Executable Agents for Enterprise Data Aggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Enterprise managers face challenges in accessing current, consistent, and filtered information due to fragmented and inconsistent data scattered across various systems, making it difficult to manage the enterprise effectively, especially with changes in business methodologies leading to information corruption.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing separate executable agents organized in a network model to aggregate and summarize management information by enhancing data consistency and distributing current data dynamically, with agents performing tasks such as cleansing, normalizing, and assembling data to generate reliable metrics, and storing data in cubes for easy access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If data is scattered across multiple distributed systems and processes, then the quantity of information sources increases, but data consistency and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of information sourcesVSAvoiddata consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces data marts as intermediary components between distributed data sources and management information systems. These data marts aggregate, cleanse, and standardize data from multiple sources, acting as mediators that reconcile data inconsistencies while preserving access to diverse information sources. The intermediary layer transforms fragmented data into consistent, reliable information without losing the benefits of multiple sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the data architecture into distinct layers: data sources, data marts, and management information systems. This segmentation allows each layer to handle specific functions independently - data sources generate raw information, data marts process and standardize it, and management systems consume refined data. This modular segmentation maintains data consistency while supporting multiple information sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If ad-hoc processes are used to fulfill information requests, then flexibility in responding to manager needs improves, but information corruption and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in information deliveryVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic data mart configurations that can adapt to changing management information needs without requiring complex ad-hoc processes. Data marts can be dynamically created, modified, or activated based on current requirements, providing flexibility through a structured framework rather than chaotic customization. This dynamic capability reduces process complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes in data mart configurations to accommodate different management information requirements. By allowing flexible parameter adjustment in predefined data mart templates, the system adapts to changing needs through controlled parameter modification rather than complex process changes. This maintains information flexibility while preventing process corruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If data is aggregated from multiple sources, then the comprehensiveness of management information improves, but data latency and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensiveness of informationVSAvoiddata latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary data aggregation, cleansing, and standardization in data marts before data is requested by management systems. By pre-processing data from multiple sources and maintaining it in ready-to-use formats, the system reduces processing time when information is actually needed. This preliminary action comprehensively aggregates data while minimizing latency during information retrieval.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous data refresh and aggregation processes in data marts, maintaining up-to-date information from multiple sources without requiring time-consuming batch processing when data is requested. The continuous action of data collection, validation, and preparation ensures comprehensive information availability with minimal latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS7702718B2Providing enterprise information
Publication Date: 2010.04.20 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US7702718B2 patent drawing
  • US7702718B2 patent drawing
  • US7702718B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Separate executable agents each perform tasks on associated information that is changing over time, to produce current information, Inputs and outputs are delivered among agents to enable assembly of a body of aggregated and summarized management information, based on the current information, to be used to manage at least a portion of an enterprise.