Email Client ERP Task Integration via Intermediary Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing arrangement for users to complete tasks in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is inefficient and poses a security risk, as users often need to log in solely to indicate task completion, which can be time-consuming and requires frequent access to the software.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows users to manage and complete ERP tasks externally through an email client, integrating tasks into the email client's task list and synchronizing changes with the ERP software, reducing the need for frequent login and enhancing security by allowing task completion via a frequently used interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users log in to ERP software to indicate task completion, then task completion can be recorded, but user efficiency decreases and security risk increases due to frequent logins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an email client as an intermediary between users and the ERP software. Users interact with tasks through their email client, which automatically communicates with the ERP system to record completions. This eliminates the need for users to directly login to ERP software while ensuring task completion is properly recorded in the central system.
2Reliability
If users log in to ERP software to indicate task completion, then task completion can be recorded, but security risk increases due to larger number of users accessing the system
Solution Approach 1:
The email client serves as a secure intermediary that users already have access to. Instead of requiring users to login to the ERP system, the email client handles authentication and communication with the ERP server, reducing the attack surface and limiting direct access to the sensitive ERP system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a local copy of task information within the user's email client. Users can view and update their tasks locally without accessing the central ERP system. The email client then synchronizes these changes with the ERP server, ensuring data consistency while minimizing direct connections to the core system.
3Reliability
If users log in to ERP software to indicate task completion, then task status can be updated, but time consumption increases due to frequent access requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The email client is configured to automatically update task status in the ERP system when users mark tasks as complete in their email. This self-service mechanism eliminates the manual step of logging into the ERP system to update task status, saving users time while ensuring the central system remains accurately updated.
Solution Approach 2:
The email client maintains a continuous connection to the ERP system, automatically synchronizing task information. When a user completes a task in their email, the update is immediately transmitted to the ERP server, ensuring continuous and real-time status updates without requiring separate login actions.
4Productivity
If ERP tasks are managed externally through email client, then user efficiency increases, but system complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing email client application that users already have installed and are familiar with. By adding ERP task management functionality to this universal tool, the system avoids requiring users to learn or switch to a new application, thereby reducing operational complexity despite the integration backend.
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements for handling enterprise resource planning (ERP) tasks external from ERP software are presented. An email client, executed on a user computer system, may retrieve ERP tasks that are assigned to a user from an ERP computer system. The email client executed on the user computer system may integrate the ERP tasks retrieved from the ERP computer system into an email client task list such that the email client task list displays the ERP tasks assigned to the user. The email client executed on the user computer system may display the email client task list that comprises the ERP tasks retrieved from the ERP computer system.