Distributed Order Orchestration Using Delta Attributes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current order management systems face challenges in efficiently and automatically adjusting long-running orders due to the lack of a well-defined transaction boundary, leading to difficulties in modifying ongoing fulfillment processes and the inability to selectively change order parts without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A distributed order orchestration system that determines delta attributes between original and new order objects, allowing for automatic comparison and storage of changes, enabling flexible and efficient modification of orders by creating a new order object that references the original, and using compensation patterns to manage changes in fulfillment processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional transaction processing concepts (ACID) are used in distributed order orchestration systems, then transaction consistency can be ensured, but the system cannot handle long-running orders that interact with multiple external systems across different time and space boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the order fulfillment process into discrete, manageable units by introducing the concept of 'fulfillment steps' that can be individually tracked and modified. Each step represents a specific interaction with an external system, allowing the system to handle long-running orders by breaking them into controllable segments rather than treating them as monolithic transactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the order orchestration system) that mediates between the order management system and external fulfillment systems. This intermediary maintains a record of fulfillment steps and enables modification of these steps even after external systems have been invoked, effectively decoupling the transaction boundaries while maintaining consistency through the intermediary's coordination.
2Ease of operation
If manual intervention is required to modify ongoing fulfillment processes, then changes can be made to order modifications, but significant manual work is required and delays occur while administrators respond to change requests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service modification of fulfillment processes by allowing the system to automatically adjust fulfillment steps in response to order changes. The orchestration system can autonomously determine which fulfillment steps need modification and update them without requiring manual administrator intervention, thereby reducing both the effort required and the time delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the state of fulfillment steps and automatically responds to changes in order attributes. When an order is modified, the system receives feedback about the change and automatically adjusts the corresponding fulfillment steps, creating a closed-loop system that eliminates manual response time.
3Reliability
If the entire order must be reprocessed to reflect modifications, then consistency is maintained, but processing efficiency decreases and unnecessary work is performed on unchanged parts of the order
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing modifications to be applied selectively to specific fulfillment steps rather than requiring reprocessing of the entire order. Each fulfillment step can be independently identified and updated based on the specific changes made to the order, ensuring consistency is maintained for modified portions while leaving unchanged portions intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes to track and propagate order modifications. By monitoring changes in order attributes and mapping them to corresponding fulfillment step parameters, the system can automatically update only the necessary steps with the modified parameters, maintaining consistency without requiring full reprocessing of the order.
4Extent of automation
If delta attributes are tracked and stored for order modifications, then selective adjustment of order portions can be achieved, but system complexity increases to manage the comparison and storage mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a representation of the original order state and comparing it with the modified state to identify delta attributes. This copying approach allows the system to track changes without fundamentally altering the core order management structure, enabling automatic adjustment while keeping the added complexity manageable through the use of comparative snapshots.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-readable medium, computer-implemented method, and system are provided. In one embodiment, one or more attributes as delta attributes are defined, and a new order object is determined which references an original order object. The original order object referenced by the new order object is determined and the new order object is compared with the original order object to determine one or more delta attributes. The one or more delta attributes are then stored.