Configurable Data Structure for Distributed Asset Information Collation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collating information about distributed assets, such as those managed by public utilities, require extensive rebuilding and redeployment of dedicated applications to accommodate changing data recording requirements, leading to significant capital and operational burdens.
Innovation Solution
A data processing arrangement featuring portable computing apparatus and remote computing apparatus with a configurable data structure that determines what asset information is input without changing the application, allowing for easy adaptation to different information recording needs by modifying the data structure remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dedicated application is used for information entry on portable computing apparatus, then information collation is automated and productivity is improved, but extensive rebuilding and redeployment is required when data recording requirements change, increasing operational burden and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the application code from the data structure configuration. The application is divided into fixed functional components and a configurable data structure component. This segmentation allows the data structure to be modified independently without requiring application rebuilding, resolving the contradiction between maintaining a dedicated application and adapting to changing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The data structure is made dynamic and configurable through a configuration file that can be updated remotely. This allows the application to adapt to changing data recording requirements by loading different configuration parameters without requiring reinstallation or rebuilding of the application itself, thus improving adaptability while maintaining productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dedicated application is rebuilt to accommodate different installed assets and changing requirements, then adaptability to different assets is improved, but capital and operational expenditure increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rebuilding the application for different assets, the system uses configuration files that copy and adapt the same application template to different installed assets. The configuration file contains asset-specific parameters that allow the single application to serve multiple assets with different requirements, eliminating the need for multiple application versions and reducing maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The application is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple types of installed assets through a standardized interface and configurable data structure. This multi-functionality allows the same application to adapt to different assets and changing requirements without requiring separate applications or extensive customization, thereby reducing capital and operational expenditure.
3Reliability
If personnel are retrained to use rebuilt dedicated applications, then proper use of the application is ensured, but operational burden and time loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration through configuration files that are prepared in advance and can be updated remotely. This preliminary action ensures that the application is already adapted to the correct data requirements before field personnel use it, eliminating the need for retraining when requirements change and maintaining reliability without time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a data processing arrangement 10 for collating information relating to distributed inanimate assets 14. The data processing arrangement 10 comprises a portable computing apparatus 16 operable by a user and a remote computing apparatus 12. The data processing arrangement 10 also comprises an application in the portable computing apparatus. The application is operative to control input by the user to the portable computing apparatus 16 of asset information for each of the distributed inanimate assets 14 and to convey the asset information input by the user to the remote computing apparatus 12. The data processing arrangement 10 further comprises a configurable data structure which is operative to determine what asset information is input by the user by way of the application and without the application being changed. The remote computing apparatus 12 is operative to change the configurable data structure from one use of the application to another to thereby change what asset information is input by the application in respect of at least one of the distributed inanimate assets 14.