Centralized Business Object Repository for Requirement Collaboration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for managing product requirements and specifications often lead to confusion and conflicts due to differing standards between requesting parties and solution providers, resulting in data mismatches and inefficiencies in the product development process.

Innovation Solution

A logically centralized system and software that identifies and stores requirements and solutions in a hierarchical structure, allowing for real-time updates and collaboration, enabling both parties to review and agree on solutions within a unified framework.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple requirement and specification standards are used by different parties, then each party can maintain their own organizational standards, but confusion and conflicts arise during data sharing and information exchange

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to maintain organizational standardsVSAvoiddata mismatches and information conflicts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a standardized requirement specification format as an intermediary that both requesting parties and solution providers can use. This intermediary standard enables seamless data exchange and information sharing between parties with different organizational standards, eliminating data mismatches while allowing each party to maintain their internal standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal requirement specification format that can serve multiple purposes: it works as a standalone document, can be integrated with existing organizational standards, and facilitates collaboration between different parties. This multi-functional standard adapts to various organizational contexts while ensuring consistent information exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a simple requirement standard is used, then the design process is easier to manage, but solution providers cannot include all necessary requirement parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of managing design processVSAvoidability to include all requirement parameters
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The requirement specification is divided into multiple hierarchical levels: a high-level summary section for easy management and overview, and detailed sections that can accommodate all necessary parameters. This segmentation allows simple navigation while preserving comprehensive detail when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a dimensional structure to the requirement specification with multiple levels of detail. The specification can be viewed at different granularities - a simplified overview dimension for easy management and a detailed parameter dimension for comprehensive coverage, allowing users to navigate between these dimensions as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of information

If a comprehensive requirement standard is used to capture all parameters, then complete information is available, but the design process becomes unnecessarily cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of requirement informationVSAvoidcomplexity of requirement specification
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The requirement specification is designed to be dynamic, allowing the level of detail to adapt based on the project phase and user needs. Early stages use simplified views for quick assessment, while later stages can expand to full detail when needed, reducing unnecessary complexity at each stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a progressive disclosure approach where only essential requirement information is presented initially, and additional details are revealed only when needed. This partial action principle avoids overwhelming users with complete complexity upfront while ensuring all information is available when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If requirements are assessed before solution development, then solution quality can be ensured, but solution providers may delay the process unnecessarily in anticipation of changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of solutionVSAvoiddelay in solution process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary requirement assessment through structured templates and checklists that identify potential issues before solution development begins. This preliminary action ensures quality requirements are established upfront without causing unnecessary delays during the solution process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The requirement specification includes built-in feedback mechanisms and validation rules that automatically assess requirement completeness and consistency. This feedback system provides real-time guidance to solution providers, ensuring quality without manual review delays while allowing the solution process to proceed efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8095472B2Business object acting as a logically central source for collaboration on objectives
Publication Date: 2012.01.10 SAP SE
  • US8095472B2 patent drawing
  • US8095472B2 patent drawing
  • US8095472B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This disclosure provides various embodiments of a system, method, and software for implementing a logically centralized source for collaboration on objectives. In one aspect, the method identifies one or more requirements and requirement statuses associated with a business entity for use in a business object stored within a logically centralized repository, the repository storing a plurality of business objects, identifies one or more solutions and solution statuses associated with the identified requirements for use in the business object, and notifies a party of an update to one of the statuses associated with the identified requirements and solutions.