Canonical XML B2B Data Translation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current B2B data transfer methods are complex and costly, making it difficult for small to medium businesses to integrate with existing transaction systems due to the multitude of standards and high implementation costs, which complicates data exchange between partners using different B2B standards.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that converts various B2B standards into a canonical XML format using pattern files, allowing for efficient mapping and customization to adapt to user requirements, with multiple translation engines supporting different formats and enabling bidirectional data conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple B2B standards are supported to accommodate different partners, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a canonical format as an intermediary layer between multiple B2B partners and the integration system. Each partner's data is converted to this standardized canonical format, which serves as a common language. This mediator approach allows the system to support multiple standards without directly implementing complex multi-standard compatibility, as all conversions funnel through the single canonical format interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The canonical format is designed as a universal data structure that can represent information from any B2B partner regardless of their native standard. This single universal format performs the function of multiple specialized formats, allowing the system to handle diverse B2B data types through one standardized interface rather than requiring separate handling for each standard.
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive B2B integration capabilities are implemented to support all partners, then adaptability is improved, but loss of information increases due to data mapping errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter mapping between the canonical format and each partner's native format. By defining explicit parameter transformations in pattern files, the system ensures that data values are correctly translated between different standards. This parameter-level control allows for precise data conversion that preserves information accuracy while adapting to different partner requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates accurate copies of partner data in the canonical format through structured transformation rules. Rather than losing information during conversion, the patent uses pattern files that define how each source data element should be copied and transformed into the canonical representation, ensuring data fidelity is maintained throughout the conversion process.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom integration is performed for each partner to ensure data accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to lengthy implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines conversion patterns in pattern files that map between the canonical format and various B2B standards. These transformation rules are established in advance rather than created during each integration. When a new partner is added, the system can quickly select and apply the appropriate pre-defined pattern, dramatically reducing onboarding time while maintaining conversion accuracy through the established mapping rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration system is segmented into modular pattern files, each handling a specific B2B standard or data type. This segmentation allows the system to selectively apply only the relevant conversion patterns needed for each partner, rather than implementing a complete custom integration for every case. The modular approach enables rapid assembly of integration capabilities by combining pre-built pattern modules.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized translation engines are deployed to support different B2B formats, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single translation engine that is capable of handling multiple B2B formats through the use of pattern files. Rather than deploying separate specialized engines for each format, this universal engine can be configured with different pattern files to translate between the canonical format and various B2B standards, reducing the number of components needed while maintaining broad format support.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation engine is designed to be dynamic and configurable, allowing it to adapt its translation behavior based on the active pattern file. The engine can switch between different translation modes and rules depending on which B2B format is being processed, providing the flexibility of multiple specialized engines while maintaining a single unified component architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for converting business to business data in standard formats into a canonical XML format. Translation is facilitated by the use of pattern files, that provide mappings from various data provider's unique data fields and arrangements to a canonical format that can be adapted to a user's requirements. Pattern files are assigned each to a data provider. If no pattern file is assigned, a new file is created and customized from a library of default pattern files. In some examples, the system includes multiple translation engines, each of which is geared to a particular B2B format. In some further examples, system and methods can be reversed so as to supply B2B standard data to a data provider from the user's canonical formatted data.