3.3 Integrate your service to the FrontM App Store

Integrating services into the FrontM App Store involves adding custom micro apps or services into the platform’s infrastructure for seamless use by tenants. The following steps outline the process for integrating services, including microapp creation, deployment, and management:

1. Understand the FrontM App Store Architecture

Before integrating services, it's important to grasp the app store's architecture:

• Private App Store per Tenant: Each tenant has its own app store, isolated from others, ensuring data privacy and customisation.
• Role-based Access: Services or microapps can be restricted or allowed based on user roles within the tenant's organisation.
• Over-the-Air Deployment: Micro apps are deployed via the cloud, ensuring real-time updates and scalability.

2. Develop or Customise Microapps

To integrate a service, it must first be developed as a microapp. FrontM provides low-code frameworks and libraries to streamline this process:

• frontm.js: This is the primary JavaScript wrapper used to develop microapps that are compatible with the FrontM platform. Using frontm.js, you can leverage pre-built libraries to build or customise microapps for specific services quickly.
• Pre-built Libraries for Specific Workflows:
  • Eleos: For communication services (calls, messaging, collaboration).
  • Spinnet: For engagement and micro-learning (quizzes, surveys, notifications).
  • Health Mariner: For healthcare-related services (telemedicine, medical records).
  • Pista Marine: For tracking and monitoring services (geo-fencing, asset tracking).
  • MariAi Chatbot: For intelligent chatbot integration with GPT-4.
• Custom Workflow Automation: You can also develop custom workflows using the common UI/UX elements provided by FrontM, allowing the integration of third-party services like ERP or CRM systems, as well as APIs for seamless operation.

3. Package and Configure the Microapp

Once the microapp is developed, it needs to be packaged and configured to be deployed within the FrontM App Store:

• App Metadata: Include relevant information like the app name, description, provider, and any required permissions.
• Role-based Access: Define which users or roles will have access to the microapp. This can include general crew, captains, fleet managers, or admin roles.
• Secret Code Integration: If your service is specialised or sensitive, you can configure it as a hidden microapp that can only be unlocked with a secret code.

4. Use the FrontM SDK for API Integration

To integrate external services or third-party applications, the FrontM SDK can be used for seamless integration. This SDK allows the microapp to interact with external services through APIs, enabling smooth data flow and operations between systems.

• API Integration: Use RESTful APIs or GraphQL to integrate the external services with the FrontM platform. APIs can be used for services like CRM, ERP, payment gateways, or other enterprise solutions.
• Single Sign-On (SSO): Integrate third-party authentication systems via the platform’s single sign-on (SSO) capabilities. This is particularly useful when your microapp needs to connect with other enterprise apps or external systems.

5. Publish the Microapp to the App Store

After the microapp is developed, packaged, and integrated, the next step is to publish it in the FrontM App Store.

• Admin Control: Administrators can publish the microapp to the app store via the Admin Control Panel, specifying which tenants or users can access and install the app.
• App Store Listing: The microapp will be listed in the tenant’s private app store, where users can discover, install, or uninstall it based on their permissions.
• Over-the-Air Updates: The app can be updated over-the-air (OTA), ensuring that any service or feature improvements are delivered seamlessly to the end users without manual intervention.

6. Monitor and Manage the Integrated Service

After the service is integrated and deployed as a microapp, administrators have the ability to monitor its performance and usage.

• Monitoring Tools: The platform offers monitoring tools (e.g., AWS CloudWatch, Logz.io) to track performance metrics, app usage, and potential issues.
• Role Management: Admins can adjust access control and manage user roles if needed, scaling the service or microapp across different tenants or users.
• Analytics: Using integrated tools like Tableau and AWS QuickSight, administrators can generate reports on how the microapp is being used, which features are most valuable, and gather insights to improve the service.

Summary of Steps

1. Develop or customise the service as a microapp using frontm.js or the low-code development tools.
2. Package the microapp with the necessary metadata, role-based access controls, and optional hidden/secret code features.
3. Integrate the service via APIs using the FrontM SDK, enabling seamless interaction with third-party apps or systems.
4. Publish the microapp to the FrontM App Store, ensuring it's available to the relevant tenants or users.
5. Monitor, manage, and update the service to ensure its ongoing performance and scalability.

By following these steps, services can be quickly and effectively integrated into the FrontM platform’s app store, providing value-added microapps that enhance user experiences across ship and shore operations.