Dealer Connectivity Data Extraction System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for product distribution networks face challenges in interfacing with various business systems, translating data, and transmitting it to upstream entities without modifying or enhancing the business system software, leading to complex configurations and high support requirements.
Innovation Solution
A direct access system that periodically queries dealer business system databases, translates data into a standard format, and transmits it to manufacturers or upstream entities, eliminating the need for specific programming and reducing support burdens by using a single generic software module across different business systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If API or EAI is used to transfer data between business system database and external software, then data compatibility between different business systems is improved, but system complexity and configuration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data extraction program as an intermediary component that sits between the business system database and external software. This program extracts data directly from the database using standardized database access methods, converting proprietary business system data formats into universal data formats without requiring complex API or EAI configurations. The intermediary handles format conversion centrally, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts data directly from the business system database using standardized database access protocols, separating the data extraction function from the business system software itself. This extraction approach removes the need for complex integration layers by directly accessing the database layer where data resides in standardized formats, bypassing proprietary business logic layers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Interface tool is used to translate data between business system database and external trading partner, then data translation capability is improved, but customization and integration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal data extraction program that can interface with multiple different business systems through standardized database access methods. This single program design serves multiple functions across different dealers' systems without requiring custom development for each specific business system, achieving multi-functionality and broad applicability.
Solution Approach 2:
The data extraction program acts as a universal intermediary that standardizes data access across different business systems. By using standardized database protocols as the interface, it mediates between diverse proprietary systems and external software uniformly, eliminating the need for system-specific customization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If B2B Integration Services are used to provide connectivity and data transfer, then data format translation is improved, but communication layer complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts data directly from the database layer using standardized access protocols, removing the need for complex B2B integration service layers. By accessing data at the database level where it exists in standardized formats, the system eliminates intermediate translation layers and communication protocols that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex integration services to translate and transform data through multiple layers, the patent inverts the approach by directly accessing the standardized database layer and extracting data in its native standardized format. This reverses the traditional integration architecture, eliminating the need for upward translation through multiple communication layers.
4Measurement precision
If specific programming is required for API hooks into dealer business system software, then data access accuracy is improved, but programming and support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data extraction program is designed to automatically extract data using standardized database access methods without requiring dealers to perform specific programming. The program self-configures and executes data extraction autonomously, eliminating the need for dealers to write or maintain custom code while ensuring accurate data access through standardized protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptable application is installed throughout a distribution network for directly accessing a variety of different databases utilized by different business systems. The direct access application periodically queries the database with which it is associated. In response to the query, sales and inventory data is read from the dealer business computer system by a data access services module. The information retrieved from the query is placed in a transmission queue. A data mapping module transforms the data into the manufacturer's standard transaction format, and presents the transformed data to a communications module. The information is then transmitted to the manufacturer or other upstream distribution channel entity. The information forwarded from each of the dealers is accumulated at the manufacturer's location. Various reports can be run which are useful to the efficient running of the distribution channel.