Empowering Builders: Superset kTool Simplifies Complex Implementations

In the fast-paced world of construction project management, platforms like Kahua offer remarkable flexibility for customizing applications. However, intricate configuration changes and the creation of entirely new apps often demand advanced technical skills and significant time investment. Enter kTool, an in-house toolset developed by Superset Infrastructure, designed to empower Kahua implementation comminity and configuration specialists to deploy custom elements with minimal expertise. By providing a third-party interface, kTool targeted some of the most frequently used features in Kahua's kBuilder, aiming to streamline processes that were otherwise cumbersome.

Born from a High-Stakes Implementations

kTool emerged ahead of a large scale Kahua implementaiton for Canada's largest Transportation agency, the Ontario Ministy of Transportatoin. The project team had to customize (extend) most of the OOTB Kahua apps and develop new applciations, managing as many as 150 interconnected apps spanning six different contract types. The configuration team continually encountered redundant procedures and complicated operations while incorporating user interface features into these workflows. Following an internal assessment—leveraging insights from performing comparable duties numerous times—the lead engineer proposed extracting these operations into an independent utility. This method enabled setups to be accomplished in mere clicks, which could conserve hundreds of hours on large-scale initiatives.

kBuilder is an Enterprise Low-Code Application Platform (LCAP) by Kahua, used to create and customize construction management applications within the Kahua Network. It allows users, including customers and partners, to build new apps or modify existing ones without extensive coding by using visual tools like drag-and-drop interfaces and wizards. additional infomaiton can be found on the Kahua webiste kBuilder.

Defining the MVP: Features for Efficiency

Work on kTool began in 2021, prioritizing a intuitive user interface and a set of core features valued by the development team and potentially the broader construction tech community. The Minimum Viable Product (MVP) encompassed:

• Add Attribute: Create attributes with inputs and labels via a single button click. When adding an attribute, users are able to add it to views, data store, and logs via the wizard.

• Add EntityFlow: Establish flows between apps, selecting attributes for inclusion and mapping.

• Enable Import/Export: Allow entities to be exported to and imported from spreadsheets.

• Make Entity Referenceable: Permit entities to be referenced from other apps in dedicated sections.

• Add Table: Generate tables with fields and panels by selecting the target attribute.

• Add Messages: Integrate messages and notifications into workflows without complex coding.

• Add Import/Export for Documents: Facilitate document imports and exports from Excel spreadsheets.

• Enable Multi-Edit: Activate multi-edit functionality across all fields simultaneously.

These capabilities were intended to lower technical barriers, aligning with the low-code principles increasingly prevalent in construction software.

Continued Evolution

Between 2023 and 2024, the tool evolved from enhancements to the UI and UX to improvements in existing features and the addition of new ones. Functionality was driven by practical real-world challenges encountered across multiple Kahua implementations for large public infrastructure clients, as well as work on the P3pro Suite of applications. These operations allowed the team to reduce medium and complex custom app development timelines by about 50%. Some configuration changes, specifically at the later stages of app development, will include a fair bit of re-work, and we have also looked to automate those updates.

kTool features and functions were grouped within new categories, code base references were added that provided the XML code that would be used in the operation, and links to the Kahua Knowledge Hub were added for reference. In its latest iteration, the kTool contains the following sections:

Application - functions that work on the applciation level.

• EntityFlow - establish flows between apps, selecting attributes for inclusion and mapping.

• View Matrix - The view matrix is an interface for modifying the attributes in an application. It allows users to add, remove, and edit attributes as they would appear in the app. This allows users to visualize how the attributes will appear in the application as they are working with the attributes.

• Translate - this function translates the app from English to any other selected language, including attributes, alerts, and notifications.

• Workflow - applies a default workflow to custom apps, which users can modify.

Entity - changes made on the specific entity, inserting different functionality into the app.

• Add Action Items - adds a default Action Items table to an application.

• Add Attribute - Create attributes with inputs and labels via a single button click. When adding an attribute, users are able to add it to views, data store, and logs via the wizard.

• Add Dates - adds default date attributes that are used in all superset and custom apps, creates all necessary attributes, calculations, and automations for review durations for easy setup. This includes the ability to calculate how many days it has been since a document has been submitted and how many days past due it is.

• Enable Milti-edit/Delete - in the log view, enables multi edit / delete function.

• Enable Import/Export - allows enabling of Import / Export fucntion in an applcaition with a single click of a button.

• Make Entity Referenceble - allows custom app records to be referenceable by other apps in Kahua.

Applications - this section was intended to contain detailed infomraiton related to Superset applciations, providing users with a comprehensive overview of the app fucntion and features.

Integrations - links and instructions for future integration materials and best practices.

Help - Superset support contanct infomraiton.

Hurdles to Wider Adoption

Although it holds great potential, not all groundbreaking ideas reach mass distribution. Here, releasing kTool to the larger Kahua developer base required endorsement from Kahua directly. Lacking alignment with Kahua's engineering and product groups, there was no assurance of compatibility with future platform upgrades or modifications to the app creation system. Early talks in 2023 and 2024 garnered encouraging responses, such as joint sessions, an in-depth technical review, and a suggestion for Kahua to evaluate the tool using their own developers. However, the suggestion was eventually turned down.

Superset greatly values Kahua's continued work to enhance its platform, which regularly rolls out fresh updates and refinements. These advancements indicate that Kahua is proactively creating tools to streamline the setup and rollout of tailored workflows, possibly integrating aspects akin to kTool in upcoming versions of kBuilder.

The Future of kTool: Current Status and Key Lessons Learned

What is the future of kTool?

kTool continues to be a core element within Superset Infrastructure, delivering substantial operational benefits day in and day out. By pushing the boundaries of tool capabilities, we've not only driven team growth through practical innovation but also highlighted a crucial truth: real expertise isn't just about mastering existing systems—it's about enhancing them for greater performance and efficiency.

Will this detter us from developing our ideas into products?

Absolutely not! Setbacks are an essential ingredient in any success story. Through this journey, we've gained invaluable insights, expanded our knowledge base, and ensured that our customers and partners keep reaping the rewards. While kTool's broader integration is still on the horizon, its development serves as a powerful example of how focused innovations can solve real-world challenges in construction technology, inspiring even stronger ideas moving forward.

What else is the team working on that's exciting?

Right now, our focus is on enhancing our suite of applications designed specifically for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP/P3), all while supporting over 2,000 active users across North America. We're rolling out features that give Domain Admins greater autonomy over administrative tasks, reducing the reliance on technical support and streamlining operations.

On the maintenance front, we're tackling essential updates like migrating out-of-the-box (OOTB) reports to DevExpress - Kahua's new reporting engine - and transitioning Portable Forms from Stimulsoft to MS Word for improved usability. We've also just launched our first feature release, now available to all clients. For more details, check out the Knowledge Hub section - it's packed with resources to help you make the most of these advancements!

---