Glossary

Learn all you need to know with the oOTARY Glossary! Discover and learn all the technical terms you need to know in the field of digitalization.

API

In computing, API stands for Application Programming Interface. An API can be summed up as an IT solution that enables applications to communicate with each other and exchange services or data.

Algorithm

An algorithm is a sequence of clearly defined instructions enabling a computer to perform a specific task. Like a recipe, it follows precise steps to always achieve the same result, whatever the circumstances.

BAW

BAW (Business At Work) is a management consulting and digital transformation company. It specializes in assisting companies with their transformation projects, focusing on improving performance and implementing innovative solutions. BAW operates in a variety of sectors, including financial services, industry, energy, telecommunications and public services.

BAW is one of oOTARY's largest partners. To find out more about our partnership, please visit our Partner page !

Business Intelligence (BI) represents a set of technologies, processes and tools that help companies collect, analyze and present data to make informed business decisions.

By using BI tools, companies can transform raw data into actionable information, enabling them to better understand their performance, spot market trends, forecast opportunities and risks, and optimize their operational processes.

BI often includes elements such as data warehouses, data analysis tools, interactive dashboards and customized reports.

Big Data

Big Data refers to all the digital data produced by the use of new technologies.

These data sets are so voluminous that traditional data processing software simply can't handle them. But these huge volumes of data, combined with ever-increasing storage capacities and increasingly sophisticated real-time analysis tools, now offer unparalleled possibilities for exploiting information.

Blockchain

Blockchain is a technology that enables information to be stored and transmitted transparently, securely and without a central control body. It resembles a large database containing the history of all exchanges between its users since its creation.

Business Intelligence

Business Intelligence (BI) is the technological process of analyzing data and presenting information to help executives, managers and other end-users make informed business decisions.

Card

In web design, a "card" is a rectangular container for related information, such as an image, text and links linked to a single topic.

Foreign key

In a SQL database, a foreign key is a means of linking two tables together. It takes the form of one or more columns in one table which are used to point to the same column(s) in another table.

CRUD

CRUD is an acronym for the four basic operations for manipulating data in a database or application:

- Create (Create) → Add new data
- Read (Read) → Read or retrieve existing data
- Update (Update) → Modify existing data
- Delete (Delete) → Delete data

These operations are essential in web development and database management, particularly with REST APIs and SQL or NoSQL databases.

DAM

Digital Asset Management (DAM) is a technical and organizational system dedicated to managing a company's digital assets.

It manages, stores and makes available a wide range of digital content (videos, advertising creatives, photos, etc.) used by marketing teams, distributors, the press, subsidiaries and much more.

Data Warehouse

A Data Warehouse is a relational database hosted on a server in a Data Center or in the Cloud. It collects data from a variety of heterogeneous sources, with the main aim of supporting analysis and facilitating the decision-making process. In terms of integration with existing data systems, the Data Warehouse is based on the ETL (Extract, Tranform, Load) process, which enables data to be loaded from different applications.

Easter Egg

An Easter Egg is a fun, stimulating feature representing a word or phrase hidden in digital media.

Whether in a line of code, in video game images or in music, humans have always enjoyed hiding words or objects.

For example, Google has implemented several hidden tools in its search engine to stimulate the customer experience: Google Pac-Man, Blink HTML, DART Mission.

Desktop publishing

Desktop publishing encompasses all the activities and resources required to automatically produce documents for a company or organization.

ERP

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is software that helps companies manage their day-to-day operations, such as accounting, projects, human resources and manufacturing.

ETL

ETLs (Extract, Transform, Load) are essential tools that have a significant impact on the world of data.

They are responsible for retrieving data from different sources, modifying it to ensure compatibility, and then transferring it to a final destination, usually a data warehouse.

They guarantee data integrity, accuracy and consistency, while preserving the security and confidentiality of sensitive information.

Used in diverse sectors such as marketing, finance, healthcare and e-commerce, they are a fundamental element of modern data management.

EAM

An EAM (Enterprise Asset Management) is a system for managing the entire lifecycle of an organization's physical assets. It covers the planning, acquisition, operation, maintenance and renewal of equipment to optimize performance, availability and profitability.

EAM is often based on software that centralizes asset data, integrates preventive and predictive maintenance tools, and ensures regulatory compliance. It is widely used in the industrial, infrastructure, energy and transportation sectors.

ESM

An ESM (Enterprise Service Management) is an approach that extends the principles of ITSM (IT Service Management) to all departments within an organization. Its aim is to improve efficiency, collaboration and request management within the various departments (HR, finance, facilities, customer service, etc.).

ESM software centralizes and automates service management through workflows, self-service portals and analysis tools. The aim is to optimize internal processes, improve the employee experience and reduce operational costs.

