Request Kanban
iDempiere Request Module – Kanban Extension
Plugin for iDempiere's built-in Request module, adding a Kanban board interface.
Note: This article describes the usability challenges of iDempiere's built-in Request module and the design decisions behind the Kanban plugin developed to address them.
Overview
iDempiere ships with a built-in Request module (R_Request), a ticket and request tracker for ERP workflows. It is feature-complete, but the interface exposes a large number of fields and tabs, making it difficult to approach for everyday use.
This plugin adds a Kanban board layer in front of the existing module — no new database tables, no schema changes, just a more approachable entry point.
Problem Statement
| Observation | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fully functional | Search, filter, and status transitions all work correctly |
| Complex interface | Main window contains many fields across multiple nested tabs |
| Operational fatigue | Each action requires extra clicks and context-switching, accumulating over time |
Note: The module itself has no defects. The problem is the distance between it and the user.
Design Decisions
No New Database Tables
- All data is read directly from the existing
R_Requesttable - iDempiere upgrades will not conflict with any buried schema changes
- Zero additional maintenance surface
Real-Time Updates via OSGi EventAdmin
- Uses the platform's built-in EventAdmin event bus for live card updates
- No external dependencies introduced
Permission-Gated Drag-and-Drop
- Only the SalesRep or the Requester of a record may drag their own cards
- Prevents uncontrolled status changes from becoming support tickets
Features
Kanban Board View
Cards are arranged in columns by status. Authorized users can drag cards between columns to update status directly.
List View
A tabbed table grouped by status, for users who prefer a traditional interface.
Gantt Chart
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Progress visibility for management |
| Timeline granularity | Auto-adjusting: day / week / month |
| Displayed data | Start date and due date for each Request |
| Primary audience | Project managers and stakeholders |
Note: The Gantt chart is a governance artifact. It gives managers a visual sense of control. It is not intended for engineers.
Technical Reference
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Platform | iDempiere OSGi |
| Data source | R_Request (native table, no added columns)
|
| Real-time mechanism | OSGi EventAdmin |
| Access control | Role-based: SalesRep / Requester |
Source Code
See Also
- iDempiere Request Module – official documentation
- OSGi EventAdmin specification
