Asset Catalog Management via Structured Data Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional asset-catalog management systems are cumbersome and prone to errors due to unstructured and normalized data, leading to incorrect or missing manufacturer names, incomplete model numbers, and non-standard descriptions, which complicates data searches and inventory management as the inventory volume grows.
Innovation Solution
An asset catalog management service provides structured classification, indexing, and reporting by creating asset catalog data tables with defined fields for asset class attributes such as manufacturer, model number, descriptor, and performance specifications, using auto-matching algorithms to dynamically match and store asset records, and allowing for dual-use cataloging with a master and customer catalog database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional asset-catalog management systems are used, then asset inventory can be stored, but data accuracy and search efficiency deteriorate due to unstructured and non-normalized data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the asset catalog into multiple normalized data tables including manufacturer tables, model number tables, descriptor tables, and performance specification tables. Each table stores specific attributes in a structured format, eliminating the single-table unstructured storage of conventional systems and improving data accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the data structure parameters from unstructured text fields to normalized relational database tables with defined schemas. This parameter change enables consistent data storage formats, standardized attribute classification, and reliable data retrieval, directly addressing the data accuracy issue while the modular table structure keeps system complexity可控.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed catalogs are used, then cataloging process is simplified, but adaptability to proprietary and unique assets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal cataloging framework where the normalized data tables can accommodate both standard industry assets and proprietary unique assets. The flexible schema allows custom attributes and descriptors to be added to existing table structures, enabling the system to handle diverse asset types without requiring separate fixed catalogs, thus maintaining cataloging ease while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic catalog structure where the normalized tables can be easily modified and extended. New asset types, manufacturers, models, and specifications can be incorporated by adding rows or columns to the existing normalized tables rather than creating entirely new fixed catalogs, allowing the system to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining the simplicity of structured data entry.
3Productivity
If manual cataloging of large inventory is performed, then data entry flexibility is maintained, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining the normalized data table structures with all necessary columns, data types, and relationships before cataloging begins. This preliminary setup enables automated data validation and streamlined entry processes, significantly improving productivity and reducing time loss compared to ad-hoc manual cataloging, while the flexible schema still allows for data entry variations.
Data Source
AI summary
Asset catalog management methods and systems are provided. An asset catalog management service may provide a customer the structured classification, indexing, search and reporting of the customer's inventory of assets As part of the service, a customer may be provided an asset catalog application and a customer catalog and/or a master asset catalog. An asset catalog provides structured information regarding various asset classes, each class referring to a combination of one more asset class attributes such as a manufacturer, a model number, a descriptor of the asset, performance specifications for the asset, and parameters labeling the performance specifications. The service processes asset records received from the customer for cataloging. The service may process an asset record by automatically matching it to an existing asset catalog data entry. The asset catalog management service may also provide a dual-use cataloging service that combines a master catalog with a customer-specific catalog.