FSM

A WSF (Field Service Management) is a system for optimizing the planning, execution and monitoring of work carried out by off-site teams (technicians, inspectors, maintenance staff, etc.).

FSM software facilitates the management of mission orders, resource allocation, real-time tracking of interventions, as well as inventory management and invoicing. It often integrates technologies such as mobility, GPS, IoT and artificial intelligence to improve productivity and customer satisfaction.

EDM

Electronic Document Management (EDM), or Electronic Management of Information or Existing Documents (GEIDE)This covers all the techniques used to manage the flow of documents into, out of and within a company.

GPT

GPT stands for Generative Pre-training Transformera deep learning language model (a segment of machine learning) developed by OpenAI. It is a deep neural network based on the technique of automatic natural language processing. (NLP in English)which has been trained with over 175 billion parameters. Their algorithm can generate text autonomously, in response to a user query. GPT is capable of answering questions, writing essays, producing text summaries, translating content, adapting it to different writing styles, and even writing computer code.

Hardware

Hardware, or computer equipmentrefers to the physical components of computer systems, such as processors, graphics cards and memory. To optimize the performance of artificial intelligence models, some manufacturers have developed specialized hardware to accelerate AI processing. These components, such as graphics processing units (GPUs) or specific integrated circuits (ASICs), are designed to handle complex tasks, offering significant performance gains in applications such as image recognition or natural language processing.

Help Desk

A Help Desk is a company's support and assistance service, designed to resolve problems encountered by users of a service or product. It also exists on in-house platforms, used in the form of tickets.

HTML

HTML language (HyperText Markup Language)HTML is a type of computer language that tells the browser how to display a web page. The human writes HTML code in a text editor, and the machine understands and interprets the language to render the result on the screen when the web page is opened.

IDE

The IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a tool that helps developers write and test their code. It usually includes a text editor, code debugging tools and other useful features.

IFS

IFS (Industrial & Financial System) is a software company specializing in ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), EAM (Enterprise Asset Management) and FSM (Field Service Management) solutions. IFS offers software for operations management, finance, human resources and supply chain management.

IFS is one of oOTARY's largest partners. To find out more about our partnership, please visit our Partner page !

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science that aims to create programs capable of mimicking the intelligence and cognitive abilities of a human.

AI uses algorithms and complex mathematical models to collect and analyze databases, and make automatic decisions based on the trends identified. It is used in many fields, including image recognition, speech recognition, natural language processing, medicine and finance.

Since the beginning of 2023, artificial intelligence has been in the spotlight. We're hearing more and more about AI text generators (like ChatGPT), AI image generators and AI voice generators...

iOT

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an evolving, interconnected network of physical devices capable of collecting and exchanging data thanks to embedded sensors.

It facilitates communication between devices, enabling advanced automation and a better understanding of our environment, from smart homes to connected cities.

With IoT, you can monitor, analyze and optimize systems in real time, ensuring maximum performance and enhanced security for your connected devices.

Information technology (IT), or IT for "information technology", also known as a computer system, refers to the technical field of information processing, often in a professional context.

Information technology covers a wide range of techniques and tools for creating, using, modifying, transmitting and storing information from different media (video, text, audio, images, etc.).

Unicorn

In economics, a "unicorn" is a company in the new technologies sector, not listed on the stock exchange, with a valuation of at least one billion dollars.

Low code

Low Code" is an application development method that uses graphical interfaces and configurations, reducing the need for traditional coding. Examples of Low Code platforms include OutSystems, Appian and Microsoft PowerApps.

Machine Learning

Machine learning is a sub-category of artificial intelligence that enables computer programs to learn autonomously, without having been specifically programmed to do so. Machine learning algorithms use mathematical models to analyze large databases and discover patterns and correlations. The more recurring patterns they uncover, the more they fine-tune their predictive models and improve their performance.

Machine learning is closely linked to Big Data, as these programs need large amounts of data to learn and develop. Machine learning is used in many applications, such as fraud detection, product recommendations and autonomous cars.

Metaverse

The etymology of the metaverse gives us an idea of its definition: the term comes from the contraction of "meta" meaning "beyond" and "universe".

The metaverse is an entirely virtual space, parallel to our own. It's an immersive, collective and shared 3D artificial universe in which users evolve and interact through avatars, just as they would in real life. The metaverse is based on augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies.

Middleware

Middleware is intermediate software that facilitates communication between different applications, services or IT systems.

It can transform data, ensure security and manage transactions (it is generally used in banking systems, telecommunications networks and industrial systems).

MDM

Mobile device management, MDM (Mobile Device Management)is a management domain that manages the deployment, security, monitoring, integration and administration of mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, in the workplace.

The aim of MDM is to optimize the functionality and security of mobile devices within the enterprise, while simultaneously protecting the corporate network.

