Activity Modeling Engine for Enterprise Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large enterprises face complexity in resource allocation modeling due to the large number of items and entities, requiring sophisticated computer programs and iterative processes involving multiple stakeholders, which can be time-consuming and difficult to manage.

Innovation Solution

A data model is provided to an activity modeling engine, comprising nodes and edges that represent resource allocations, allowing for the creation of an activity model with activity objects, such as service, project, and department objects, and using bills-of-materials to define resource allocations, enabling visualization and reporting of resource allocations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional resource allocation modeling is used for large enterprises, then comprehensive resource tracking is achieved, but model complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of tracked activities and elementsVSAvoidcomplexity of underlying data models

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the enterprise resource allocation model into hierarchical levels (enterprise-level aggregate models and department-level detailed models). This allows comprehensive tracking of numerous resources while keeping each individual model manageable in size and complexity, resolving the contradiction between tracking quantity and model complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces activity-based resource allocation models as intermediaries between traditional budgeting and detailed resource tracking. These activity models serve as a middle layer that aggregates resources by business activities, reducing the direct complexity burden on enterprise-level models while maintaining comprehensive tracking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If detailed resource allocation models are created for large enterprises, then accurate resource analysis is achieved, but development time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of resource allocation analysisVSAvoidtime for iterative planning processes

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements pre-defined activity templates and standardized resource allocation patterns that can be applied across different departments. This preliminary structuring allows accurate resource analysis to be achieved more quickly by reducing the need for extensive custom model development and iterative refinement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates universal activity-based models that can serve multiple departments and functions simultaneously. These standardized models maintain measurement precision while reducing development time through reuse across different business units, eliminating the need to build separate detailed models for each department.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If traditional resource allocation methods are used, then comprehensive resource tracking is achieved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of resources and entities modeledVSAvoidease of model development and modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the enterprise model into independent, manageable segments (activity models, department models), the patent makes the overall system easier to operate. Each segment can be developed, modified, and maintained independently, reducing the operational burden despite comprehensive resource tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an activity-based dimension to traditional resource allocation, organizing resources by business activities rather than just by department or function. This additional organizational dimension simplifies operations by providing a more intuitive structure that aligns with how businesses actually plan and execute work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10157356B2Activity based resource allocation modeling

Publication Date: 2018.12.18 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Embodiments are directed to modeling resource allocations. A data model may be provided to an activity modeling engine. The activity modeling engine may be employed to provide an activity model based on the data model, such that the activity model may include activity objects that each may be associated with bills-of-materials (BOMs). Resource allocations from source activity objects to target activity objects may be provided based on the BOMs, such that the resource allocations may be modeled using unit values defined by the BOMs. A report visualizing the activity model may be provided and presented on a hardware display.