Application Interaction Flow

The figure below provides a high-level interaction flow diagram for the PPS-N system. The circles within the PPS-N oval represent the major capabilities provided by the application. The squares with inclusive circles represent the main external applications with which PPS-N interacts. Additional details on the process flows for each of the PPS-N capabilities can be found in the System Design Document.

Figure: PPS-N Interaction Flow

Interaction Flow of PPS-N System.

The table below provides amplifying information for the interaction flow presented above.

Table: Interaction Flow Descriptions

Name

ID

Description

External Interface Name

VistA Link

2

The service is used to send messages between PPS-N and VistA. VistALink is utilized for KAAJEE login purposes and for sending update files.

VistALink, the interface mechanism between VistA and PPS-N

Managed Item

3

This service handles validation and create, read, update, and delete (CRUD) operations with the PPS-N data entities.

N/A

PPS-N EPL Database

4

This database is used to persist all entities and information needed by the PPS-N application.

N/A

Search

5

This service handles all simple and advanced search functionality for the PPS-N application.

N/A

Print Template

6

This service handles CRUD operations for the print template entity, which is used to persist advanced search criteria and result columns.

N/A

VETS

7

This service is used to send web service requests to the VETS system for the Standard Med Route data that it contains.

Web services, which is the interface mechanism between VETS and PPS-N.

Retrieve Standard Med Route Data

8

This process (not developed as part of PPS-N) is invoked by the PPS-N application’s VETS service to request Standard Med Route data.

Web services, which allows external systems (such as PPS-N) to request data contained in the VETS data store.

Drug Reference

9

This service interfaces with the COTS drug information database (also located within PPS-N).

N/A

FSS

10

This service is used to send JDBC queries to the FSS system for the pricing data contained in its database tables.

JDBC, which is the interface mechanism between FSS and PPS-N.

Retrieve Pricing Data

11

This process (not developed as part of PPS-N) is invoked by the PPS-N application’s FSS service to request pricing data.

JDBC, which allows external systems (such as PPS-N) to query for data contained in the FSS database.

Request

12

This service implements the item request management functionality for the PPS-N application.

N/A

Reports

13

This service is used to manage reports.

N/A

NDF

1

The VistA National Drug File Module

TBD

PDM

14

The VistA Pharmacy Data Management Module

TBD

VUID Assignment

23

Interface to VETS for the assignment of VUIDs

TBD

FDB

24

FDB is the COTS Drug Information database being utilized

JDBC (via FDB DIF APIs)

PPS-N Update File

26

File containing Product updates

VistALink