API “listeners” to receive incoming transaction requests; these listeners also support sockets, TCP, and HTTP communications.

The basic status of the STS can be monitored through SPA interface tools, with more detailed information automatically stored in activity logs to assist with diagnosis and tracking.

Synthesis Data Mapper
This utility provides data collection and processing services for multiple data sources, including a variety of RDBMS servers, document/text management systems, and even flat file data sources. The resulting data stream is encoded as a structured object that can be handed off to whatever processing engine will be handling the data for output.

The Data Mapper includes a validation engine that supports both data testing and post processing of query results. This validation facility can be used to re-format data, re-organize the data set, and to test the data set against processing rules.

Synthesis Document Builder
The Document Builder evaluates and collates text, graphics, and data components into a document or webpage form, using simple or complex inclusion and exclusion rules.

The user interface for the Document Builder is a browser based facility known as the Virtual Document Viewer (VDV). Using this tool, documents can be configured, previewed online, and even edited via the PowerForm and Synthesis Notepad.

Workflow Templates can be created to support serial task assignment to a system user or group. Tasks can then be defined to include e-mail notification events and to appropriately color code the Approval Status Bar displayed in the VDV.

Synthesis PowerForm
The Synthesis PowerForm spreadsheet provides an interface to review and update content in documents. It’s integrated with the Virtual Document Viewer and deployed with the STS, with the Data Mapper providing the backend services. The PowerForm has the ability to read a structured header on a content object and configure itself to support validated editing of data sets.

Synthesis Notepad
Integrated with the SPA Virtual Document Viewer, the Synthesis Notepad is a rich text editor capable of modifying any language managed within the SPA’s content libraries. This tool allows application of styles to text as well as the embedding of variable data points and footnote reference anchors.

Graph Builder Pro (GB-Pro)
GB-Pro provides automatic chart rendering tools that produce professional quality GIF and EPS images for both print and website use. The GB Pro can output completely customizable pie charts, bar charts, line charts and most other presentations used in financial documents.