Data migration

Data migration is the process of transferring data from one system (or source) to another. This may involve moving data between different databases, applications, servers or file formats.

Its main objective is to guarantee continuity of operations and the preservation of data integrity when a change of infrastructure or system is required. This handling can be carried out manually or automatically, using specific tools and techniques to ensure that data is transferred efficiently, securely and accurately.

Gentle migration

Soft migration is a method specific to oOTARY via Armony Solution.

It consists in transferring data from an IFS APPS environment (or another ERP) to IFS Cloud. It will therefore enable data recovery:

on the water,
applying data transformation and cleansing during the soft migration stage (extraction, analysis, control, etc.),
avoiding the rush at the end of data migration preparation.

AI model

When we talk about AI, we're often referring to "artificial intelligence". artificial intelligence models. These models are computer systems that learn to solve problems by analyzing large quantities of data. Unlike algorithms, which follow strict rules, AI models, such as those used for image recognition or machine translation, improve over time according to the information they process.

Monitoring

IT monitoring is also known as IT surveillance. Its aim is to ensure the availability and performance of infrastructures, equipment, software and processes supporting data.

With this monitoring system, it is possible to detect malfunctions or potential malfunctions at an early stage.

No Code

The concept of no code refers to a software development method that hides the complexity of the application's source code. No-code development tools combine different techniques:

Pre-packaged graphic templates and widgets to assemble user interfaces,
The ability to drag and drop application components to create an application synoptic, and to combine different process steps: conversion tunnel, order tracking, etc.
Workflow automation to trigger actions based on events, such as the generation of alerts or countermeasures below a certain sales or website traffic threshold.

Knot

In a network, a node is a connection point that can receive, create, store or send data.

Drying

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is a computerized process for extracting data from documents using character recognition.

Using algorithms, OCR identifies characters in the image and converts them into plain text, making it easier to edit, search and analyze this data.

On-premises

On-premises, or "on site" in French, means that a company's software is hosted on its own hardware, either rented in a data center space or installed locally on its own premises.

Open Data

Open Data stands for free access to data. This data is commonplace, and allows anyone to use royalty-free information.

Examples of open data include the official zip code database and the national directory of associations.

There are three rules for using royalty-free information: availability, re-use and universal participation.

PIM

Product Information Management (PIM) is a technology for centralized management of product information, to ensure efficient and accurate distribution of this information. A PIM centralizes access to data, and provides automated interfaces for data maintenance and consumption (imports, exports, media production, etc.).

Software

A software package is a set of complete, documented programs created to be supplied to several users for common use of the application or function.

Prompt

The Prompt is a short text that you type to instruct the artificial intelligence to obtain an image or text. To obtain an interesting result, you need to specify your prompt. For example, if you want an image of a hairy seat in the shape of a banana, your prompt would be: "hairy seat in the shape of a banana". You can specify the style "70s design", or the color "pink", and all these elements will be added to your prompt.

Augmented reality

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes digital content, such as images, videos or textual information, onto a real environment, often through the use of a mobile device, glasses or headset.

Augmented reality enables users to see and interact with virtual objects in a physical context, in real time, creating an immersive and enriched experience. This technology is used in many fields, including video games, advertising and logistics, to facilitate decision-making and speed up processes.

Virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that enables users to immerse themselves in a totally virtual space, with no link to their real environment, using a headset or special glasses.

It creates a simulation of a 3D artificial world that can be interactive and responsive to movement. Users can turn their heads 360 degrees around, move around in space, and sometimes interact with the environment using special joysticks. In particular, the metaverse uses virtual reality to create virtual worlds.

Virtual reality is often used in applications such as video games, vocational training, simulation of dangerous situations, behavioral therapy and even artistic creation.

Reporting

Reporting, translated into French data communication, makes it possible to stage data retrieved over a desired period, and clearly present the data collected over the period so that it can be analyzed and exploited by third parties.

It enables periodic reporting of performance indicators.

Reporting is a system of verified and verifiable data. It contains real data that has been collected and sorted beforehand.

SaaS

Software as a service (SaaS) is a model for distributing software via the cloud.

Customers do not pay a license fee for a version, but use the online service freely or, more generally, pay a subscription fee.

There are many reasons why companies benefit from adopting SaaS Cloud solutions: improved efficiency, increased cost savings and scalability, remote access to services and automatic updates.

Script

In the web domain, a "script" is a computer program that executes a function when a web page is displayed or a user action is performed.

SMB

The SMB (Server Message Block) is a network protocol used to share files, printers and other resources between computers on a network.

It enables applications on one computer to read and write to files on another computer on the same network or on a local area network (LAN). Originally developed by IBM and Microsoft, SMB is widely used in Windows environments, but is also supported by other operating systems such as Linux and macOS.

