Specific developments

Gestan can incorporate specific developments in several ways:

• via the use of extensions (the equivalent of Windows function libraries, DLL files), programmes executed by Gestan that utilise data already present in the database or stored in additional files
• by replacing certain screens with others that have been specifically developed, or certain reports with others. It is therefore possible to replace the standard invoice or the standard service order form with a template of your own design.
• on certain screens, an additional tab allows you to manage specific additional data.

Bespoke developments are carried out:

• either by ICS-informatique,
• or by any development partner who has signed a development partnership agreement and a confidentiality agreement with ICS (see Devenir partner.

To carry out bespoke development for Gestan, you must:

• either be familiar with Windev, published by PCSoft, or the other tools on offer (Windev Mobile, Webdev). Currently, Gestan is developed using Windev 2024. We will be moving to Windev 2025 later this year, but PCSoft’s latest developments, particularly the publisher’s desire to lock developers into an unfair contract that makes them dependent on them, mean that we will probably stop at Windev 2025, before perhaps selecting another development tool.
• or become familiar with another development tool capable of accessing HFSQL databases, notably via ODBC

All specific source code must be documented in this manual and uploaded to the ICS GDS to ensure its long-term preservation.

The development team provides dedicated technical support for developer partners.

Developer partners have access to a partner portal, which sets out the terms of partnership (technical and commercial), development standards, and a range of resources:

• Analysis Gestan: the definition of database files and fields.
• Template Gestan: screen styles.
• Icons Gestan: the set of icons used on Gestan.
• Examples of extensions for Gestan
• Examples of specific reports for Gestan (Invoice and Service Order)

It is possible to use the software Etats and Queries, but we do not provide support for them, nor do we provide training on the other tools offered by PCSoft.

ℹ️ Other “Technical” articles