Dynamic ETL System for Heterogeneous Data Consolidation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face difficulties in collecting, consolidating, and processing data from various remote sources due to lack of IT skills, infrastructure, and budget, making it challenging to operate enterprise-level Business Intelligence (BI) systems for data analysis and reporting.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic and adaptive Extract Transform and Load (ETL) data replication system that automatically collects and processes data from heterogeneous sources, including financial and Point of Sale systems, across multiple remote locations, providing a platform-agnostic solution for centralized data consolidation and visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If SMBs implement enterprise-level BI systems for data analysis, then data analysis capability is improved, but system complexity and IT infrastructure requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata analysis capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cloud-based ETL service as an intermediary between SMBs and enterprise-level BI systems. This service handles the complex data extraction, transformation, and loading operations remotely, allowing SMBs to access powerful analytics capabilities without managing the underlying system complexity themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables SMBs to self-serve by providing intuitive interfaces where they can define their data needs without technical expertise. The automated ETL process handles the complex technical operations in the background, allowing users to focus solely on analysis while the system manages infrastructure complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Quantity of substance

If SMBs collect data from heterogeneous remote sources, then data completeness is improved, but data processing difficulty worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata completenessVSAvoiddata processing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal ETL service that can handle multiple data sources and formats through a single platform. The system uses standardized protocols and abstracted interfaces to connect with various remote systems, automatically adapting to different data structures without requiring custom processing for each source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts extraction and transformation parameters based on the specific data source being accessed. By configuring connection parameters, data types, and mapping rules, the ETL service adapts its behavior to match the requirements of heterogeneous sources while maintaining a consistent processing approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If SMBs automate data collection processes, then operational efficiency is improved, but initial implementation cost worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidimplementation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cloud-based ETL service acts as a mediator that handles automated data collection operations remotely. This eliminates the need for SMBs to invest in expensive on-premise infrastructure while still achieving automation benefits through standardized cloud services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring SMBs to build and maintain their own automated systems, the patent uses a replicated service model where the same proven ETL infrastructure is instantiated in the cloud. This allows multiple SMBs to access the same automated capabilities without each bearing the full implementation cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Manufacturing precision

If SMBs use standardized data formats, then data consistency is improved, but flexibility in data collection worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata consistencyVSAvoidflexibility in data collection
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data collection process into standardized interface layers and flexible data handling layers. The ETL service uses standardized protocols for communication and consistent formats for internal processing, while maintaining flexible adapters that can accommodate various source formats and collection requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ETL service serves as an intermediary that translates between diverse data formats and a standardized internal representation. It receives data in various formats from different sources, transforms them into consistent standardized structures, and delivers unified data outputs, thus maintaining both flexibility and consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9740757B1Systems and methods for collection and consolidation of heterogeneous remote business data using dynamic data handling
Publication Date: 2017.08.22 CIRCULAR SOFTWARE INC
  • US9740757B1 patent drawing
  • US9740757B1 patent drawing
  • US9740757B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, system and computer program product for controlling collection of data from heterogeneous data sources is disclosed. Data is extracted in a data source independent manner using at least two types of control messages to hide implementation details for the heterogeneous data sources. The method receives from the heterogeneous data sources, a request for a first control message type, which defines data to be extracted from the heterogeneous data sources. Responsive to receiving the request, the method sends a first control messages type to the heterogeneous data sources. The method receives from the heterogeneous data sources, a second control message type that includes data extracted from the heterogeneous data sources that was defined in the first control message type. The method also stores, in a data store, the received data identified in the first control message type and that was extracted from the heterogeneous data sources.