Application Transformation Tool for Custom Code Upgrade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software applications face challenges in upgrading customized functions, objects, and code due to incompatibility with new versions, requiring time-consuming and costly rewriting processes, particularly evident in complex systems like SAP ERP, where custom code is not supported by standard upgrade utilities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for analyzing and transforming applications by creating a meta-model of customized elements and their relationships, applying transformation rules to generate a compatible version, and automatically, semi-automatically, or manually converting customized functions, objects, and code to ensure compatibility with new versions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard upgrade utilities are used to upgrade software applications, then the upgrade process is automated and efficient, but customized functions, objects, and code become incompatible with the new version
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the upgrade process into distinct phases: analysis phase (identifying customized elements and their dependencies), transformation phase (applying transformation rules to modify custom code), and validation phase (testing compatibility). This segmentation allows the system to handle both standard and customized elements appropriately, maintaining compatibility while achieving efficient upgrading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary transformation system that sits between the standard upgrade utilities and the customized code. This intermediary analyzes the custom code, applies appropriate transformation rules, and produces modified code that is compatible with the new version. The intermediary acts as a mediator that preserves custom functionality while ensuring compatibility with the upgraded platform.
2Reliability
If customized code is manually rewritten to be compatible with new versions, then compatibility is achieved, but the process is time consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of customized code before the actual upgrade process. The system identifies all customized elements, their dependencies, and required transformations in advance. This preliminary action enables automated transformation during the upgrade, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual rewriting while ensuring compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformation system enables the customized code to upgrade itself automatically. By analyzing the custom code and applying transformation rules autonomously, the system eliminates the need for manual intervention. The code essentially upgrades itself through the automated transformation process, significantly reducing upgrade time and costs.
3Productivity
If all customized elements are transformed automatically, then upgrade speed increases, but transformation accuracy and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms throughout the transformation process. The system continuously monitors transformation operations, validates results against compatibility requirements, and adjusts transformation rules based on detected issues. This feedback loop ensures high transformation accuracy while maintaining automated upgrade speed, as the system can correct errors and refine transformations in real-time.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed towards systems and methods for applying one or more rules that transform objects of an application from a previous instance of the application. Customized functions, objects, databases, and code of the instance of the application may be analyzed by an application transformation tool to identify one or more objects that have been modified. The modified objects may be further analyzed to detect if they are permissibly alterable. The application transformation tool may determine whether each of the permissibly alterable objects reference a standard interface of the application. The application transformation tool may apply one or more rules that transform objects to those permissibly alterable objects that do not reference the standard interface of the application.