Database Universe Conversion Engine for SAP Data Migration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Converting data objects from a multi-source database environment to a single-source database environment is a labor-intensive process, which can hinder performance and increase processing resource consumption, particularly in scenarios like mergers and acquisitions where data from different platforms needs to be combined rapidly and automatically.

Innovation Solution

An engine analyzes a multi-source database universe using a configuration file to identify conversion details, registers a new single-source connection, and re-generates the universe through a universe conversion algorithm, automatic function mapping, and query generation algorithm, avoiding manual recreation and utilizing a Software Design Kit (SDK) for migration, especially in environments like SAP AG's Information Design Tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If data objects are stored and accessed from a multi-source database environment, then data integration from diverse platforms is achieved, but performance decreases and processing resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integration capabilityVSAvoiddata access performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a conversion engine as an intermediary component that mediates between multi-source database environments and single-source database systems. This engine automatically converts data objects from multiple database platforms into a unified single-source format, enabling the system to maintain the adaptability benefits of multi-source integration while achieving the performance benefits of single-source access. The converter acts as a bridge that translates diverse data formats into a standardized representation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual conversion process is used to transform multi-source universe to single-source universe, then data compatibility is achieved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata compatibilityVSAvoidconversion time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion engine operates autonomously without requiring manual intervention for each data object conversion. The system automatically analyzes the multi-source database structure, identifies conversion requirements, and executes the transformation process independently. The engine self-configures based on the source database characteristics and self-adapts to generate appropriate conversion logic, eliminating the need for manual recreation of single-source universes and significantly reducing conversion time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the multi-source database environment before execution of the conversion process. By pre-identifying data objects, relationships, and conversion requirements, the system prepares the conversion strategy in advance, enabling rapid automated transformation without manual intervention during the actual conversion phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multi-source database environment is maintained, then data from different platforms remains accessible, but processing resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform diversity supportVSAvoidprocessing resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the conversion logic and transformation rules from the manual process and embeds them into an automated conversion engine. By taking out the repetitive manual conversion tasks and replacing them with automated algorithms, the system maintains support for multiple database platforms while significantly reducing processing resource consumption. The engine efficiently handles the translation of data objects from diverse platforms into a unified single-source format.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9971794B2Converting data objects from multi- to single-source database environment

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 SAP SE

AI summary

Embodiments relate to converting data object(s) from a multi-source database environment into a single-source database environment. Such a conversion may be desirable to increase performance and/or reduce consumption of processing resources. An engine is configured to receive a multi-source database universe from a repository. The engine analyzes that universe to identify details thereof for conversion, e.g., connections, tables, views, alias tables, etc. A new single-source connection is registered, and then the single-source universe is re-generated through a universe conversion algorithm, an automatic function mapping algorithm, and a query generation algorithm. Embodiments avoid labor intensive manual re-creation of the universe, and may be implemented as an automatic conversion wizard also updating dependent report queries per new single-source query patterns. Particular embodiments converting from multi-source database environment available from SAP AG, may utilize a Software Design Kit (SDK) to create a migration plug-in as part of an Information Design Tool (IDT).