Configuration Packages for Dynamic Software Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software configuration methods require time-consuming and costly re-writing of logic code for customization, leading to inflexible and static software solutions that are difficult to maintain and adapt to various applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of configuration packages that allow for dynamic infusion of user-generated inputs and configurations into decision flow templates, enabling users to modify and customize software solutions without altering underlying code, and providing a framework for generating configured software solutions that can be reused across different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If logic code is re-written for customization, then software can be tailored for specific applications, but development time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The software is segmented into configurable components and templates that can be independently selected and combined. Configuration packages contain discrete decision flow templates, artifacts, and parameters that can be assembled without rewriting entire codebases, enabling rapid customization.
Solution Approach 2:
Decision flow templates, artifacts, and configuration parameters are prepared in advance as reusable components. These pre-configured elements are stored in configuration packages that can be directly applied to specific applications, eliminating the need for time-consuming code rewriting during customization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If logic code is re-written for customization, then software can be tailored for specific applications, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Customization is achieved through segmented configuration packages rather than monolithic code changes. Each package contains specific decision flow templates and artifacts that can be modified independently, making maintenance easier by isolating changes to specific components rather than the entire codebase.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized decision flow templates and artifacts are copied and reused across different applications through configuration packages. Instead of rewriting code for each customization, the same proven templates are instantiated with different parameters, ensuring consistency and reducing maintenance burden.
3Device complexity
If configuration packages are made static, then software structure is simplified, but flexibility for user modification is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration packages are designed to be dynamic rather than static. The system allows runtime addition, removal, and modification of decision flow templates and artifacts within configuration packages. Users can dynamically adjust configurations without restructuring the entire software architecture, maintaining both simplicity and flexibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If configuration packages include comprehensive features, then software functionality is enhanced, but package size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Comprehensive functionality is achieved through segmentation into modular configuration packages. Each package contains specific decision flow templates, artifacts, and parameters that can be selected based on application needs. This modular approach provides extensive functionality while keeping individual packages manageable in size and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration packages are designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions across different applications. Decision flow templates and artifacts are created to be broadly applicable, reducing the need for application-specific customizations and thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, machines, methods and products for generating a configured software solution using one or more configuration packages. A decision service may be configured to generate decision data based on a configuration package comprising user-generated input, a collection of configurations, and a decision flow template. The user-generated input may be used for selecting an artifact from an artifact library in a configuration database. The collection of configurations may be infused, dynamically, into the decision flow template. The decision flow template may be exposed for user modification. The decision flow template may be integrated into the configuration package in association with at least one configurable decision element and a user configuration selected from the collection of configurations for specifying one or more parameters in the artifact. The artifact and the user configuration may be combined with the decision flow template to generate the configured software solution.