SQL

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a language used to interact with databases. It is used to extract, modify, delete and create data.

SQL Query

The SQL Query model is a request made to a database using SQL language. For example, to request all sales of a specific product.

Super App

A super app is a portal application that brings together a multitude of services and functionalities (from different brands or not) on a single platform. These mini-applications, developed specifically to integrate this super app, can range from ordering food, to paying bills, booking train tickets, online shopping, and so on.

Super apps deliver a seamless user experience by eliminating the need to download several separate applications to accomplish all these tasks. The best-known super app is China's WeChat.

Supply chain

The supply chain is defined as the chain that links the supplier's supplier to the customer's customer.

In practical terms, it's a chain that brings together a number of professionals and tries to make them work together as effectively as possible. The supply chain refers to the management of the logistics chain that ensures the smooth running of a company. It is this management of tasks and flows (information or product) which enables it to control the production and supply of its product (from supplier) and to meet its commitments in terms of time and cost (with the customer).

Operating system

The operating system is the main software on a computer that manages the hardware, launches applications, etc. Examples include Windows, macOS and Linux.

AI system

An AI system is a broader application that encompasses not only AI models, but also the entire ecosystem required for their operation. An AI system includes data collection processes, user interfaces and the technical infrastructure (servers, databases) to effectively deploy artificial intelligence in practical environments.

For example, a virtual assistant like Alexa or Siri is an AI system that integrates several models to understand voice, analyze natural language and generate responses in real time.

A TU (Unit Test) is a type of software development test that verifies that a small part of the code works as expected.

TMS

A transport management system (TMS, Transportation Management System) is a logistics platform that uses technology to help companies plan, execute and optimize the movement of goods, both inbound and outbound.

It also ensures that the shipment is compliant, and that the appropriate documentation is available. This type of system is often part of a larger supply chain management system. (SCM, Supply Chain Management).

SQL Server table

A SQL Server table is a storage structure used in a SQL Server database to organize and manage data in the form of rows and columns. Each table is made up of :

- Columns They define the table structure by specifying data types (INT, VARCHAR, DATE, etc.).
- Lines : they contain the records stored in the table.
- Primary key This uniquely identifies each row in the table.
- Foreign keys These are used to establish relationships between different tables.
- Constraints They impose rules on data (UNIQUE, NOT NULL, CHECK, etc.).
- Index They speed up searches and data access.

In short, a SQL Server table is a structured container for storing and organizing relational data within a SQL Server database.

UI (User Interface) means the way in which a software program or device is presented to the user, including the way in which the user interacts with it.

UX (User Experience) represents the overall experience a person has when using a product or service, particularly in terms of ease of use and satisfaction.

Webservice

A webservice is an online communication interface that enables different computer systems to connect and exchange data in a standardized way. They are often based on standard communication protocols such as HTTP and XML, and can be used by different platforms and development technologies.

Web3

To understand Web3.0, you need to understand the first 2 versions:
- Web1.0: a version of the web in which users could simply read content, without being able to easily create their own.
- Web2.0, particularly social networking, has made it easy for everyone to produce and publish content, but most exchanges and data are hosted and controlled by the major platforms.
Web3.0 refers to a decentralized Internet, based on blockchain, which would enable people to read and create content while retaining ownership of their creations and personal data.

Wizard

A Wizard is an interactive guide in software that helps you accomplish a specific task by guiding you through each step.

Workflow

Workflow is the representation of a set of tasks required to complete a business process.

Not just tasks, by the way, but also the actors involved in their execution, whether or not they are software, applications, services, APIs, third-party processes and so on. As well as the various interactions that enable these actors to carry out said sequence of tasks.

There are 2 types of Workflow:

Procedural workflow, when business processes are perfectly controlled and always identical. Everything is predefined. We speak of a "fixed" workflow.
When it's dynamic, i.e. when it adapts to events or collaborative decisions, we speak of ad hoc workflow.

In both cases, workflow can be used to automate a process and/or align software with business needs.

WYSIWYG

WYSIWYG is short for "What you see is what you get". The term is used to describe an interface where the user sees the end result of his or her input directly.

The great strength of WYSIWYG software is its ease of use. These programs enable users to create content (web pages or complex documents) without any programming skills.

XML

XML, or eXtensible Markup Language, is a markup language for structuring and storing data in a way that is readable by humans and machines.

It is widely used for data exchange over the Internet, thanks to its flexibility and compatibility with many systems.

XML is like a data construction tool, allowing you to define your own 'tags' to encapsulate different types of content. This makes data easily accessible and manipulable for various applications and services.

Used in fields such as database management, web services and even Office documents, XML is a cornerstone of modern IT architecture.